Yesterday, with a “ceremonial” opening of a soil bag and lots of high fives, our garden opened for the season. This awesome occasion was marked by three participants  planting  their first seeds in their shared  individual plot!  Remember that people with individual plots can begin planting in their garden this week, and we will have a community garden planting day Monday, May 21^st from 3-4:30pm.

Here’s to happy gardening!

Spring Gathering – A Celebration of Service

Friday, May 18th

Kensington Court Ann Arbor
610 Hilton Boulevard
Ann Arbor, MI  48108

7:30 – 8:00 am Mix & Mingle/Breakfast
8:00 – 9:00 am Program

To RSVP: www.annarborcil.org/springgathering

Questions, Sponsorship Opportunities, Volunteers: e-mail Stephanie@aacil.org

Over 300 guests are slated to attend the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living’s second annual Spring Gathering event at Kensington Court in Ann Arbor.  This year, the Center will be focusing on a celebration of service, recognizing Veterans with disabilities.  Several dignitaries will be speaking on the importance and scope of services that the Center provides each year to thousands of children, youth, adults, seniors, and Vets with disabilities including:  Senator Rebekah Warren, State Representative Mark Ouimet, Jeff Irwin, and Rick Olson.

This year, two powerful testimonies will be given by individuals whose lives were transformed by the Ann Arbor CIL: Maurice Jordan and Ben Case.

Ben Case, Ann Arbor CIL John Weir Scholarship winner

Ben Case is a John Weir Scholarship winner from the CIL that is attending the University of Michigan with a pre-medical emphasis.  He has been a wonderful advocate for the Center.  “I’m proud to have my disability; it has shaped me into who I am,” Case said. “I wouldn’t be the same without it.”  Case said advocacy has played an important role in his life and in getting to where he is today.   “[As a young kid], I started asking for the accommodations I needed [in school], making sure I got them, and getting notes from lectures.  This made a difference that showed in my academic success.” Ben is originally from Cleveland, Ohio where he was diagnosed with severe to profound hearing loss and was fitted with hearing aids. He has spent most of his life in Ann Arbor and after completing K-12 in the Ann Arbor Public Schools he continues his studies at the University of Michigan. Through the support of his parents and mentors in his life Ben has become a strong self-advocate. His experiences of studying abroad, involvement with the deaf and development of his professional career has strengthened his advocacy skills for himself and the deaf. Ben first participated with the AACIL in his pursuit of financial support for college and from there he became more involved. Since receiving the John Weir Scholarship Ben’s time with the AACIL has grown to include their advocacy program, VISTA program and serving on the John Weir Scholarship committee. His interaction with the AACIL has expanded his advocacy for the disabilities community as he continues to support the center.

Maurice Jordan, Former Ann Arbor CIL board member and Executive Director of the Paralyzed Veterans of America

Maurice Jordan is a United State Army veteran who served this country in Fort Hood, TX, in the Second Armored Division and later in the 24^th Supply and Support Company in Giessen, Germany.  There he served as a logistician under the Army’s Quartermaster branch. Before ending his military service, as a staff sergeant, he received several service medals including the Army Overseas Service Ribbon, the Army Commendation Medal and the National Defense Service Medal for his service during The Persian Gulf War.

Soon after concluding his military service, he quickly transitioned his training in logistics management into the civilian world where he began working as a materials management supervisor at the University of Michigan Medical Center and later at Ford Motor Company. An automobile accident abruptly interrupted his new civilian career, after he sustained a spinal cord injury.

Maurice’s life was suddenly taken into a new direction.  The Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living was his first contact with the disability community.  He embraced their mission, advocacy and outreach services. He began serving on the board in a number of positions and concluded as the board chair.

Following his passion to serve, he later joined the Michigan Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America (MPVA).  There he served on the board before eventually becoming the organization’s Executive Director. Developing many strong strategic alliances with like-minded organizations, he worked to expand MPVA’s brand while spreading the organization’s mission of improving the lives of people with disabilities veterans and non-veterans alike.  Maurice’s efforts were recognized and he was recruited to join the national organization in Washington, D.C. and help lead the organization to new heights as the Deputy Executive Director of Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA); the nation’s only congressionally chartered veteran service organization specializing in serving the needs of veterans with spinal cord injury.

In his capacity as Deputy Executive Director Maurice continued to be a vocal advocate for the disability and veteran communities. Maurice regularly met with White House staff and Congressional leaders addressing the concerns of veterans with disabilities.  He has delivered keynote addresses for veteran and disability events across the country.  He has addressed such venues as the National Veteran Wheelchair Games and served as the keynote speaker at the University of the Virgin Islands’ annual, “Voices That Count” Conference held on the islands of St. Croix and St. Thomas.   He has spoken at several openings of new spinal cord injury medical centers and vocational rehabilitation centers, which specialize in job placement for veterans with spinal cord injuries.

While in Washington D.C., Maurice was also instrumental in forming a new non-profit organization called, The Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals (ASCIP), he served as the organization’s first Executive Director.  This organization was the first to bring together interdisciplinary health care professionals from both the private sector and the VA health care systems. This help to create a learning environment that fostered a comprehensive and cooperative sharing of information in the field of spinal cord medicine and care management.

Maurice has long realized the importance of community involvement and service as proven by his military service for this great nation and his continued service as a staunch advocate for his fellow disabled citizens and veterans.

Maurice and his wife Toni have five kids between them ranging in age from 14 to 26. Maurice now resides back here in Michigan where he enjoys volunteering, spending time with his family and speaking about the issues facing our disabled veterans present and future.

A Special Thanks To Our Generous Sponsors

Dear Job-Seekers,

We have a number of exciting Career Services workshops coming up this May. We hope to see you at one of our events soon to help you with your career!
Tell Us When You Land a Job!
We like share your success stories with our team!  Let us know when you land a job and share your testimony with staff!  E-mail Stephanie@aacil.org to share your personal story whether it be part-time, temporary, or full-time employment.
Upcoming CIL Program Tour
Wednesday, June 6th from 5:30 – 6:30 pm.  Learn about other programs that you can benefit from at the Ann Arbor CIL!

We look forward to seeing you soon!  See our online calendar for the full schedule.

Best regards,

Stephanie

Career Services Coordinator

Additional Programming:

Interview Before the Interview
Facilitated by H.R. from Domino Farms

2:00 pm – 400: pm

How to RSVP:
E-mail Michelle at Michelle@aacil.org

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Toastmasters

Thursday, May 17th

12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

How to RSVP:
E-mail Stephanie@aacil.org

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Ticket To Work
If you have a Ticket to Work, you can MAKE MORE MONEY to supplement your income!
The Ann Arbor CIL is a registered Employment Network and can now offer supplemental
income when you land a job! If you already have a job and have not assigned your
ticket, e-mail TTW@aacil.org to receive extra follow-along support and extra income
earnings.

How to Sign-Up
E-mail TTW@aacil.org to set-up an appointment!
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Computer Tutors
We have tutors that can assist you with LinkedIn, your resume, navigate the Ann Arbor CIL resources and other career related items. RSVPs are not required.
*If you would like to volunteer, please contact Michelle@aacil.org!

Tuesdays from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Thursdays from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
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Thank you!

On May 1st, working with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living was the site for a Peer Mentor training for the Foundations Peer and Family Support Program (PFSP).

Tom Hoatlin, the Reeve Foundation’s Midwest Regional Coordinator, was thrilled with the turnout of 18 peer mentor candidates living with paralysis, their family members and caregivers. “This was my first training since joining the Foundation in January and I was so pleased with the response and interest that we got.” Hoatlin was joined by co-trainers Christy Earhart, a Reeve Foundation Trainer and Steve Coleman, Vice President of the PFSP and Veteran Affairs for the Foundation.

The PFSP is the Reeve Foundations national peer to peer mentoring network. The program is designed to help people living with paralysis, their families and caregivers to live full, happy lives by establishing relationships with “Reeve Mentors” in their local area who are living with paralysis and are successful.

The next step in the program is to deploy the certified peer mentors out into the community and match them with people who are in need of support. “With Nationally ranked rehabilitation centers in our state we have a great need for these experienced mentors. Every week there are new patients with spinal cord injuries on the rehab unit at the University of Michigan alone. With RehabilitatiOn May 1st, working with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living was the site for a Peer Mentor training for the Foundations Peer and Family Support Program (PFSP). Tom Hoatlin, the Reeve Foundation’s Midwest Regional Coordinator, was thrilled with the turnout of 18 peer mentor candidates living with paralysis, their family members and caregivers. “This was my first training since joining the Foundation in January and I was so pleased with the response and interest that we got.” Hoatlin was joined by co-trainers Christy Earhart, a Reeve Foundation Trainer and Steve Coleman, Vice President of the PFSP and Veteran Affairs for the Foundation. The PFSP is the Reeve Foundations national peer to peer mentoring network. The program is designed to help people living with paralysis, their families and caregivers to live full, happy lives by establishing relationships with “Reeve Mentors” in their local area who are living with paralysis and are successful. The next step in the program is to deploy the certified peer mentors out into the community and match them with people who are in need of support. “With Nationally ranked rehabilitation centers in our state we have a great need for these experienced mentors. Every week there are new patients with spinal cord injuries on the rehab unit at the University of Michigan alone. With Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan in Detroit and Mary Free Bed in Grand Rapids we are beginning to launch a statewide program,” Hoatlin said. The National Program is divided into eight regions. Eventually Tom Hoatlin will conduct and coordinate trainings in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin. This was an awesome group and I learned as much as I taught! The Reeve Foundation launched this national program because they know that peer and family support is the cornerstone of a successful quality of life for people living with paralysis. on Institute of Michigan in Detroit and Mary Free Bed in Grand Rapids we are beginning to launch a statewide program,” Hoatlin said. The National Program is divided into eight regions. Eventually Tom Hoatlin will conduct and coordinate trainings in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin.

This was an awesome group and I learned as much as I taught! The Reeve Foundation launched this national program because they know that peer and family support is the cornerstone of a successful quality of life for people living with paralysis.

The University of Michigan’s Spinal Cord Injury Model System Advisory Board held their semiannual meeting today at the Ann Arbor CIL. The Board is Chaired by Ann Arbor CIL’s Tom Hoatlin and lead by Dr.’s Denise Tate and Tony Chiodo. The Council is made up of consumers with spinal cord injuries (SCI), physicians, therapists, case workers, administrators and researches. Consumers with SCI have an advisory role on the board regarding the direction of future research, findings of past studies, dissemination and advocacy.

I am very proud to Chair this Advisory Board – the U of M SCI Model System staff seek advice from the very population they serve and they actually use this input to help carve the direction in which they lead. It’s quite rewarding to see the ideas that we are proposing come to life and go all the way to a research grant!” Hoatlin said.

In recognition of these outstanding achievements, the Ann Arbor CIL is proud to announce the availability of the President’s Volunteer Service Award, a prestigious national honor offered in recognition of volunteer commitment.  Established in 2003, this new Award is given by the President of the United States and honors individuals, families and groups who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to volunteer service over the course of 12 months.

The Ann Arbor CIL has teamed with hundreds of organizations and businesses across the country to deliver this Award to our most outstanding volunteers.  As a Certifying Organization of the President’s Volunteer Service Award, we can nominate potential recipients and distribute the Award to those who meet or exceed the Award criteria.

Children, adults, families and groups can receive the Award and, given their ongoing service activity, many of our volunteers may already meet the requirements.  To qualify for the President’s Volunteer Service Award, volunteers simply submit a record of their service hours to the Ann Arbor CIL, and we will verify the service and deliver the Award.

Volunteer service hours are not limited to those performed on behalf of The Ann Arbor CIL.  In fact, service hours can be accumulated through work on a variety of projects throughout the year.  The only requirement is that the necessary hours be completed within12 months; recipients can qualify for a new Award each year.

The President’s Volunteer Service Award is issued by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation – created by President George W. Bush to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers make to our nation.  To learn more and find out how to qualify for the Award, contact  Ava HaberkornHalm,  at 734-971-0277 ext. 55 or visit www.PresidentialServiceAwards.gov.

To be eligible to receive the President’s Volunteer Service Award, applicants’ service hours must be confirmed by a registered Certifying Organization.  There are three levels of the Award varying by hours of service completed within a 12-month period:

Kids – 14 and younger

• Bronze Award   50 – 74 hours
• Silver Award   75 – 99 hours
• Gold Award   100 or more hours

Young Adults – Ages 15 – 25

• Bronze Award  100 – 174 hours
• Silver Award  175 – 249 hours
• Gold Award  250 or more hours

Adults – Ages 26 and up

• Bronze Award   100 – 249 hours
• Silver Award   250 – 499 hours
• Gold Award   500 or more hours

Families and Groups (two or more people)*

• Bronze Award  200 – 499 hours
• Silver Award  500 – 999 hours
• Gold Award   1,000 or more hours

*Each member must contribute at least 25 hours towards the total

Tom Hoatlin, Stephanie Stiles, and Kristen Alonzi pictured above at the Award Ceremony for the "Outstanding Nonprofit Leadership Alliance Provider Award"

On April 20, 2012, the Ann Arbor CIL won the “Outstanding Nonprofit Leadership Alliance Internship Provider Award” at Eastern Michigan University’s end of the year celebration.  Kristen Alonzi submitted a nomination after enjoying a rigorous and informative internship at the CIL that won this year’s award.  Her paid internship at the CIL through Eastern Michigan University provided an opportunity to learn about all aspects of working for a nonprofit organization with an emphasis in children and youth as well as development and fundraising.

Countless hours in a number of program areas were put in by the superstar intern, Kristen Alonzi.  ”She is the type of intern student that any nonprofit organization dreams about having on their team!” states Tom Hoatlin, Director of Development.  ”We are thankful for the time that she was with our organization.  She’ll be an invaluable asset wherever she goes.”

The Ann Arbor CIL is currently accepting new intern students in all program areas.  Contact Tom at tom@aacil.org or (734) 971-0277 x 18 to register!