Individuals with disabilities often lack opportunities to pursue their interests and engage in the community, leaving them vulnerable to isolation and depression. Center for Independent Futures created a project to support individuals with disabilities to build happier, healthier lives while strengthening the entire community. Now, we’ve developed resources to make it possible to implement this project in any community, free of charge and easily customizable.

COMMUNITY CONNECTORS & BRIDGE BUILDERS PROJECT

The Community Connectors and Bridge Builders Project helps individuals create broader networks and fuller lives. Trained volunteers, or Bridge Builders, introduce individuals with disabilities into community activities that match up with their interests. Together, they attend events, volunteer, and enjoy their hobbies. With the resources we’ve created, you can start this project in your own community, leading to more opportunities and richer lives for all community members.

CHANGE CHAMPIONS PROJECT

Through the Change Champions Project, Center for Independent Futures is partnering with a diverse group of civic, social, religious, advocacy, and business organizations in four diverse Chicagoland communities. The Project seeks to improve organizational inclusion of people with disabilities resulting in stronger organizations, fuller lives for individuals with disabilities, and more welcoming and inclusive communities.  If you are interested in learning more about ways to successfully engage individuals with disabilities as members, employees, volunteers, and consumers contact Kathy Lyons at 847.328.2044 or klyons@independentfutures.com.