2012 Annual Report - Center for Independent Living Options, Inc.

CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING OPTIONS
Changing Lives Forever. Creating Futures.
Annual Report 2012
Change. Empowerment. Inclusion.
The Center for Independent Living Options works to break down barriers,
create options, and promote inclusive, rewarding, and independent lifestyles for
adults and children with disabilities.
Hope For a Brighter Future
Dear Friends,
CILO works tirelessly to promote change, empowerment, and inclusion for more than a thousand adults and children with all types of
disabilities, some with nowhere else to turn. Our 35th anniversary year was full of progress, accomplishments, as well as challenges that
continue to make the path to self-sufficiency and independence difficult at times. Each year we see more and more homeless people with
disabilities, unable to find work or housing, and lack the resources to cover even basic needs.
From advocacy to arts inclusion, in 2012 we assisted over 1,500 adults and children with disabilities meet a variety of needs such as
accessible housing, transportation, and personal assistance services. We also provided referrals to community programs for more than
5,000 individuals. 70% of our consumers’ independent living goals were achieved in areas such as employment training, assistive devices,
and moving from a nursing home into the community. We uphold the highest standards in everything we do and are always creating
innovative programs such as Artifex, providing adults with disabilities an opportunity to learn job skills and gain additional income by
creating and selling handcrafted gift items.
Our 1st annual Health & Wellness Fair provided over 150 people with disabilities and seniors with valuable health information and advice
as well as an opportunity to receive flu shots and other health screenings. With a passion for the arts, we continue to achieve artistic,
educational, and cultural success with Art Beyond Boundaries, our fine art exhibition gallery that promotes awareness and understanding
of artists with disabilities. Since 2005, we have touched the lives of nearly 500 artists by helping them overcome barriers, enhance their
self-image, and increase their visibility.
These are just a few of our achievements, which would not have been possible without the dedication of our Staff, Donors, Board of
Directors, and partners. Our legacy will continue to thrive with your support and generosity. CILO’s programs truly empower people with
disabilities to live productive, rewarding lives with pride and dignity. When you read the touching stories of our consumers, we hope you
will gain a better understanding of our mission. We look forward to serving our community in 2013.
With Warmest Regards,
Lin Laing
Executive Director
Justin Bifro
Board President
Perry An Inspiration
Perry lives independently in an apartment, enjoys
going to his church and other activities in the community.
He plans to return to work with Delta Airlines in the
future.
Perry is ambitious and not afraid of any challenges that he
may face. Accomplished Olympic contender and independent
individual for all of his life he never had to ask for help.
Then it all changed. Perry was injured in a competition leaving
him paralyzed from the neck down. He was forced to go into
a nursing home without sufficient in-home care and
increasingly difficult medical issues. Perry never gave up hope,
determined to move his arms and legs again.
Perry was extremely grateful to CILO for helping him get out
of the nursing home where he felt alone and unable to be
himself. He needed to live on his own to feel alive again.
Perry is getting better each day. He says “I was ready to give
up, but CILO saved me. HOME Choice helps people get back to
living. More people need to know about. The staff are so
welcoming, understanding, and full of compassion. Thank you
CILO.”
BREAKING BARRIERS
CREATING OPTIONS
PROMOTING CHANGE
Independence for Life
You Can Help
Every donation changes lives. Volunteer your time or make
a gift to truly make a difference. Examples of what your
gift can provide:
$1,000 = Furniture and supplies for a new home
$500 = Christmas gifts for a family of four
$250 = 5 hours of computer training
$150 = Art supplies/framing for artists with disabilities
$100 = 2 Kroger food gift cards
$50 = Budgeting workshop
$25 = Supplies for a High School Mentoring Program
To meet the diverse needs of hundreds
of individuals and families, CILO offers
a variety of programs and services to
provide stability, homes, and hope.
We have been helping Greater
Cincinnati residents with disabilities
for 35 years.
CILO’s Programs and Services
Founded in 1977, CILO is a disability services leader helping
individuals of all ages and disabilities in Greater Cincinnati &
Northern Kentucky live independently
Promoting Hope & Dignity
Advocacy—assists you, your friends, and family to generate
awareness, engage in positive action and create needed change
to laws and programs.
Independent Living Skills—customized training and workshops on
building self-esteem, money management, employment training
and more.
Peer Support—provides an opportunity for people with disabilities
to interact and share experiences, information and resources.
Information & Referral—connects people with disabilities and the
community with information, agencies, vendors and other
resources.
HOME Choice, a Program of Ohio Job & Family Services—as a
Transition Coordinating Agency, CILO helps individuals with
disabilities transition from hospitals and nursing facilities into the
community. Assistance includes securing housing, furnishings,
home goods, groceries, and other support services needed to
become self-sufficient.
Personal Assistance Services—guidance, referrals, tools and
resources for managing personal care assistance services that
people with disabilities utilize to work and live independently.
Supportive Housing—helps individuals/families with disabilities
who are homeless to access permanent housing with the support
of rental subsidies and other services such as Independent Living
Skills, employment assistance, and peer support groups.
Art Beyond Boundaries—a professional fine art exhibition gallery that
promotes awareness, inclusion and understanding of artists with disabilities.
www.cilo.net
Austin’s Story
Hope...Support...Joy
9 month old Austin was born prematurely with Tetrology of
Fallott, a rare heart condition that affects his ability to
generate oxygen-rich blood. In many cases this results in a
blue skin color, clubbing of fingers, difficulty feeding and
gaining weight, as well as poor development.
“I was so sad and scared. I am very grateful for
all that CILO made possible for me and my son.
Being able to pick out nice things for him was
very special. I love this program.”
- Salaithea, Austin’s Mom
Austin received treatment and multiple surgeries at Cincinnati
Children’s Hospital to correct his condition. With his Mom at
his side, Austin is getting stronger every day. Still in high
school, Austin’s Mom did not have the support and financial
means to provide for his medical needs on top of basic
supplies, clothes, and a car seat.
She learned about the HOME Choice program available
through CILO and thought “that is what I need”. Program
Coordinators worked tirelessly with Salaithea and hospital
social workers to ensure that she receives all the support
services and items she needs to provide Austin with a safe,
clean, and healthy home.
Austin smiles each and every day, despite many challenges.
He is an inspiration for all of us. His family loves him and are
very proud of the milestones he has achieved. They look
forward to many more thanks to CILO’s passion and
dedication.
MAKING INDEPENDENCE POSSIBLE
Suffering from the effects of a stroke,
Michael received care at Hyde Park Health Center.
He worked hard to gain his strength and mobility.
Thanks to the life changing HOME Choice
program, Michael is thriving in his own apartment
and continues to improve daily. Without
HOME Choice, Michael and many others would
struggle to regain independence and
the ability to live in the community.
Gifts Bring Hope, Joy, and Happiness
“CILO really helps people With the support of many generous businesses,
staff members, and other supporters, CILO was
get their feet back on the
ground. I had nothing till I able to provide 17 families with a joyful
Christmas through our Holiday Giving Tree
met you. You helped me
get clothes and the things Program. Each child received a coat, outfit, and
toy.
I needed for my house.
Those gifts made me feel
Many individuals that we serve have little to
truly blessed. I get
nothing making it impossible to purchase any
emotional when I think
thing other than the basic necessities. At times,
about how much you really they may even have to choose between medicine
helped me through a tough or heat. Without this program, these families
time in my life.”
would have nothing for Christmas.
-Phyllis
Many individuals with disabilities in nursing homes or
long-term care facilities could live independently in the
community with the right support. Fortunately there is HOME
Choice, a program of Ohio Job & Family Services which assists
individuals with disabilities locate housing, purchase household items, as well as obtain services. The results have been
remarkable—since 2008 we have helped nearly 250 people
create an enjoyable lifestyle outside the
nursing home, most of whom had no where else to turn and
no family to rely on.
A Children’s Hospital Nurse Shares
Her Thoughts on HOME Choice
“It’s a wonderful option for many families who are
struggling with limited resources for even the very
basics. There is a great need for this assistance.”
THE POWER OF THE ARTS
The arts bring purpose and promise to many
people and artists with disabilities. We are working
to further the capacity of Art Beyond Boundaries
and expand our outreach efforts through family art
activities and special events.
TAKING IT FROM THE STREET: IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FOTOFOCUS
A vibrant part of our community artistically, educationally, culturally, and economically, Art Beyond Boundaries
continues to grow through off-site exhibits at alternative venues such as City Hall, partnerships with other art programs, a
successful internship program, and compelling exhibitions. We have touched the lives of nearly 500 artists with
disabilities by helping them overcome barriers, enhance their self-image, and increase their visibility. Held in September,
with the support of Tom Schiff and other friends, Art Beyond Boundaries hosted Taking It From The Street as part of Ohio’s
first Fotofocus, a month long biennial celebration of historical and contemporary photography and lens-based art. It
featured the works of local photographers focused on the contemporary American cityscape including Ann Segal, Melvin
Grier, John Valin, Jymi Bolden, Katie Brenner, Cal Kowal, Michael Isaacs, Gary Landers, Brad Austin Smith, Samantha Grier,
Mike Mitchell, Paul Miles, and Ainsley Kellar.
A new program, Artifex provides an opportunity for individuals with
disabilities to gain confidence and learn new skills while making and
selling handcrafted gift items. All profits are shared among the
participants. Artifex is a valuable program that teaches time and
money management as well as teamwork and interpersonal skills, all
essential for gaining meaningful employment. It has helped nearly 30
individuals and continues to attract more.
LIVING WELL
HEALTH. WELLNESS. LIFE.
SUCCESS WITH JAZZ IN JULY
With the help of Harry Stephens owner of
Bella Luna Café, PNC Bank, and other valued
supporters we hosted our most successful
annual Jazz in July event. Guests enjoyed a
fun evening with friends and family,
wonderful food, and a raffle with items such
as an iPad and large flat screen television.
Fabulous jazz music was provided by Bruce
Menefield’s Omni Beat Ensemble and the
BlueBirds. The event raised over $5,000 for
Living Well, the Center’s health and wellness
initiative focused on providing practical and
valuable health information and resources
to people with disabilities.
Over 150 people with disabilities and seniors
attended CILO’s 1st Annual Health Fair in
October at Gabriel’s Place in Avondale.
Tri-Health, Kroger’s Little Clinic and other
organizations offered health information on
nutrition, weight management, stress
reduction, skin care and other concerns for
people with disabilities. In addition, free
screenings for high blood pressure, diabetes,
glaucoma, mammograms and flu shots will be
available. Due to limited resources and income,
this group often times receives minimal
information and care, if at all.
Financial Highlights—For the Fiscal Year Ended June 30th, 2012
Revenue By Source
Expenses By Function
The Center for Independent Living Options fiscal year begins July 1 and ends June 30. A complete audit report is available upon request.
Cincinnati
Kentucky
2031 Auburn Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45219
(513) 241-2600
TTY: (513) 221-7170
cilo@cilo.net
525 West 5th Street, Suite 218
Covington, KY 41011
(859) 341-4346
ciloky@cilo.net
www.cilo.net
www.facebook.com/cilo.cincy
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS DONORS & SUPPORTERS
Funders & Donors
ABS Business Solutions
Amerigroup Charitable Foundation
ArtsWave
Augustine Consulting
Bella Luna Café
Justin Bifro
CareSource Foundation
City of Cincinnati
Department of Aging & Independent Living
Frame Designs
Joiner Family Fund
Eric Kearney
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services
Betsy Mann
Manuel D. and Rhoda Mayerson Foundation
MTL Contractors, LLC
Ohio Arts Council
Ohio Department of Job & Family Services
Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission
PNC Bank
Josephine Schell Russell Charitable Trust
Schiff Family Foundation
U.S. Department of Education
U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development
Value City Furniture
Wellage & Schaff
Board of Directors
Justin Bifro, President
Brian Frazier, Vice President
Ed Klene, Treasurer
Betsy Mann, Secretary
Minette Cooper
Clair Bifro
Mark Reynolds
Shirley M. Sewell
Kyle Sterling
Eric Kearney
Jan-Michelle Lemon Kearney