Helping Hand Center is a nonprofit serving over 650 children and adults with developmental disabilities in suburban Cook County and greater Chicagoland communities since 1955. We offer a range of programs and services including outpatient therapies, early intervention, a school for children with Autism, high school transition, residential homes, employment services, adult day programs, behavioral services, special recreation, and our aging program.

Spring 2014

Celebrating Mission Magic!With the support of the community and generous donors,

we raised over $140,000 in support of our mission of assistingpersons with disabilities to achieve their highest level of

independence through quality programs and services.

It was all about the mission at Helping Hand Center’s 15th Annual Gala on Saturday, April 5th at the Marriott in Burr Ridge. Over 325 guests turned out to support our mission.

There was not a dry eye in the room after Helping Hand Center’s Executive Director, Mary Beth Hepp, presented two clients with awards for their extraordinary transitions into both our day and residential program. Client Mark Larsen received the Residential Award for being a model to his peers by maintaining such a positive attitude while making a smooth and successful transition into a new home. Client James Wlezien was presented an award for his successful transition from high school into adult day programming. His father, Ron Wlezien, spoke about his son who has autism and said it’s not easy caring for someone with autism so having a ‘Helping Hand’ helps us get through it. Ron said, “Someone once told me James doesn’t need a superhero because he has me. That’s not true because James is the real hero, not me. He deserves this award for all he goes through and we share it with his family and friends who are so dedicated and supportive of him.”

The evening included a live and silent auction, cocktails, dinner, and a paddle raise. Live entertainment was provided by Roxtette, a live nine-piece string ensemble, and had guests on the dance floor until the party was over. A unique performance by world renowned international speed painter, Elliott From of Artbeat Live, kept everyone on the edge of their seats and added a special energy to an evening of “mission magic”.

9649 West 55th St | Countryside, IL 60525

NON-PROFITUS POSTAGE

PAIDLaGrange, ILPermit 234 SERVING CHILDREN &

ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES

THE MISSION OF HELPING HAND CENTER IS TO ASSIST PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES TO ACHIEVE THEIR HIGHEST LEVEL OF INDEPENDENCE THROUGH QUALITY PROGRAMS ANDSERVICES

SERVING CHILDREN &ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES

Client Achievement Award WinnersAt this year’s Gala, we took a few moments to present some very special individuals with awards for their achievements.

We are excited to present James Wlezien with the High School Transition Award. James came to Helping Hand Center requiring staff assistance with communication, staying on task, transitioning between groups, and socializing successfully with staff and peers. Through our Total Communication Project, James is now using pictures to communicate his needs! “He is creating more art projects and working for longer intervals,” said the art room staff. We are very proud of the progress he has made over the last year through transition and in the adult day program.

We are excited to present Mark Larsen with the Residential Award for making a smooth and successful transition into a new home. This past year, 16 of our clients transitioned into newer

homes, and it was a major change for all of them since they previously lived together for many years. We are proud of Mark for maintaining a positive attitude before, during, and after the move. He was supportive of his peers throughout the process and adjusted well to his new staff and environment. “Mark is always easy going, friendly, and does his best to go with the flow,” said staff. Since moving, he has started participating in Special Recreation events and joined the Special Recreation Out & About group. Mark is a model to his peers! (more photos inside!)

www.hhcenter.org

facebook.comHelpingHandCenter

Mark Larsen with sister, Christine Katz,

& Mary Beth Hepp.

James Wlezien with dad, Ron,& Mary Beth Hepp.

HHC Client, Mike Giblin, with PolicyBoard Member and $2,500 Grand Rafflewinner, Noreen Veeser.

HHC client Alex Schure with his parents, Vonda and Allen Schure, sister AmandaCroucher & her husband Dennis Croucher, Jr..

Mary Beth HeppExecutive Director

A note from the Executive Director 8th Annual Pasta SupperIf you know a bit about Helping Hand Center than you may know that our “tag line” is Service for Life. This phrase has many meanings for us.

One meaning is service for a GOOD LIFE. Lisa, one of our adult clients comes to mind as one example. Lisa loves her life at Helping Hand Center where she has a job, participates in Special Olympic sports, and has many friends. Having a good life means being able to share your life with others; to feel connected to others. Lisa has exactly that at Helping Hand Center.

Another meaning is service for an INDEPENDENT LIFE. We work hard to help our clients be independent. Recently, Kim, one of our clients we helped get a job, was named Employee of the Month at Walmart. Kim started with us in our job club and worked with our staff to build her interview and job skills. She quickly climbed the retail ladder as she was named employee of the month only 6 months after starting her job!

Service for Life also means for a FULFILLING LIFE. At Helping Hand Center we provide opportunities for our clients to volunteer so they can be active citizens in their community. As Mark one of our clients recently said, “I love being out in the community & helping people less fortunate than me. It makes me feel really good to help people who don’t have as much as I do.” Isn’t that what really makes us feel fulfilled - to help others and give back?!

The phrase also means service for a LONG LIFE. People with developmental disabilities are living longer. In fact, the number of people over the age of 60 living with a developmental disability is doubling quickly. That is why we created our specialized aging program that helps people like Autrie. Autrie has been with us for over 30 years and now has dementia which means she needs even more specialized care. Now, people like Autrie have a place to live out the rest of their lives - gracefully and with the same independence they have always experienced with us.

And finally, Service for Life means for a HAPPY LIFE. At Helping Hand Center we also serve families. A gentleman once told me he donates to us because he has a sister with a developmental disability and when they were growing up, there wasn’t a place like Helping Hand Center around. He said he felt responsible to make sure his sister was okay, that she was happy. Unfortunately she did not receive the specialized services she needed. Had there been a Helping Hand Center for his family, his sister would have had a place where she felt a sense of belonging. And, her brother would have had peace of mind that his sister was okay. He understands first hand how important we are to our clients and our families.

Service for Life. You know, it’s really about this life we share together. You are a part of the story. Maybe you know a family that has been served by us. Maybe someone important to you has benefited from us. Maybe you’ve been helped by us. Maybe none of the above but you understand what we do and how important it is that we continue our work. So for you, perhaps “Service for Life” means a life in which you help others, you feel connected, you give back. All of which you can do by supporting Helping Hand Center!

Sincerely,

Mary Beth HeppExecutive Director

Policy Board of DirectorsRobert Ackermann Ackermann Consulting Inc.Susan E. Cox (President)U.S District CourthouseMichael EttlesonEttleson Cadillac-Buick-GMC, Inc.Wilson FrancisURS CorporationDon Fries (Vice-President)Kelburn Engineering CompanyGreg W. Hartje, CFA (Treasurer)US BankJeffrey S. MacKay DuPage County Judicial Center Mark C. Matray, M.D. (Secretary)LaGrange PediatricsKaren A. Mitchell First National Bank of LaGrangeMarc W. O’BrienBronson & Kahn LLCSusan SchellA. Eicoff & Company, ChicagoJason ShirkMid American Group, Inc.Noreen VeeserCossitt Avenue Elementary SchoolBridget L. Voigt, M.D.Rush University Medical Center

Foundation Board of DirectorsNoreen A. Costelloe (Chair)The Law Offices of Noreen A. CostelloeHoward E. Habenicht (Secretary)RetiredThomas JanusJanus & Associates CPAs P.C.Frank PigattoFrank Pigatto Real Estate & ConstructionJeanne ReillySotheby's International RealtyMichael J. SlinkmanSKS & AssociatesHerbert A. Smyers (Treasurer)RetiredChristine SpeiserRetired

The 8th Annual Pasta Supper was a true community event! Over 300 clients, family members, staff, and volunteers enjoyed an evening of music, dinner, dancing, activities, and networking this past February.

The Ogden Avenue School 6th grade class and parents volunteered their time, prepared desserts, donated decorations, and set up activities for eveyone to enjoy.

Between Starbucks in Countryside donating coffee and the “8th Notch Band” from Electro Motive Diesel rockin’ out with theirenergizing music, guests stayed late into the evening enjoying time withfamily and friends.

HHC client Sam Smith with his mother, Dorothy

HHC clients Margaret Brashear,

Paula Bucher, and Jimmy Uljanic

“8” Notch Band from Electro Motive Diesel

Volunteers from Ogden Avenue SchoolHHC client Megan McClellan with

her parents William and Mary

HHC clients Deon Simmsand Damen O’Shea

HHC client Dan DeVries and

Mary Beth HeppSERVICE FOR LIFE

& Khinde has made atremendoustransformation

LOVE is in the air at HHCOur Adult Day Program held its annual Valentine’s Day party for over 200 of our clients. Thanks to our wonderful volunteers from UPS and Clear Staff, everyone had hours of fun playing games, making crafts, and hanging out with friends. One of our clients rocked it out as the DJ and had everyone on the dance floor. Valentine Day cookie grams were passed out during the party, bringing in almost $150 in sales for our day program.

I know that it was only due to the staff, their expertise and environment at Helping Hand Center.

Christena Magyk-Bey (Khinde's Mom)

After viewing videos of her child during his work time at school, the mother of a young student who has been with us since June 2013 said she was extremely pleased with his progress. She reported that her son has had a 180 turn-around since starting at HHC. His behaviors have significantly reduced at home and he is doing much better in the community. He no longer runs away while in stores with his mother, but will stay by her side and even helps with shopping by putting items into the cart and placing items onto the conveyor belt at the checkout. facebook.com

HelpingHandCenterView all the photos on facebook & on our website hhcenter.org

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Kelly Krause and Elizabeth Wilk Mike Chmielewski and Tammy Fries Genevieve Garvey and Mary Beth Hepp

Judy Bien and Lance Woosely Marc Pantke and Daphne Mitchell (staff) Leslie St. Clair and Heather Farrell Phil Myers with his buddy, Mr. Minion

HHC client Heather Farrell with her parents, James and Kelly

HHC client Peggy Jean Neiweemwith her mother, Margaret

HHC client Joe Corbitt with fanily,Sherry Corbitt and Donald Buell

Lyn and Matt Wehling Brett Skeen, Lary Davis, & Ed Gervain ofAdventist La Grange Memorial Hospital John and Mollie Carroll Artbeat Live Artist,

Elliott From

HHC Policy Board President, Susan E. Cox,with husband, Michael Bolton

Ryan Burke and HHC staff, Julie Bosso HHC Policy Board Member, Bridget Voigt, M.D. browsing silent auction items

2014MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Goodbye Jack...We will miss you so much!Even though we don’t get to enjoy his wonderful company anymore, Jack achieved such an incredible amount of INDEPENDENCE while he was a student in our School for Children with Autism that he was able to transition back to his home school!

Jack was a student in our school for 7 years. He was well known as a very friendly and energetic teenager who loved to learn and have fun with his friends. Jack increased his social skills and interactions and it prepared him for the opportunity to go into a program at his home school, Lyons Township High School. We all wish Jack the best of luck and will always remember his fun-loving personality!

Beautifying Residential HomesWe always make sure our homes continue to be of the highest quality. As a result, we’re always updating and improving things. We just put in new carpeting, hardwood floors, and furniture to some of our older homes. In addition to making sure our homes are always beautiful, we added more supervision in our Residential Department. This provides more quality and variety in programming and support for our clients & sets us apart from other agencies.

Project SEARCHHelping Hand Center is part of a collaboration to pilot the Project SEARCH program—the first of its kind in this area!

The Project SEARCH High School Transition Program is a unique, business led, one-year, school-to-work program that takes place entirely within the workplace. Through this program, students experience total workplace immersion with a combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, and relevant job skill training through strategically designed internships.

The program provides real life work experience combined with training in employability and independent living skills to help youths with significant disabilities make successful transitions from school to productive adult life.

Helping Hand Center held a kick-off event this winter, and with over 50 interested family members and businesses attending, it was a huge success! Partner organizations LADSE, DHS and WSCCI gave an overview of how the entire program works and answered questions from the interested parties. BREAKING NEWS! We are excited to announce Adventist LaGrange Memorial Hospital has signed on to be the Project SEARCH participating hospital where our internships will take place!

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CongratulationsHelping Hand Wildcats

Special Olympics Basketball Teamfor taking 2nd place at the

State Basketball Tournament! Swin

HELPING HAND F RE

30 AnnualthSave the DateMonday, July 21, 2014 Riverside Golf Club

To register or become a sponsor, please contact Carolyn Kline at (708) 352-3580 x280 or e-mail carolyn.kline@hhcenter.org

Wednesday, July 16thFoundation Board MeetingHelping Hand Center6pm

Monday, July 21stSwing Fore Helping Hand30th Annual Golf OutingRiverside Golf Club

Saturday, August 2ndFamily Network Ice Cream SocialHelping Hand Center11am - 1pm

Tuesday, September 2ndPolicy Board MeetingHelping Hand Center6:30pm

Friday, May 16thEducational Series: What’s Special About a Special Needs Trust?Helping Hand Center11:30am - 1pm

Tuesday, June 3rdPolicy Board Meeting at 6:30pmHelping Hand Center

Friday, June 27thSpecial Recreation Awards NightHelping Hand Center 7pm - 9pm

Saturday, June 28thFamily PicnicWalker Park in Burr Ridge11am - 2pm

SAVE THE DATESeptember 20thFamily Network FundraiserThe Spirit of Chicago Boat Cruise 11am - 5pm

Back Row: John Belmonte, Betsy White, Matthew Hoffman, Chris Novak, Kevin Finch, and Leon Woodard. Front Row: Tarsha Webb (Coach), Linda Chopp, Joseph Shaughnessy, Richard Mercer, Bruno Kramarczyk (Coach).

Chris Novak, Matthew Hoffmanand Richard Mercer

COMMUNITYSUPPORT DAY

THANK YOU!!!

WHOLE FOODS MARKET500 E. OGDEN AVE, HINSDALE

On Wednesday, April 9th, Whole Foods Market in Hinsdale donated 5% of all purchases made to HHC.

They raised $4,227 to support our mission.