CEL - Center for Enriched Living

We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible community that makes CEL so special. Your belief in our mission and your generosity fuel everything we do, from the dedication of our amazing staff to the programs that help our members thrive. None of this would be possible without you?— our supporters, families, and partners. As our CEO Herbert Washington puts it, "Every day, I see the meaningful impact CEL has on our members and their families - from building friendships and fostering independence to creating a space where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities feel valued, included, and empowered." We humbly thank you for standing with us and ensuring CEL remains a place where everyone can experience life’s possibilities. Happy Thanksgiving!

This week, CEL - Center for Enriched Living met with Commissioner Rachel Arfa and her incredible team at the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD). We are deeply grateful for and inspired by MOPD's work and their unwavering commitment to advancing accessibility and inclusion for all. Sometimes, it takes a village and together, CEL and MOPD are working to create pathways for people with disabilities to thrive in the workplace and beyond, ensuring that every individual has the chance to contribute their talents and achieve independence. Thank you to Commissioner Arfa and the MOPD team for your leadership, collaboration, and shared vision. Together, we’re building a more inclusive workforce and empowering meaningful change. Samantha Santiago, MSW Christina Mullins McGleam, MSHRM, CPACC, Lauren Hooberman #InclusiveEmployment #Collaboration #Leadership #Accessibility #Gratitude #Partnership

Happy CEL-iversary to our amazing CEO, Herbert Washington - we can't believe it's already been a year! Your vision, leadership, and dedication have already made a big impact on our CEL community and, most importantly, on the lives of our members. Over the past year, our members, staff, board, donors, volunteers, families, and partners have had so much fun getting to know you, bonding over the shared passion for people with developmental disabilities, and imagining all of the possibilities that lie ahead. So cheers to the first of many Artful Evenings, Chefs' Nights, Harvest Dances, Golf Outings, DDAM Campaigns, and summer camp water balloon splash-offs. We are incredibly proud to have you at the helm of our organization and are excited for what the future holds under your guidance. ??

“There is no greater disability in society, than the inability to see a person as more.” Robert M. Hensel We are incredibly grateful for our amazing neighbors at Discover Financial Services who Strive for Disability Empowerment. The Discover team joined us to CELebrate the birthdays of our November REACH members with no shortage of laughter, fun, and joy! These moments not only bring us together but also strengthen the sense of community that we are so proud to build. A special thank you to Kristel T. , a team member at Discover and owner of Teembun Chicago, for the extra sweet touch of homemade cupcakes! If your company is interested in partnering with CEL or sponsoring an event for our members, please visit our website to learn more: https://lnkd.in/getnsS9h

Everybody wants to have a job that they love to do, and when CEL Employment Member Mark S. expressed his dream of becoming a farmer, Elawa Farm Foundation was the ideal place to make that come true. This video illustrates how Laura Calvert and the team at Elawa intentionally created space for people with disabilities to succeed and contribute as part of their workforce development program. Mark is a valued member of the team who is treated the same as other farmhands, which has been a key part of his success. When we asked Mark how he feels about the work, his answer was simple: "I love my job!" Watch the full video: https://lnkd.in/gtQiZYPn #NDEAM — National Disability Employment Awareness Month is a time to celebrate the incredible value and skills that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities bring to the workforce. A special thank you to Elawa Farm Foundation for fostering an inclusive environment and helping Mark achieve his farming dreams.

We're celebrating our final group of Employment Partners during National Disability Employment Awareness Month (#NDEAM) because we couldn't do this without you! CEL collaborates closely with employers to understand their business needs and connect them with qualified, pre-screened candidates. After placement, we maintain open communication for quality assurance and continue supporting both the employer and the employee. Today we shine a spotlight on PetWise, Sunrise Senior Living, Rally House, Chicago Public Schools, Great Wolf Lodge, JiffyLubeJobs, Aramark, Goodwill Industries International, Walmart, Noodles & Company for partnering with us to hire CEL members. Thank you. To learn more about how your business can partner with CEL, please visit https://lnkd.in/g6MRMYz5

It's another Friday during National Disability Employment Awareness Month (#NDEAM), so we are highlighting more of our partners who employ CEL members - we couldn't do this without you! Your commitment to fostering inclusive workspaces has allowed our members to achieve their dreams of paid, meaningful employment where their diverse talents are recognized and valued. Today we shine a spotlight on Border Tails Rescue, Abt Electronics, Elawa Farm Foundation, Zebra Technologies, Brookdale Senior Living, Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurants, Prospect Heights Public Library District, and Walgreens for partnering with us to hire CEL members. Thank you. To learn more about how your business can partner with CEL, please visit https://lnkd.in/g6MRMYz5

We're celebrating our Employment Partners each Friday during National Disability Employment Awareness Month (#NDEAM) because we couldn't do this without you! Today we shine a spotlight on Baxter International Inc., Leider Greenhouses, TJ Maxx & HomeGoods, Hotel Indigo, Rainbows for All Children, Mariano's, Noggin Builders Foundation, and THROWN ELEMENTS POTTERY for partnering with us to hire CEL members. Your commitment to fostering inclusive workspaces has allowed our members to achieve their dreams of paid, meaningful employment where their diverse talents are recognized and valued. Thank you! To learn more about how your business can partner with CEL, please visit https://lnkd.in/g6MRMYz5

A huge thank you to AMLI Residential and many of their national vendor partners for raising over $13,500 at their Chicago corporate office’s annual silent auction to support CEL! AMLI’s ongoing commitment to our mission is inspiring, and we are grateful for the generous contributions from all our corporate partners and supporters. TOGETHER, we are making a difference in the lives of those with development disabilities!

CEL is expanding our mental health offerings for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities! We are searching for a talented Licensed Clinician (LCSW or LCPC) who is passionate about serving people with IDD and their families. The full job description can be found on our website: https://lnkd.in/gG8HvKt5 Please share this opportunity to help the right person make a difference through this role at CEL. Thank you! #job #jobposting #LCPC #LCSW