Why do runners sign up for the Chicago Marathon with Team CIF?
Because we have hope.
Hope in a future where we can gather.
Hope in a future where everyone’s dreams are valued.
Hope in a future where individuals with disabilities live independently, building the lives they want.
We Have Never Lost Hope
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ainty filled our world in 2020 and has spilled over into 2021. When will we be able to gather together? When will we get vaccines? When will our lives feel normal again?
Planning events and gatherings for 2021 is another challenge that has left us with so many questions. How far out is long enough? Will enough vaccine be available for everyone? Will they hold or cancel the 2021 Chicago Marathon?
At Independent Futures, we continue to be cautious, but we have never lost hope. Our community is strong but tired of isolation. So in 2021, we will host monthly virtual zoom “fun-raisers.” We will gather virtually for Drag Bingo Night, Wine Tasting events, and much more!
Still, almost every day, participants, their family members, and staff ask, “When will we see each other again in real life?”
Who Will Train and Fundraise in 2021?
In this time of uncertainty, who will put in the effort required to train for a 26.2 mile run with the threat of cancellation hanging over them? Who will work to raise at least $1,250 as part of being on a charity team?
Board members, family, staff, and friends have signed up! Thirteen runners have committed to run because they know that the lives of individuals with disabilities can not wait. Eight runners from TeamCIF who registered for the 2020 Chicago Marathon have rolled over their entries to 2021, and five new team members have registered.
Team CIF runners understand the impact our programs have on the lives of our participants. Jim Ducayet is a father of two participants, an Independent Futures Board Member, and a first-time TeamCIF runner. He said, “Running the 2021 Chicago Marathon this year just feels right. There have been so many events we missed in 2020. I’m excited to train and fundraise for something so positive and meaningful. Full lives can’t wait!”
Our Impact in a Virtual World
Our runners know that Independent Futures has responded to these difficult times by moving forward with hope and purpose in the face of so much uncertainty.
- My Full Life™, the most comprehensive system for supporting person-centered learning, has introduced new virtual skill certifications that provide live, teacher-led instruction for participants to work on independent living skills remotely.
- New Futures Initiative™, our signature housing training workshop, is piloting a new virtual format. Virtual learning allows families anywhere in the country to benefit from our extensive experience in developing housing for independent living.
- Independent Futures’ tutors have tirelessly supported local individuals throughout the pandemic to stay safe, manage stress and frustration, and continue to live independent lives.
Join Us in the Chicago Marathon!
There is still time to join TeamCIF! Now isn’t the time to sit and wait. Email Joanie if you are interested in running with us. Many of our TeamCIF members are first-time marathoners, and all team members receive training support and help fundraising.
Not a runner? As the big event gets closer, we will give you opportunities to donate to our runners. Supporters can also join our volunteer club to make cards to encourage the runners as they train. We all hope to join TeamCIF at the Charity Mile to cheer for everyone in October!
Many feel saddened and fearful hearing daily reports of deaths due to COVID-19 and the recent violence and hatred attacking the foundations of our democracy. The news has overwhelmed many people’s hopes for the fresh starts and new beginnings that often accompany the New Year. Instead more worries and concerns are added to our already strained lives. 
As a community, we can have conversations and be open to new ideas. We can choose to be tolerant of different views, and choose to be brave and open. We can chart new courses with new perspectives. We can continue to create opportunities for individuals with disabilities to live full lives in their communities.
When the pandemic began, we quickly moved our activities into virtual spaces. Since then, these virtual activities have been a bright spot for individuals who are used to exploring their community. Being required to stay inside has meant there is an increased need for the supports that Independent Futures offers to adults with disabilities. 
Our My Full Life™ team is working on ways to get skill development support to more individuals than ever before. Even before the pandemic began, many agencies had waiting lists for supports that would last months. With the changes we are making to My Full Life, Independent Futures hopes to help reduce those waiting times. Keep watching for more news soon, but your support is key to making opportunities accessible for adults with disabilities nationwide. 
Independent Futures’ Direct Support team never stopped providing supports to our community. By creatively problem-solving with participants, life skills tutors have used Zoom, social distancing, and mask guidelines to keep our community safe while continuing to provide support. The need for support couldn’t be paused, and the need will continue in 2021. 
With virtual events and online activities, sustaining our community has taken a village. By working together, our staff was able to provide supports and fun through even the hardest moments of 2020.
And to make the evening even better, we met our fundraising goal thanks to all of your support! Not only did we reach our goal, but we were also able to fulfill the match offered by generous donors. Now we are ready to take on 2021 and everything the new year will bring. 
Thanksgiving week is packed with great opportunities to treat yourself these days. Starting with great meals and lots of family time, Thanksgiving kicks off a week of fun. Next, many of us enjoy Black Friday for the deals, and local shoppers celebrate Small Business Saturday. On Monday, we search the web for more deals, and then we can finally turn our attention to community on #GivingTuesday.
When our office was closed, Independent Futures in-person activities were placed on hold. Our activities director quickly learned how to move activities into virtual spaces, and we have been able to have a full calendar of virtual activities that participants say ease the loneliness of staying home.
So far, each of you has helped Independent Futures transform a difficult year into an inspiring story of communities coming together to support each other. That is exactly who Independent Futures is: united, creative, and resilient. 
On Tuesday, December 1st, we are participating in #GivingTuesday. 
This blog was written by our community partner Michael Walther of 
2. They have fiduciary advisors assisting them. Fiduciary advisors are required by law to put their clients’ interests ahead of their own. Insurance agents, stock brokers and others who may call themselves financial advisors, but who will not put their status as a fiduciary advisor in writing, should be approached with caution. These non-fiduciaries get compensated for selling products like insurance policies and annuities and have conflicts of interest that will likely harm your planning.
5. They communicate their future planning. There are two benefits to letting other family members know what planning is in place and what is contemplated for the future. This allows people to learn that they have been named to serve in some capacity in the future. This allows them to ask questions and understand what is expected and also to decline to serve if they do not believe they will be able to meet the expectations of the family.
While SPARK usually entails dancing, dinner, auctions, and games, our program will be shorter this year. The program will also be driven by individuals in our community who want to share their talents. 
After we end our virtual SPARK program, Independent Futures is thrilled to announce that we will be hosting an after party! 
If you are able, the best way to help Independent Futures right now is by donating to SPARK. No gift is too small – or too great. You can 
“I’m in my bed right now – actually I’m not in my bed, but there’s no reason I couldn’t be!” – Alexis Bevels, kicking off the evening
Independent Futures was able to attain several gift cards as prizes for winners. These included cards for Five & Dime, Unabridged Bookstore, Wheel & Sprocket, and more. One extremely lucky family even won 3 times! 
For local Chicagoland folks, WBEZ wants to know what you care about. They’re asking listeners to share, “What do you want your Illinois elected officials to be talking about this election season?”
Other places to look for support in advocating for your needs include state chapters of national organizations like the 
At the core of every successful political campaign is a corps of staffers. This is basically a well-oiled machine made up of both volunteers and paid individuals that, simply put, gets things done. Your 
As a political candidate, you undoubtedly have a lot riding on your shoulders. In fact, you are essentially seeking to represent people who, like you, are constantly facing challenges because of complex policies surrounding disabilities. Running for office is a huge responsibility, which is why you also want to make sure that you are the best possible candidate for the job.
