Events & Activities

HeARTwords is a creative writing workshop facilitated by Joe Jackson and Paul Fields. HeARTwords is a safe space to express your emotions, thoughts, stories, etc. in a variety of formats. Be the ART. A playground for the mind, a sanctuary for the heart.

Enrollment is limited to 25 people.

Join us to bowl two games at Classic Bowl in Morton Grove. Attendees must bring $7.50 in cash for shoes and/or lane fees. Please call Jeff at (224) 545-3925 if you need support getting to and from the bowling alley.

Enrollment is limited to 14 people.

Please note that Classic Bowl has increased the price of shoes/lane fees to $7.50.

Center for Independent Futures community members and their family members are welcome to come every week or “drop in” as their schedules allow. The class is intended to include students with a wide range of abilities.

Please note: We are happy to be partnering with Evanston Athletic Club to promote this yoga class. Center for Independent Futures staff may not be present at the classes.

Please Note:  We are happy to be collaborating with Evanston Public Library to offer our Book Club. Library staff are now facilitating the Book Club. Center for Independent Futures staff may not be present at the Book Club gatherings. Volunteers will read aloud to the group. The group will discuss what has been read each week. If you are interested in learning more about this event, please call Jeff at (224) 545-3925.

Enrollment is limited to 15 people.

We will meet at the office and walk based on the weather. If the weather is mild, we will walk for about an hour. If the weather is cold, we will walk to a coffee shop.

Please share your skills with us! Everyone who would like to is welcome to perform for the rest of us. Singing and instrument playing, comedy, drama, poetry, and talking about a topic of interest are some of the ways that people may perform. We will also enjoy a BBQ and potluck! Please bring a side dish to share with the group. For more information, please call Jeff Morthorst at (224) 545-3925.

Enrollment is limited to 15 people.

Note: We have a new location for this activity at Hub 930, 930 Chicago Ave, Evanston, IL 60202. Please enter through the gate on the side of the building.

We will meet at the Center for Independent Futures office. From there we will ride the bike path on Church St. to the bike path on Evanston’s Lakefront. We will end by riding the Davis St. bike path back to the office.

Enrollment is limited to 12 people.

Join us in watching and discussing Japanese animated productions called Anime. Facilitator and Anime enthusiast Sheila Serota supports the group in choosing which series will be viewed.

Enrollment is limited to 15 people.

We will attend the Thursday Night Live concert series show and block party! The block party will cover Fountain Square and sections of Davis St. and Orrington Ave. We will dance to classic rock song covers by Chicken Bones. We will meet at the Independent Futures office and walk to the block party as a group.

Enrollment is limited to 12 people.

Chill and chat with Center for Independent Futures community and staff members.

Enrollment is limited to 30 people.

Gather with other Center for Independent Futures participants to watch a new movie each month! Facilitator Jeff Morthorst supports activities members to vote on the next month’s film. We are open to viewing a wide range of genres.

Enrollment is limited to 20 people.

We will meet at the Davis Street Metra station at 5:50 pm. We will take the train to Ravinia and plan to arrive at 6:25. The concert starts at 8:30 pm. After the concert, we will take the train back to the Davis Street station. Please dress for the weather. Bring at least $11.00 for the train fare, as well as any additional money that you will need for food, beverages, etc.

Enrollment is limited to 8 people.

Center for Independent Futures community members and their family members are welcome to come every week or “drop in” as their schedules allow. The class is intended to include students with a wide range of abilities.

Please note: We are happy to be partnering with Evanston Athletic Club to promote this yoga class. Center for Independent Futures staff may not be present at the classes.

Please Note:  We are happy to be collaborating with Evanston Public Library to offer our Book Club. Library staff are now facilitating the Book Club. Center for Independent Futures staff may not be present at the Book Club gatherings. Volunteers will read aloud to the group. The group will discuss what has been read each week. If you are interested in learning more about this event, please call Jeff at (224) 545-3925.

Enrollment is limited to 15 people.

We will meet at the office and walk based on the weather. If the weather is mild, we will walk for about an hour. If the weather is cold, we will walk to a coffee shop.

The locations for our gatherings will be announced as we have more information. It will be sent out to all registered participants prior to the event date. Please bring at least $20 to pay for your meal and beverages.

We will meet at the Center for Independent Futures office. From there we will ride the bike path on Church St. to the bike path on Evanston’s Lakefront. We will end by riding the Davis St. bike path back to the office.

Enrollment is limited to 12 people.

Center for Independent Futures community members and their family members are welcome to come every week or “drop in” as their schedules allow. The class is intended to include students with a wide range of abilities.

Please note: We are happy to be partnering with Evanston Athletic Club to promote this yoga class. Center for Independent Futures staff may not be present at the classes.

Please Note:  We are happy to be collaborating with Evanston Public Library to offer our Book Club. Library staff are now facilitating the Book Club. Center for Independent Futures staff may not be present at the Book Club gatherings. Volunteers will read aloud to the group. The group will discuss what has been read each week. If you are interested in learning more about this event, please call Jeff at (224) 545-3925.

Enrollment is limited to 15 people.

We will meet at the office and walk based on the weather. If the weather is mild, we will walk for about an hour. If the weather is cold, we will walk to a coffee shop.

We will meet at the Center for Independent Futures office. From there we will ride the bike path on Church St. to the bike path on Evanston’s Lakefront. We will end by riding the Davis St. bike path back to the office.

Enrollment is limited to 12 people.

Support Team CIF runners who are raising funds for Independent Futures’ programming by joining us at Panera Thursday, August 8th.

From 4:00-8:00, arrive at the Sherman Avenue Panera (behind the Davis ‘L’ stop) to purchase dinner. 25% of your purchase will benefit our Chicago Marathon team!

Print out this flyer (image to the right) or show the cashier this electronic version to guarantee that your purchase is counted toward this fundraiser.

Want to order online? Enter the promo code ‘PRFUND’ to make sure your purchase contributes.

Chill and chat with Center for Independent Futures community and staff members.

Enrollment is limited to 30 people.

The Halim Time and Glass Museum contains 1100 historical clocks and watches as well as 70 or more pieces of stained glass art. We will take a guided tour of this awesome collection! We will meet at the entrance to the museum. If you have questions, please call Jeff Morthorst at (224) 545-3925.

Enrollment is limited to 10 people per event. Due to high demand, sign up is limited to one Halim Time and Glass Museum event per person.

HeARTwords is a creative writing workshop facilitated by Joe Jackson and Paul Fields. HeARTwords is a safe space to express your emotions, thoughts, stories, etc. in a variety of formats. Be the ART. A playground for the mind, a sanctuary for the heart.

Enrollment is limited to 25 people.

Center for Independent Futures community members and their family members are welcome to come every week or “drop in” as their schedules allow. The class is intended to include students with a wide range of abilities.

Please note: We are happy to be partnering with Evanston Athletic Club to promote this yoga class. Center for Independent Futures staff may not be present at the classes.

Please Note:  We are happy to be collaborating with Evanston Public Library to offer our Book Club. Library staff are now facilitating the Book Club. Center for Independent Futures staff may not be present at the Book Club gatherings. Volunteers will read aloud to the group. The group will discuss what has been read each week. If you are interested in learning more about this event, please call Jeff at (224) 545-3925.

Enrollment is limited to 15 people.

We will meet at the office and walk based on the weather. If the weather is mild, we will walk for about an hour. If the weather is cold, we will walk to a coffee shop.

We will meet at the Center for Independent Futures office. From there we will ride the bike path on Church St. to the bike path on Evanston’s Lakefront. We will end by riding the Davis St. bike path back to the office.

Enrollment is limited to 12 people.

Please bring a snack to share with the group. We will decide what we want to do during the summer quarter at our last spring quarter meeting in June.

Enrollment is limited to 10 people. Please enter through the gate on the side of the building.

Gather with other Center for Independent Futures participants to watch a new movie each month! Facilitator Jeff Morthorst supports activities members to vote on the next month’s film. We are open to viewing a wide range of genres.

Enrollment is limited to 20 people.

Join us to bowl two games at Classic Bowl in Morton Grove. Attendees must bring $7.50 in cash for shoes and/or lane fees. Please call Jeff at (224) 545-3925 if you need support getting to and from the bowling alley.

Enrollment is limited to 14 people.

Please note that Classic Bowl has increased the price of shoes/lane fees to $7.50.

Center for Independent Futures community members and their family members are welcome to come every week or “drop in” as their schedules allow. The class is intended to include students with a wide range of abilities.

Please note: We are happy to be partnering with Evanston Athletic Club to promote this yoga class. Center for Independent Futures staff may not be present at the classes.

Please Note:  We are happy to be collaborating with Evanston Public Library to offer our Book Club. Library staff are now facilitating the Book Club. Center for Independent Futures staff may not be present at the Book Club gatherings. Volunteers will read aloud to the group. The group will discuss what has been read each week. If you are interested in learning more about this event, please call Jeff at (224) 545-3925.

Enrollment is limited to 15 people.

We will meet at the office and walk based on the weather. If the weather is mild, we will walk for about an hour. If the weather is cold, we will walk to a coffee shop.

Gather with facilitator Joe Jackson to work on projects to benefit individuals in our community and around the world. Joe will communicate the details of each activity to those who have registered for Volunteer Club.

Enrollment is limited to 20 people.

The locations for our gatherings will be announced as we have more information. It will be sent out to all registered participants prior to the event date. Please bring at least $20 to pay for your meal and beverages.

We will meet at the Center for Independent Futures office. From there we will ride the bike path on Church St. to the bike path on Evanston’s Lakefront. We will end by riding the Davis St. bike path back to the office.

Enrollment is limited to 12 people.

The Center for Independent Futures Advocacy Club’s mission is to speak up and speak out for ourselves and others, learn new skills, and raise awareness about issues affecting the disability community. Join us!

Enrollment is limited to 10 people.

**On Friday, August 23, Advocacy Awareness Club invites participants, family, and staff to join the club meeting from 6:30-8:30 pm for a fun-filled night! The group will perform an interactive presentation about the history of disability rights and lead us through a fun game as we learn new ways to advocate for ourselves. Snacks and soft drinks will be provided.

HeARTwords is a creative writing workshop facilitated by Joe Jackson and Paul Fields. HeARTwords is a safe space to express your emotions, thoughts, stories, etc. in a variety of formats. Be the ART. A playground for the mind, a sanctuary for the heart.

Enrollment is limited to 25 people.

We will meet at Lee Street Beach. You must bring an Evanston beach token or pay $8 in cash at the beach entrance. We will enjoy access to the beach and swimming area together. Please come dressed for the weather including sun and insect protection. On Sunday, August 25, we will celebrate the life of Patrick Fox, one of our participants who was a regular patron of Lee Street Beach.

Enrollment is limited to 8 people.

Location: 1111 Lake Shore Blvd Evanston, IL 60202

Center for Independent Futures community members and their family members are welcome to come every week or “drop in” as their schedules allow. The class is intended to include students with a wide range of abilities.

Please note: We are happy to be partnering with Evanston Athletic Club to promote this yoga class. Center for Independent Futures staff may not be present at the classes.

Please Note:  We are happy to be collaborating with Evanston Public Library to offer our Book Club. Library staff are now facilitating the Book Club. Center for Independent Futures staff may not be present at the Book Club gatherings. Volunteers will read aloud to the group. The group will discuss what has been read each week. If you are interested in learning more about this event, please call Jeff at (224) 545-3925.

Enrollment is limited to 15 people.

We will meet at the office and walk based on the weather. If the weather is mild, we will walk for about an hour. If the weather is cold, we will walk to a coffee shop.

Please share your skills with us! Everyone who would like to is welcome to perform for the rest of us. Singing and instrument playing, comedy, drama, poetry, and talking about a topic of interest are some of the ways that people may perform. We will also enjoy a BBQ and potluck! Please bring a side dish to share with the group. For more information, please call Jeff Morthorst at (224) 545-3925.

Enrollment is limited to 15 people.

Note: We have a new location for this activity at Hub 930, 930 Chicago Ave, Evanston, IL 60202. Please enter through the gate on the side of the building.

We will meet at the Center for Independent Futures office. From there we will ride the bike path on Church St. to the bike path on Evanston’s Lakefront. We will end by riding the Davis St. bike path back to the office.

Enrollment is limited to 12 people.

Join us in watching and discussing Japanese animated productions called Anime. Facilitator and Anime enthusiast Sheila Serota supports the group in choosing which series will be viewed.

Enrollment is limited to 15 people.

Center for Independent Futures community members and their family members are welcome to come every week or “drop in” as their schedules allow. The class is intended to include students with a wide range of abilities.

Please note: We are happy to be partnering with Evanston Athletic Club to promote this yoga class. Center for Independent Futures staff may not be present at the classes.

Please Note:  We are happy to be collaborating with Evanston Public Library to offer our Book Club. Library staff are now facilitating the Book Club. Center for Independent Futures staff may not be present at the Book Club gatherings. Volunteers will read aloud to the group. The group will discuss what has been read each week. If you are interested in learning more about this event, please call Jeff at (224) 545-3925.

Enrollment is limited to 15 people.

We will meet at the office and walk based on the weather. If the weather is mild, we will walk for about an hour. If the weather is cold, we will walk to a coffee shop.

We will meet at the Center for Independent Futures office. From there we will ride the bike path on Church St. to the bike path on Evanston’s Lakefront. We will end by riding the Davis St. bike path back to the office.

Enrollment is limited to 12 people.

HeARTwords is a creative writing workshop facilitated by Joe Jackson and Paul Fields. HeARTwords is a safe space to express your emotions, thoughts, stories, etc. in a variety of formats. Be the ART. A playground for the mind, a sanctuary for the heart.

Enrollment is limited to 25 people.

Center for Independent Futures community members and their family members are welcome to come every week or “drop in” as their schedules allow. The class is intended to include students with a wide range of abilities.

Please note: We are happy to be partnering with Evanston Athletic Club to promote this yoga class. Center for Independent Futures staff may not be present at the classes.

Please Note:  We are happy to be collaborating with Evanston Public Library to offer our Book Club. Library staff are now facilitating the Book Club. Center for Independent Futures staff may not be present at the Book Club gatherings. Volunteers will read aloud to the group. The group will discuss what has been read each week. If you are interested in learning more about this event, please call Jeff at (224) 545-3925.

Enrollment is limited to 15 people.

We will meet at the office and walk based on the weather. If the weather is mild, we will walk for about an hour. If the weather is cold, we will walk to a coffee shop.

The Center for Independent Futures Advocacy Club’s mission is to speak up and speak out for ourselves and others, learn new skills, and raise awareness about issues affecting the disability community. Join us!

Enrollment is limited to 10 people.

**On Friday, August 23, Advocacy Awareness Club invites participants, family, and staff to join the club meeting from 6:30-8:30 pm for a fun-filled night! The group will perform an interactive presentation about the history of disability rights and lead us through a fun game as we learn new ways to advocate for ourselves. Snacks and soft drinks will be provided.

We will meet at the Center for Independent Futures office. From there we will ride the bike path on Church St. to the bike path on Evanston’s Lakefront. We will end by riding the Davis St. bike path back to the office.

Enrollment is limited to 12 people.

Join us in supporting our Chicago Marathon runners by ordering Potbelly today! Check back soon for the flyer to use when ordering. Just show it to the cashier and they will make sure that 25% of your purchase supports Team CIF!

Chill and chat with Center for Independent Futures community and staff members.

Enrollment is limited to 30 people.

Join us to bowl two games at Classic Bowl in Morton Grove. Attendees must bring $7.50 in cash for shoes and/or lane fees. Please call Jeff at (224) 545-3925 if you need support getting to and from the bowling alley.

Enrollment is limited to 14 people.

Please note that Classic Bowl has increased the price of shoes/lane fees to $7.50.

Center for Independent Futures community members and their family members are welcome to come every week or “drop in” as their schedules allow. The class is intended to include students with a wide range of abilities.

Please note: We are happy to be partnering with Evanston Athletic Club to promote this yoga class. Center for Independent Futures staff may not be present at the classes.

Please Note:  We are happy to be collaborating with Evanston Public Library to offer our Book Club. Library staff are now facilitating the Book Club. Center for Independent Futures staff may not be present at the Book Club gatherings. Volunteers will read aloud to the group. The group will discuss what has been read each week. If you are interested in learning more about this event, please call Jeff at (224) 545-3925.

Enrollment is limited to 15 people.

We will meet at the office and walk based on the weather. If the weather is mild, we will walk for about an hour. If the weather is cold, we will walk to a coffee shop.

Please share your skills with us! Everyone who would like to is welcome to perform for the rest of us. Singing and instrument playing, comedy, drama, poetry, and talking about a topic of interest are some of the ways that people may perform. We will also enjoy a BBQ and potluck! Please bring a side dish to share with the group. For more information, please call Jeff Morthorst at (224) 545-3925.

Enrollment is limited to 15 people.

Note: We have a new location for this activity at Hub 930, 930 Chicago Ave, Evanston, IL 60202. Please enter through the gate on the side of the building.

Gather with facilitator Joe Jackson to work on projects to benefit individuals in our community and around the world. Joe will communicate the details of each activity to those who have registered for Volunteer Club.

Enrollment is limited to 20 people.

We will meet at the Center for Independent Futures office. From there we will ride the bike path on Church St. to the bike path on Evanston’s Lakefront. We will end by riding the Davis St. bike path back to the office.

Enrollment is limited to 12 people.

Please bring a snack to share with the group. We will decide what we want to do during the summer quarter at our last spring quarter meeting in June.

Enrollment is limited to 10 people. Please enter through the gate on the side of the building.

HeARTwords is a creative writing workshop facilitated by Joe Jackson and Paul Fields. HeARTwords is a safe space to express your emotions, thoughts, stories, etc. in a variety of formats. Be the ART. A playground for the mind, a sanctuary for the heart.

Enrollment is limited to 25 people.

Center for Independent Futures community members and their family members are welcome to come every week or “drop in” as their schedules allow. The class is intended to include students with a wide range of abilities.

Please note: We are happy to be partnering with Evanston Athletic Club to promote this yoga class. Center for Independent Futures staff may not be present at the classes.

Please Note:  We are happy to be collaborating with Evanston Public Library to offer our Book Club. Library staff are now facilitating the Book Club. Center for Independent Futures staff may not be present at the Book Club gatherings. Volunteers will read aloud to the group. The group will discuss what has been read each week. If you are interested in learning more about this event, please call Jeff at (224) 545-3925.

Enrollment is limited to 15 people.

We will meet at the office and walk based on the weather. If the weather is mild, we will walk for about an hour. If the weather is cold, we will walk to a coffee shop.

The locations for our gatherings will be announced as we have more information. It will be sent out to all registered participants prior to the event date. Please bring at least $20 to pay for your meal and beverages.

We will meet at the Center for Independent Futures office. From there we will ride the bike path on Church St. to the bike path on Evanston’s Lakefront. We will end by riding the Davis St. bike path back to the office.

Enrollment is limited to 12 people.

Join us in watching and discussing Japanese animated productions called Anime. Facilitator and Anime enthusiast Sheila Serota supports the group in choosing which series will be viewed.

Enrollment is limited to 15 people.

Gather with other Center for Independent Futures participants to watch a new movie each month! Facilitator Jeff Morthorst supports activities members to vote on the next month’s film. We are open to viewing a wide range of genres.

Enrollment is limited to 20 people.

Please Note:  We are happy to be collaborating with Evanston Public Library to offer our Book Club. Library staff are now facilitating the Book Club. Center for Independent Futures staff may not be present at the Book Club gatherings. Volunteers will read aloud to the group. The group will discuss what has been read each week. If you are interested in learning more about this event, please call Jeff at (224) 545-3925.

Enrollment is limited to 15 people.

Bank of America Chicago Marathon

Every year, dedicated athletes make a monumental commitment to Center for Independent Futures: to run 26.2 miles and raise $1,000 each for our programs and services. As an official member of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon’s Charity Program, we offer guaranteed race entries for runners who pledge to raise funds and awareness for our mission: to give individuals with disabilities and their families the skills and opportunities to realize a full life. Since 2007, Team CIF has raised over $100,000 by running for possibilities.

Meet our 2018 runners and support them at this link!

When you join Team CIF, you’ll become part of a community that values all dreams and will provide you with one-on-one support along your path toward realizing a dream of your own. During your training, you’ll engage with our dedicated staff, meet Center for Independent Futures community members, and see the difference your efforts are making. We’re committed to providing a supportive experience to all of our runners, including the following benefits:

• Individualized fundraising support
• Fundraising incentives, including the opportunity to earn a refund of your marathon registration fee
• Year-round opportunities to engage with the Center for Independent Futures community
• Discounted membership in the Chicago Area Runners Association and discounted registration in their Summer Marathon Training Program, which offers group marathon training at all levels
• Pre-race pasta party with board members, community members, and staff
• Two free tickets to our fall fundraiser, Something’s Cooking
• Race weekend accommodations with a Center for Independent Futures family if needed

To learn more about Team CIF, contact Niki Moe at (847) 328-2044 or nmoe@independentfutures.com.

Not sure you’re ready for a full marathon? You can join Team CIF as part of your participation in any running or athletic event this summer or fall. No matter what your goal is, make your miles mean more by running with Team CIF to support the hopes and dreams of individuals with disabilities.

Team CIF 2018

• Kim Benton
• Carlyn Berghoff
• Ellen Burke
• Kaitlin Dunn
• Alexander Finnegan
• Will Kerns
• Mark Kriston
• Elizabeth Male
• Ashley Mazur
• William Meyers
• Ann Sickon
• Jordan Sickon
• Leslie Sickon
• Marie Sickon-Burke
• Susan Sickon
• Alexandra Swift
• Emmy Swift
• Taryn Westra

Team CIF Hall of Fame: 2007-2017

Sabrina Arguello | Ami Aronson | Soraya Azevedo | Ed Bacher | Michael Baer | Steph Bay | Al Belmonte | Chrissy Bendzinski | Kate Berry | Jacob Biernacki | Jocelyn Bohn | Dan Broughton | Keith Burns | Mark Chomiczewski | Lisa Cipriano | Brian Clarke | Nick Connell | Lucille Conti | Adrienne Cuschieri | Carolyn DeWitt | Patrick Dillon | Sean Doe-Simkins | Mark Dolan | Robert Donnelly | John Durcan | Tara Esparza | Roberta Fahey | Erin Fitzpatrick | Sam Freeman | Geoff Friedrich | Laura Futransky | Adam Ganjani | Kennedy Gates | Fabian Gauna | Mike Gavin | Charlie Goff | Pedro Gomez Gallardo | Tom Guthrie | Jay Handy | Kim Handy | Jacque Heavey | David Heidt | Beth Hellenbrand | Danny Herrera | Fernando Herrera | Dal Hills | Harold Jesser | Justin Kelly | Will Kerns | Mary Kitchin | Elizabeth Klodd | Richard Koenig | Sharon Koenig | Mark Kriston | Rob Kunzler | Lisa Langenfeld | Emily Larsen | Seema Ledan | Jimmy Lee | Christina Lesnikowski | Megan Madigan | Loretta Maestranzi | Elizabeth Male | Genita Male | Jennifer Maple | Zack Matlin | Katy Masarirambi | Clark Matthews | Julie Mayne | Seamus McDermott | Mary Beth McLain | Brigid Miller | Kay Min | Amy Nagle | Miriam Nard | Mai Linh Nguyen | Conor O’Donovan | Elizabeth Odunsi | Wayne Onak | Kristen Pals | Samuel Pera | Kelly Pickering | Nora Quish | Miguel Reyes | Ruth Reyna | Lesley Rivetto | Haresh Sapra | Paul Seger | Erica Sher | Mike Shugrue | Timothy Stevens | Katy Smyser-McAleer | Alexandra Swift | Emmy Swift | Stephanie Taylor | George Terzakis | Alyssa Thiem | Danny Valencia | Erik Walter | Taryn Westra | Ed Woods | Elvira Yambot | Tony Yerkes | Leeann Zahrt

Bring your appetite to Something’s Cooking, an annual fall tradition since 2003. This gathering, which draws more than 400 guests, features favorite local chefs, restaurants, and bakeries, brought together in downtown Evanston.

Each dining destination on the menu presents a signature dish for sampling, giving guests a tasting tour of the North Shore. The celebration comes complete with a full dessert display and bar alongside a culinary-themed silent auction that will tempt every food lover.

All of the funds raised at Something’s Cooking support Center for Independent Futures’ mission of providing individuals with disabilities the opportunities for a full life.

Tickets are not available yet. Check back soon, or like our Facebook page for more news!

NOTE: If you are submitting registration for a Center for Independent Futures participant, please contact the office for appropriate pricing.