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 will not have class on December 24th or December 31st due to the holidays.

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. To allow for more discussion time, the Book Club will meet for four months per book instead of three months per book as the group has been. If you are interested in learning more about this event, please call Jeff at (224) 545-3925. To learn about how to register for this activity, contact Center for Independent Futures at (847) 328-2044.

Please note: Book Club will not meet on December 24th or December 31st due to the holidays.

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 note: The group will not meet on December 25th.

Come hang out at Hub 930! We have internet access, games, TV, and comfortable chairs. This great space is located in the back of the building at 930 Chicago Ave. Joe Jackson will host this opportunity for the Center for Independent Futures community.

Please note: Hub 930 will not be open on October 17, November 21, December 19, and December 26.

The group will have dinner together at the Backyard Grill restaurant. Please bring at least $20 to pay for your meal and beverages.

PLEASE NOTE the location has changed to Michael’s Chicago Style Red Hots in Highland Park.

October 19: Fall/Halloween party. Please bring a snack or food item to share with the group. We will watch a Halloween movie. Costumes are welcome but not required.

November 9: Thanksgiving feast! Please bring a Thanksgiving dinner item to share with the group. Please call the office to ask what foods are needed and to sign up to bring a specific item.

December 14: We will be cookie decorating to celebrate the holiday season. Please bring a snack item to share, or bring a baking ingredient such as cookie mix, frosting, or cookie decorations. Please call the office to ask what foods are needed and to sign up to bring a specific item.

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.

NOTE: December 8th we will have our annual holiday party!

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 will not have class on December 24th or December 31st due to the holidays.

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. To allow for more discussion time, the Book Club will meet for four months per book instead of three months per book as the group has been. If you are interested in learning more about this event, please call Jeff at (224) 545-3925. To learn about how to register for this activity, contact Center for Independent Futures at (847) 328-2044.

Please note: Book Club will not meet on December 24th or December 31st due to the holidays.

Want to learn more about finding a romance that fulfills your hopes and dreams? Want to learn to feel more confident in the dating world? Do you want to have tools to feel as safe as possible while enjoying all of the opportunities of a full life? This group is for you!

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 note: The group will not meet on December 25th.

Come hang out at Hub 930! We have internet access, games, TV, and comfortable chairs. This great space is located in the back of the building at 930 Chicago Ave. Joe Jackson will host this opportunity for the Center for Independent Futures community.

Please note: Hub 930 will not be open on October 17, November 21, December 19, and December 26.

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.

NOTE: December 8th we will have our annual holiday party!

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

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

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 will not have class on December 24th or December 31st due to the holidays.

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. To allow for more discussion time, the Book Club will meet for four months per book instead of three months per book as the group has been. If you are interested in learning more about this event, please call Jeff at (224) 545-3925. To learn about how to register for this activity, contact Center for Independent Futures at (847) 328-2044.

Please note: Book Club will not meet on December 24th or December 31st due to the holidays.

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 note: The group will not meet on December 25th.

Join us in supporting our 18 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!

Come hang out at Hub 930! We have internet access, games, TV, and comfortable chairs. This great space is located in the back of the building at 930 Chicago Ave. Joe Jackson will host this opportunity for the Center for Independent Futures community.

Please note: Hub 930 will not be open on October 17, November 21, December 19, and December 26.

The club members will meet to decide how best to increase their advocacy to improve our own lives and the lives of others. We will use consensus building to make these decisions as a group. A budget will be made available to the group to use in their work. For more information about this exciting new group, please contact Jeff Morthorst.

Want to learn more about finding a romance that fulfills your hopes and dreams? Want to learn to feel more confident in the dating world? Do you want to have the tools to feel as safe as possible while enjoying all the opportunities of a full life? This group is for you!

The Coleman Foundation, Center for Independent Futures, and @properties are proud to present our second Housing Symposium. You won’t want to miss this exciting event!

Download the 2018 Community Partners flyer about the keynote, panels, and event details.

Micaela Connery, founder and CEO of The Kelsey will be our Keynote Speaker. Inspired by her cousin Kelsey, Micaela has been working on inclusion in communities her entire life. She has seen firsthand the housing crisis facing adults with developmental disabilities and their families.  As a research fellow at the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, she spent a year studying the issue in detail. Download Micaela’s Harvard white paper on housing for individuals with disabilities here. The Kelsey exists to turn the challenge of disability housing into the opportunity of inclusive community.

In addition, the day will be packed with panel presentations from families and service providers, supportive technology providers, and real estate developers. Clark McCain (The Coleman Foundation) will provide closing statements on building community partnerships within our own communities.

For only $20, you will learn about how these stakeholders are working together to create community-based, supportive alternative housing models. (And, if you are an educator or human service professional needing CEUs or CPDS, a certificate of participation will be available!)

To learn more about this event, view the 2018 Community Partners flyer about the keynote, panels, and event details.

Tickets are available for purchase below!

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.

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 will not have class on December 24th or December 31st due to the holidays.

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. To allow for more discussion time, the Book Club will meet for four months per book instead of three months per book as the group has been. If you are interested in learning more about this event, please call Jeff at (224) 545-3925. To learn about how to register for this activity, contact Center for Independent Futures at (847) 328-2044.

Please note: Book Club will not meet on December 24th or December 31st due to the holidays.

Want to learn more about finding a romance that fulfills your hopes and dreams? Want to learn to feel more confident in the dating world? Do you want to have tools to feel as safe as possible while enjoying all of the opportunities of a full life? This group is for you!

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 note: The group will not meet on December 25th.

We will watch some of the most famous skits from the television show Saturday Night Live!

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.

The group will have dinner together at the Backyard Grill restaurant. Please bring at least $20 to pay for your meal and beverages.

PLEASE NOTE the location has changed to Michael’s Chicago Style Red Hots in Highland Park.

Want to learn more about finding a romance that fulfills your hopes and dreams? Want to learn to feel more confident in the dating world? Do you want to have the tools to feel as safe as possible while enjoying all the opportunities of a full life? This group is for you!

Everyone will order from a printed menu of food items, socialize, and eat together. Participants are encouraged to learn socially valuable skills including choosing food items, advocating around specific dietary restrictions, interaction with waiters, ordering, waiting for their meal to arrive, dealing with mistakes, paying a bill and tipping. Please bring $10 in cash to each event to pay for your meal. For our event in November, the group will go to a restaurant to practice our skills. For this evening at a restaurant, everyone is asked to bring $15-$20 to pay for their meal.

October 19: Fall/Halloween party. Please bring a snack or food item to share with the group. We will watch a Halloween movie. Costumes are welcome but not required.

November 9: Thanksgiving feast! Please bring a Thanksgiving dinner item to share with the group. Please call the office to ask what foods are needed and to sign up to bring a specific item.

December 14: We will be cookie decorating to celebrate the holiday season. Please bring a snack item to share, or bring a baking ingredient such as cookie mix, frosting, or cookie decorations. Please call the office to ask what foods are needed and to sign up to bring a specific item.

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.

NOTE: December 8th we will have our annual holiday party!

We are proud to host a screening of a new film from Dan Habib. Intelligent Lives challenges what it means to be intelligent, and points to a future in which people of all abilities can fully participate in higher education, meaningful employment, and intimate relationships.

INTELLIGENT LIVES stars three pioneering young American adults with intellectual disabilities – Micah, Naieer, and Naomie – who challenge perceptions of intelligence as they navigate high school, college, and the workforce. Academy Award-winning actor and narrator Chris Cooper contextualizes the lives of these central characters through the emotional personal story of his son Jesse, as the film unpacks the shameful and ongoing track record of intelligence testing in the U.S.

The event will open at 3:00 pm, with the film starting at 3:30. The 70 minute feature will conclude by 4:40, and it will be followed by a brief discussion until 5:15. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from three local participants who live the story of Intelligent Lives.

The showing is free for all and open to the community, and there will be water and light snacks available. Donations will be accepted at the event. RSVP to the event here.

This workshop is for parents of individuals with disabilities in high school and transition services. Throughout this workshop, learn about sexuality in people with disabilities and how to prevent sexual violence.

The event is free with registration. RSVP to the event here. Seating is very limited, so act today!

Rotary parking is located behind the building at the Grove Street entrance. Parking is available on the 3rd, 4th, or 5th floors in any available spot labeled “ROTARY”. Do Not Park in any non-ROTARY spots. Parking Rates: $4 for four hours; $8 over four hours.

For more information, email center@independentfutures.com or call (847) 328-2044.

Flyer for Sexual Violence Prevention workshop

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 will not have class on December 24th or December 31st due to the holidays.

This workshop is for school and agency staff who work with individuals with disabilities. Throughout this workshop, learn about sexuality in people with disabilities and how to prevent sexual violence. Topics include health & safety, what to teach, and the warning signs of sexual assault. You will receive a certificate for two CEU/CPDU hours.

The event is free with registration. RSVP to the event here.Seating is very limited, so act today!

Rotary parking is located behind the building at the Grove Street entrance. Parking is available on the 3rd, 4th, or 5th floors in any available spot labeled “ROTARY”. Do Not Park in any non-ROTARY spots. Parking Rates: $4 for four hours; $8 over four hours.

For more information, email center@independentfutures.com or call (847) 328-2044.

Flyer for Sexual Violence Prevention Workshop

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. To allow for more discussion time, the Book Club will meet for four months per book instead of three months per book as the group has been. If you are interested in learning more about this event, please call Jeff at (224) 545-3925. To learn about how to register for this activity, contact Center for Independent Futures at (847) 328-2044.

Please note: Book Club will not meet on December 24th or December 31st due to the holidays.

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 note: The group will not meet on December 25th.

Come hang out at Hub 930! We have internet access, games, TV, and comfortable chairs. This great space is located in the back of the building at 930 Chicago Ave. Joe Jackson will host this opportunity for the Center for Independent Futures community.

Please note: Hub 930 will not be open on October 17, November 21, December 19, and December 26.

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.

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

Center for Independent Futures, in conjunction with the Northwestern Athletic Department, is happy to be able to provide tickets to the football game to our community! Tickets are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Please note: Center for Independent Futures will not be staffing this event. If you’d like assistance planning your trip to the game, please call Jeff Morthorst at (224) 545-3925.

The time has not been announced for this game yet.

Join us to bowl two games at Classic Bowl in Morton Grove. Attendees must bring $4.50 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.

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 will not have class on December 24th or December 31st due to the holidays.

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. To allow for more discussion time, the Book Club will meet for four months per book instead of three months per book as the group has been. If you are interested in learning more about this event, please call Jeff at (224) 545-3925. To learn about how to register for this activity, contact Center for Independent Futures at (847) 328-2044.

Please note: Book Club will not meet on December 24th or December 31st due to the holidays.

Explore your creative side in this art class led by our skilled instructor Hadar Dohn.

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 note: The group will not meet on December 25th.

Come hang out at Hub 930! We have internet access, games, TV, and comfortable chairs. This great space is located in the back of the building at 930 Chicago Ave. Joe Jackson will host this opportunity for the Center for Independent Futures community.

Please note: Hub 930 will not be open on October 17, November 21, December 19, and December 26.

Costumes are encouraged but not required. We will have a costume contest with trophies. Please bring a Halloween treat to share with the group. Pizza and refreshments will be provided.

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.

Join us to bowl two games at Classic Bowl in Morton Grove. Attendees must bring $4.50 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.

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.

Early bird tickets are $60 until September 28th. You can also purchase individual raffle tickets online for $20, or you can purchase 3 raffle tickets for $50.

Purchase your tickets online today! Tickets will also be available at the door. 

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 will not have class on December 24th or December 31st due to the holidays.

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. To allow for more discussion time, the Book Club will meet for four months per book instead of three months per book as the group has been. If you are interested in learning more about this event, please call Jeff at (224) 545-3925. To learn about how to register for this activity, contact Center for Independent Futures at (847) 328-2044.

Please note: Book Club will not meet on December 24th or December 31st due to the holidays.

Want to learn more about finding a romance that fulfills your hopes and dreams? Want to learn to feel more confident in the dating world? Do you want to have tools to feel as safe as possible while enjoying all of the opportunities of a full life? This group is for you!

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 note: The group will not meet on December 25th.

Come hang out at Hub 930! We have internet access, games, TV, and comfortable chairs. This great space is located in the back of the building at 930 Chicago Ave. Joe Jackson will host this opportunity for the Center for Independent Futures community.

Please note: Hub 930 will not be open on October 17, November 21, December 19, and December 26.

Everyone will order from a printed menu of food items, socialize, and eat together. Participants are encouraged to learn socially valuable skills including choosing food items, advocating around specific dietary restrictions, interaction with waiters, ordering, waiting for their meal to arrive, dealing with mistakes, paying a bill and tipping. Please bring $10 in cash to each event to pay for your meal. For our event in November, the group will go to a restaurant to practice our skills. For this evening at a restaurant, everyone is asked to bring $15-$20 to pay for their meal.

October 19: Fall/Halloween party. Please bring a snack or food item to share with the group. We will watch a Halloween movie. Costumes are welcome but not required.

November 9: Thanksgiving feast! Please bring a Thanksgiving dinner item to share with the group. Please call the office to ask what foods are needed and to sign up to bring a specific item.

December 14: We will be cookie decorating to celebrate the holiday season. Please bring a snack item to share, or bring a baking ingredient such as cookie mix, frosting, or cookie decorations. Please call the office to ask what foods are needed and to sign up to bring a specific item.

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.

NOTE: December 8th we will have our annual holiday party!

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 will not have class on December 24th or December 31st due to the holidays.

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. To allow for more discussion time, the Book Club will meet for four months per book instead of three months per book as the group has been. If you are interested in learning more about this event, please call Jeff at (224) 545-3925. To learn about how to register for this activity, contact Center for Independent Futures at (847) 328-2044.

Please note: Book Club will not meet on December 24th or December 31st due to the holidays.

Explore your creative side in this art class led by our skilled instructor Hadar Dohn.

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 note: The group will not meet on December 25th.

Come hang out at Hub 930! We have internet access, games, TV, and comfortable chairs. This great space is located in the back of the building at 930 Chicago Ave. Joe Jackson will host this opportunity for the Center for Independent Futures community.

Please note: Hub 930 will not be open on October 17, November 21, December 19, and December 26.

The group will have dinner together at the Backyard Grill restaurant. Please bring at least $20 to pay for your meal and beverages.

PLEASE NOTE the location has changed to Michael’s Chicago Style Red Hots in Highland Park.

The club members will meet to decide how best to increase their advocacy to improve our own lives and the lives of others. We will use consensus building to make these decisions as a group. A budget will be made available to the group to use in their work. For more information about this exciting new group, please contact Jeff Morthorst.

Want to learn more about finding a romance that fulfills your hopes and dreams? Want to learn to feel more confident in the dating world? Do you want to have the tools to feel as safe as possible while enjoying all the opportunities of a full life? This group is for you!

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

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.

NOTE: December 8th we will have our annual holiday party!

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 will not have class on December 24th or December 31st due to the holidays.

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. To allow for more discussion time, the Book Club will meet for four months per book instead of three months per book as the group has been. If you are interested in learning more about this event, please call Jeff at (224) 545-3925. To learn about how to register for this activity, contact Center for Independent Futures at (847) 328-2044.

Please note: Book Club will not meet on December 24th or December 31st due to the holidays.

Want to learn more about finding a romance that fulfills your hopes and dreams? Want to learn to feel more confident in the dating world? Do you want to have tools to feel as safe as possible while enjoying all of the opportunities of a full life? This group is for you!

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 note: The group will not meet on December 25th.

We will watch some of the most famous skits from the television show Saturday Night Live!

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.

Want to learn more about finding a romance that fulfills your hopes and dreams? Want to learn to feel more confident in the dating world? Do you want to have the tools to feel as safe as possible while enjoying all the opportunities of a full life? This group is for you!

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.

This event is free, thanks to the Rob Campbell Fun Club.

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 will not have class on December 24th or December 31st due to the holidays.

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. To allow for more discussion time, the Book Club will meet for four months per book instead of three months per book as the group has been. If you are interested in learning more about this event, please call Jeff at (224) 545-3925. To learn about how to register for this activity, contact Center for Independent Futures at (847) 328-2044.

Please note: Book Club will not meet on December 24th or December 31st due to the holidays.

Explore your creative side in this art class led by our skilled instructor Hadar Dohn.

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 note: The group will not meet on December 25th.

Come hang out at Hub 930! We have internet access, games, TV, and comfortable chairs. This great space is located in the back of the building at 930 Chicago Ave. Joe Jackson will host this opportunity for the Center for Independent Futures community.

Please note: Hub 930 will not be open on October 17, November 21, December 19, and December 26.

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.

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.

NOTE: December 8th we will have our annual holiday party!

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 will not have class on December 24th or December 31st due to the holidays.