Little Friends, Inc.

Thank you to all the legislators, fellow service providers, families, and advocacy organizations who participated in the event yesterday in Springfield advocating for youth with I/DD living in children's residential settings who lose funding and support upon turning the age of 22. HB3088, sponsored by Rep. Anna Moeller, will ensure that these individuals will have continued support at levels that meet their needs, families will not continue to struggle to find solutions for their loved ones in this situation, and service providers can continue support without facing penalties or financial losses. Special thanks to: Legislators: Rep. Anna Moeller Rep. Matt Hanson Rep. Barbara Hernandez Rep. Katie Stuart Rep. Nabeela Syed Senate Minority Leader Tony McCombie Rep. Norma Hernandez Sen. Javier Loera - Cervantes Rep. Nicolle Grasse Rep. Anthony DeLuca Rep. Laura Faver-Dias Rep. Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar Advocacy Groups:? Joshua Evans and Luis Andrade at Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities Samantha Alloway at The Arc of Illinois Kathy Carmody at The Institute on Public Policy for People with Disabilities Coalition Partners: John Pingo at Goldie Floberg Amanda Brott at HOPE School Mikel Briggs at Little Friends, Inc. Cornerstone Services, Inc. PACTT Learning Center ? Families: Heather Meservey Danielson Dana Moses Lisa and Madeleine Pollard

Over the past year, the City of Warrenville has collaborated with Little Friends, Inc. to achieve the designation of an "Autism Friendly City." Our therapeutic staff has provided training and support to city employees, including those at the Fire Department, Police Department, and Library. This training has helped create accommodations and foster a culture of understanding throughout Warrenville. The goal -- to promote an environment where individuals of all neurological backgrounds, including those with autism, feel welcome, valued, and supported -- will culminate with official recognition in April! ? Earlier this month, Little Friends Cassidy Kaput, presented at the Warrenville Public Library's staff in-service earlier this month. Cassidy provided an in-depth look at the needs of the neurodiverse community and gave examples of how the library could more effectively interact with visitors who might have difficulties with social cues, sharing, and anxiety in unfamiliar situations.

Today's spotlight for 2025 Chicago TITAN 100 is Mikel Briggs, President & CEO at Little Friends, Inc. We are honored to have Mike as a Board Member & 1st Year Honoree. Mike says, “I have the privilege of leading an organization that spends its time and energy on doing work that helps others in ways that, without our help, the individuals we serve may not have as good a quality of life given what we provide.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/gATfwTNH #Titan100 #TitanCEO #Chicago #CHI #leadership #business #success #team #titan #leader #leaders #community #honoree #CFO #CEO #mindset

March has been recognized as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month since 1987, when President Ronald Reagan issued a public proclamation urging Americans to provide individuals with developmental disabilities “the encouragement and opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential.” Little Friends is proud to continue this initiative through the work we do every day to support those we serve. Community, accessibility, and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities should be recognized and championed all year—not just in March. #WeReHereAllYear

To all the attendees of Little Friends, Inc. 48th Benefit Auction this past weekend, we want to express our sincere appreciation for your support, friendship, and generosity. The continued support over the years of so many of those in the room was only enhanced by the new faces we introduced to our mission. We are excited to continue our partnership to help those we serve today and in the future. On behalf of everyone at Little Friends, we hope you had a wonderful evening, and we will be sharing more photos and details from the event soon.

Thank you Endeavor Health for your generous support!

Thank you, Endeavor Health, for your partnership to enhance Little Friends, Inc. workforce development services through Endeavor Health's Community Investment Fund. Learn more about how this support from Endeavor Health has helped with the expansion of our existing programs, funded renovations, and assisted the launch of a new job training program: https://bit.ly/3D7K0IU

Little Friends, Inc. is set to celebrate our 60th anniversary in 2025 as a leading service provider for children, adults, and families challenged by autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities. As we reflect on our journey over the past sixty years, we are inspired by our agency’s history and the positive impact our services have had on the lives of those we serve. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4b3TjGa

Let Little Friends, Inc. Connecting Adults with Communities help you Step into Your Future with Confidence! Our program has established partnerships with various community resource partners, including People's Resource Center, workNet Dupage Career Center, and HAAPE. These partnerships help program participants explore and learn about potential job opportunities for the neurodiverse throughout our Employment Readiness program! Click here for more information https://bit.ly/41UZKsM or contact Cassidy Kaput, [email protected], 630-929-2725.

Little Friends, Inc. is proud to be a part of the new Chicago Chapter of HAAPE. You can read more below!