Events & Activities

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.

Join us for a town hall discussion covering the most challenging issues facing families with loved ones with disabilities:

This town hall highlights housing for individuals with disabilities, covering topics like:

• Challenges and realities
• Outcomes and quality of life
• Options and creative approaches
• A real family’s success story

Space is Limited. Register Early!

Dr. Meghan Burke, University of Illinois
Sibling of a brother with Down Syndrome
Masters and Doctoral degrees in Special Education
Board-Certified Behavior Analyst
Member of Easter Seals Board of Directors
Nationally recognized expert in future planning and care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Jackie Eddy, Center for Independent Futures
Director of New Futures Initiative™ Training and Consultation
Expertise in training and supporting families working together to create housing solutions for their loved ones

Mike Walther, Oak Wealth Advisors
Sibling of a brother on the Autism spectrum
Founder and President of Oak Wealth Advisors
MBA and CPA, CFA, and CFP® designations
Nationally recognized expert in special needs financial planning

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 2019 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.

Come cheer on Team CIF as they run 26.2 miles in the Chicago Marathon! We’ll be setting up a tent at the Charity Block Party and encouraging runners to go, go, go! There will be a DJ, snacks, and lots of fun! We’ll meet at the office at 6:30 AM and return around 12:30 or 1:00 PM. We will be outside rain or shine, so please dress accordingly. Center for Independent Futures shirts are encouraged.

You can meet at the office in Evanston, or you can meet us at the Charity Mile outside of Whitney Young at mile 13 of the marathon course.

To learn about how to register for this activity, contact Center for Independent Futures at (847) 328-2044.

Bring your appetite and get thirsty for our new event Brews and Bites. This benefit is taking the place of Something’s Cooking, our 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. And this year, local breweries will be bringing in their favorite brews for a tasting contest.

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.

Early bird prices are available until September 25th when prices will increase by $15. Young professionals and students under age 26 can attend for a reduced price of $30 (will need to show ID), and children 10 and under may attend free of charge.

Adult tickets receive access to all restaurant offerings, plus 9 drink tickets. Young Adult and Participant level tickets receive access to all restaurants, plus 3 drink tickets.

NOTE: If you are submitting registration for a Center for Independent Futures participant, please contact the office (847-328-2044) for appropriate pricing.

All of the funds raised at Brews and Bites will support Center for Independent Futures’ mission of providing individuals with disabilities the opportunities for a full life.