Envision Unlimited Blog

For 33 years, the philanthropic arm of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, known as The Ability Experience has sponsored an annual “Journey of Hope” cross-country bike ride to create awareness and raise funds to support people with disabilities. While en-route, participating cyclists stop along the way to enjoy “Friendship Visits” with organizations that serve individuals with disabilities, like Envision Unlimited.

Envision Unlimited’s collaboration with Pi Kappa Phi’s The Ability Experience has spawned another partnership; this one, between fraternity member Tim Smith and Envision member Matthew M. In 2018, Tim, who also is the CME Group’s chief corporate counsel, joined our Westtown Center’s Buddy Biking program as a community volunteer. Program volunteers pilot tandem bikes on the 606 Trail; our members ride the stoker seats.

Residents of Envision’s Campbell Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA) are on the move. Their goal: fitness and fundraising for the “InMotion for Envision” challenge.

Across Chicago, essential workers have stepped up to keep businesses open to serve the community. This includes Joel, an Envision Unlimited member, who works at a Jewel Osco grocery store in his neighborhood. Joel lives with his parents, who are his primary caregivers —unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Joel became the sole provider for his family.

Envision Unlimited is complying with DPH/CDC guidelines to ensure the safety of our members and staff. As we continue to monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, we are taking extra precautionary measures to enhance our infection control efforts and minimize exposure for those in our care and on our staff. As the situation evolves, our policies will adjust to align with recommendations from public health experts.

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of community inclusion and raise public awareness about the barriers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) encounter on a regular basis.

This year Envision Unlimited invites you to participate in our “Small Gifts, BIG Impact” campaign for GivingTuesday. Contributions will help people with disabilities, one of the most marginalized populations, become more independent and self-sufficient. Skill development and employment training are only some of the ways your support benefits our clients and society.

We are partnering with Eclectik for your 2019 holiday cards! Our holiday card collection features artwork made by Envision artists. Ten percent of your card purchase will be donated to Envision Unlimited. Spread some holiday cheer to friends, family members, and clients by sending them a memorable holiday card.

You know what they say about men and their sports right?  Well for Envision Unlimited Halas Day Training Center member Michael J., he hit the jackpot once he learned that he attained a job at Guaranteed Rate Field, home of the Chicago White Sox.  Michael is a diehard sports fan and loves all the Chicago teams, but when it comes to baseball, nothing beats the Sox!

Pamela and Richard Webb run out of fingers as they count the number of children who have filled their home with love over the years.