1st Annual "Battle of the Bags" Cornhole Tournament

On February 20, AID will host a cornhole (a.k.a. bags or baggo) tournament at the Elgin Training Center at 1135 Bowes Rd, Elgin. Registration will start at 1pm and the tournament will start at 2. Entry fee is $20 for an individual or $40 for a team. Prizes will be given to the teams who finish in the top 3 (Grand prize = $200!). It will be a double-elimination bracket style (every team is guaranteed at least two games). Raffles and other activities will be going on during the tournament for spectators to enjoy. Come out for a fun-filled night that will benefit a great cause!

Click here to download the registration form.

AID's 2009 Charity Auction: AID Goes Hollywood!

Eaglebrook Country Club, Geneva - September 25, 2009

The 2009 AID is Goin' Hollywood Auction was a fun-filled night. There was a silent auction, Dutch auction and live auction led by our guest auctioneer, Mayor Kevin Burns of Geneva. Over 100 fantastic items were raffled off as many got their holiday shopping done early this year. This event raised much-needed funds for AID programs and services. AID would like to thank all participants and volunteers who contributed to this event!

AID would like to thank this year's wonderful auction sponsors.

AID Pledge Run "Mobility for Ability"

The 3rd Annual AID Motorcycle Run, "Mobility for Ability" was a great success. The weather was perfect for this 85-mile country ride. Stops were made in Maple Park, Lee, Sycamore and Burlington. AID would like to thank all of the riders who came out for this fun-filled event that is in support of a great cause. (Pictures will be posted soon!)

Scarves for South Street

Hundreds of beautifully hand knitted and crochetted scarves have been received from talented community members. The scarves will be sold at the Mother’s Club of Geneva Craft Show on November 14th and the Christmas Walk Craft Show at First Congregational Church of Geneva on December 4th & 5th to help support AID’s new group home on South Street in Geneva. For more information on donating a scarf or to find out sale locations, please call Wendy at 847-931-2294.

Training Spring/Summer

AID continues to offer leading edge training courses for staff who support individuals with disabilities, mental illness and those in crisis. For a list of our available training's for the coming seasons, please click here.

Annual Meeting

May 20th - 5:30 pm, Eaglebrook Country Club, Geneva

Once again, AID family and friends will be coming together to honor community members who have supported and advocated for AID, clients whose hard work has helped them surpass their goals and staff whose dedication and commitment have exceeded the expected. A light dinner will be served. This event is free (with the exception of a cash bar) and open to the public. Invitations will be mailed in the beginning of May.

Telethon 2009

This year's Telethon went off without a hitch on Saturday, Feb. 28. Many enjoyed the all day event, which was a live television broadcast on Waubonsee Community College’s channels. It was made possible by the hard work and overwhelming support from over 1,000 volunteers. Monies raised directly support the more than twenty AID programs, including its group homes. It was a very exciting event and we managed to raise over $75,000.

The Telethon featured a wide variety of talent, both from AID clients and local volunteers. All of the performances reached out to the audience and kept the phones ringing. The Telethon also featured interviews with local and state political figures as well as the AID Telethon Ambassadors.

To learn more about the Telethon, or to pledge your support for AID click here or call Wendy at 847-931-2294. We are still accepting pledges!

"Beginnings" Art Show and Open House

AID Blue Shirt Studio

AID held an art show on Friday, November 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at our art studio, "Blue Shirt Studio", located at 133 E. Van Emmon St. in Yorkville.

On display and available for purchase were a variety of artworks including drawings, paintings and sculpture all created by AID clients. Refreshments were provided as well as a raffle for Holiday Gift Baskets. Thanks to all who attended this free event and helped support the arts at AID.

If you are still interested in purchasing client art, please call Jan at 630-966-4452.

Chili Cook-off

Round up your best chili and bring it on over to one of our three contest sites. The top three entrants will have the opportunity to advance to the finals - televised on AID's Telethon from Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove on February 28. You'll also have the opportunity to win a $500 cash first prize and lots of awesome consolation prizes. The first event will be at Mott's Lounge in Burlington, on January 24th at 7:30 pm. The second event will be at Mary's Corner Tap in Elgin on January 25th at 1:00 pm, and the third event will be at the Maple Park Pub at 1:00 pm on February 15. Click the links above for more information and to register!

New Rental Housing Assistance Program Coming to Kane County

More low-income households in Kane County will be given the opportunity to live independently thanks to a new $662,000 grant from the Illinois Housing Development Authority awarded to a partnership of four non-profit agencies in Kane County. A total of 22 apartment units (9 in Southern Kane, 4 in Central Kane and 9 in Northern Kane County) have been earmarked for participation in the three-year program.

Click here for the full press release, and click here for a brochure on this exciting new program!

Weekend Retreat for Adults

October 17-19

The Association for Individual Development's weekend retreat is an overnight retreatexperience for adults age 18 and up with physical disabilities or developmental delays.

The retreat is held at Wild Rose Program Center in St. Charles, Illinois. Wild Rose is a fully-accessible campground equipped with sports fields, volleyball courts, a miniature golf course, and cabin camping facilities.

Click here for more information about the retreat, and here to fill out a registration form. For more information please call Diana at 630-966-4251.

Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training Program:

A Workshop for AID Parents & Caregivers

Join authorized CPI Instructors for AID Terri Davis and Tim Cross on Wednesdsay, November 5, from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm at 309 W. New Indian Trail Ct. in Aurora for a free training on Nonviolent Crisis Intervention.

Please see our flyer for more information.

Empowerment & Recovery

A Vision for Psychiatric Rehabilitation

Join AID on October 3rd at Piper's Banquets in Aurora as Patrick Corrigan and Nanette Larson lead a training on Empowerment & Recovery: A Vision for Psychiatric Rehabilitation.

Click here for more information and to register. Act fast and save on early-bird registration!

Senator Michael Noland

dedicates group home in Elgin

On Tuesday, September 9th at 9:00 am, Senator Michael Noland dedicated the home at 1482 Maple Lane in Elgin, an AID group home for people with disabilities, to the employees of AID. Clients, employees and parents were in attendance. Click here for an article about the event.

Harvest Moon Magic

Charity Auction September 26

Historically, AID's fall charity auction has been one of our biggest and most prestigious fundraisers, and this year will be no exception.

Join us September 26 at Eagle Brook Country Club in Geneva and raise your glasses while we raise much-needed funds for our community's most vulnerable population.

It promises to be an exciting evening featuring: +100 silent and live auction items including trips and getaways, eleven raffle baskets, plated dinner, and beverages included. Reservations are required, so please contact Wendy Bialek at 847-931-2294 for more information or to purchase raffle tickets.

Raffle tickets are $5 each, $40 for 10 and $100 for 30. Each basket is overflowing (some occupy multiple tables) with wonderful treasures with a guaranteed value of at least $1,000. Winners need not be present at auction. Tickets can be purchased by sending a check or money order to Ann Gerardo at AID, 1135 Bowes Road, Elgin, IL 60123. You can also call in a credit card number to Ann at 847-931-2293. Please also indicate which baskets the tickets should go towards. The baskets are as follows (click on the title of each to see a list of contents):

What's Cookin'?
You don't have to be a gourmet cook to appreciate this bountiful basket filled with sweets and spices, cookbooks, and such wonderful cooking tools as a 10 speed mixer.

Family Fun
Now's the time to get out and enjoy all that Chicago land has to offer its families. What could be more fun than a day at Brookfield Zoo, Arlington Park Races, Shedd Aquarium or Fun Way??

Time to Smell the Roses
You won't find any thorns in this gorgeous garden basket! Features a beautiful bistro table with two chairs and such wonderful accents as a live orchid plant, glass globed trellises and sundial, gardening books and gift certificates from area nurseries.

It’s All About Me?
And why not? You deserve a little shopping spree in downtown Geneva and St. Charles, a trip to any number of spas and nail salons, and lotions that will ease the most stressed out soul.

Ladder of Success
What better way to climb that ladder than with a brand new laptop with carrying case, a beautiful office chair, and a certificate for a $100 non-credit course at Elgin Community College

Some Enchanted Evening
It doesn't get any better than this! There's enough gift certificates at local eateries to last a lifetime. Eat first then take in a hilarious show at Comedy Shrine, a concert at the Elgin Symphony, a performance at the renowned North Light Theatre or stay the night at Chicago's luxurious Raffaello.

Sports & Games Galore
The fans will be roaring when they see this basket which includes tickets to NIU Huskie, Chicago Wolves and Chicago Storm games, autographed and framed photos of your absolutely favorite players (Javier Vasquez, Mark Buehrle to name just a few), an X-Box 360, Bosu and 3 month membership at Del-Nor Health and Wellness Center.

Halloween Hauntings
The bewitching hour will be soon upon us and the winner of this basket will be able to create the most haunted of all haunted houses. Oversize tombstones, skull and spiders, pirate and mummy props are just a few of the "decorations" you'll win!

Stock the Bar
With hundreds of bottles of fine wine and liquors, you're sure to be everyone's new best friend! Your parties will be famous and you'll have enough bottles to gift all your new friends for years. Also includes accessories such as a wine rack to hold all those beautiful bottles.

Winter Wonderland
Santa and crew will be visiting soon so now's the time to welcome all these warm and cuddly holiday accents into your home. Our snowmen are so cute they're sure to melt your heart! There's even a deluxe Santa Suit (with wig 'n beard) for those wanna be santas and a New Year’s Eve Kit with champagne to welcome in 2009.

Cold Hard Cash
What can we say? $1,000 to the winner of this basket. Better than an economic stimulus check!

3rd Annual Golf Outing

AID Tee Party

AID held their 3rd annual golf outing on Friday, July 25 at Whitetail Ridge Golf Club in Yorkville. This year’s event brought in almost $60,000 which will go towards services for individuals with disabilities in Kane and surrounding counties.

Golfers played 18 holes of scramble-style golf on the beautiful new course near Rt. 126 and 71. Participants also enjoyed lunch, refreshments, dinner, games, raffle prizes, and a live and silent auction.

Some of the bigger sponsors which made this event a success include: The Hershey Company, Caterpillar, IHC Construction Companies and Gjøvik Auto.

Thanks to all of our sponsors, volunteers, and attendees. Click here to see photos from the event.

Claddagh Irish Pub

AID Benefit Day

The Claddagh Irish Pub in Geneva hosted a fundraiser June 8 for AID, to help raise funds to renovate Bethany House.

Bethany House, the first of its kind in Geneva, will be home to 5 individuals with developmental disabilities. In order to make the house accessible for these individuals, AID must raise $264,000 for renovations.

Entertainers and a raffle drawing for a trip to Ireland were the big attractors for the day's events. Congratulations to William Demray of Northville, Michigan, who won the trip for two to Dublin, Ireland.

Annual Meeting

AID's Annual Meeting at Eagle Brook Country Club May 21 was an evening of honoring friends, clients and staff. The Board of Directors welcomed the addition of Gretta Beiber and Toni Vaughan. After the brief meeting, an awards presentation provided an opportunity for AID to thank its many supporters, volunteers and dedicated staff, as well as to honor some of our outstanding clients on their achievements.

For pictures of the event, please click here.

Weekend Retreat

AID is looking for volunteers to help run its 3rd annual Weekend Retreat this Spring from Friday May 30 through Sunday June 1. Located at Wild Rose Program Center in St. Charles, the weekend retreat is for individuals with disabilities age 18 and up. Ideally, 15 volunteers are needed to assist with the 33 adults that the facility can accommodate. Scheduled activities for the weekend will include cooking out, sports, crafts, games, nature studies and campfires.

For those interested in attending, cost for residents of Kane, Kendall, or DeKalb Counties and Hanover Township is $150. For non-residents, $185. If you are interested in volunteering or attending, please contact Diana Hulst at 630-966-4251.

Be sure to check out the brochure here (.pdf).

2008 Telethon a Success!

$105,000 raised and counting...

AID hosted their 9th Annual Telethon at Waubonsee Community College, Sugar Grove Campus on Saturday, March 1. The telethon was an all-day event that raised $105,000 towards programs and services for children and adults with disabilities and mental illness - and hopes to raise more in the coming weeks as pledges continue to roll in. The broadcast featured local talent and interviews with AID clients, family and staff.

The telethon aired on local Comcast channels 99 and 17, and Mediacom channel 15. The public was also in attendance for the telethon’s live broadcast.

AID would like to thank the hundreds of volunteers, sponsors, hosts, backstage crew and talent that made this event possible. Be sure to check out photos of the event (Flash plugin required).

Bowl-a-thon

AID is hosting a Bowl-a-thon at Parkside Lanes of Aurora on January 20, at 6:30 pm. This fundraiser costs $25 and includes 3 games, shoe rental, pizza and pop. Proceeds will benefit children and adults with developmental disabilities. There will be door prizes, 50/50 raffle and a strike-pot. Contact MaryAnn at 630-966-4252 for tickets or more information.

Don’t bowl? Donate a ticket for a client. Parkside Lanes is located at 34W185 Montgomery Road in Aurora. The deadline for ticket sales is January 13.

Project SEARCH

AID & MVSEC Look for a Partner

AID and Mid-Valley Special Education have joined together to seek a business partner to assist in the employment of students with disabilities. This mission, known as "Project Search" is based on the original, successful Project Search implemented at Cincinnati Children's Hospital.

While many individuals with developmental disabilities have skills to offer to the work place, many employers do not offer positions to this population. Project Search aims to alleviate this growing concern.

By partnering with a large business that has a variety of employment opportunities, together AID and Mid-Valley will focus on a school-to-work transitional program. The business partner could potentially be a hospital, a large bank, or other entity - preferably one that employs approximately 200 employees. The program will place 12 students in an intern-like position, where they will work closely with a job coach. The business will then have the opportunity to hire on any of the students at their discretion.

If you work for or know of a business that would be willing to take on this kind of project, please contact Janet McAlpin at 630-207-8553.

Sherman Apartments

Open House & Grand Opening

The beautiful, new apartment building that is home to 16 individuals with behavioral health needs has officially opened. An open house was held on Friday, November 9 from 11:30am - 2:30pm.

The 16 unit building, dubbed Sherman Apartments, serves as home to residents who each have their own apartment, provided with supervision and guidance on an as-need basis.

Residents, who are part of AID's Behavioral Health program, will have the opportunity to experience independence and self-reliance. Each apartment has its own functional kitchen, as well as a centrally located kitchen where residents can learn cooking skills as a group and dine together. An AID Behavioral Health employee is present at all times.

Most residents work in the community and some participate in AID Behavioral Health day program.

This project would not have been possible without the hard work and support of several key entities: DuPage County Home Funds, Aurora Community Development Block Grant, U.S. HUD Department and Jim Hamilton, Project Manager.

Pedersen Place

Open House & Grand Opening

Nearly a year ago, The Association for Individual Development (AID) successfully purchased a beautiful house at 3N370 Bonnie Lane in St. Charles. The evening of November 1 was one of celebration as residents, family, neighbors and supporters joined together for a house warming and grand opening.

Pastor Carl Gray gave a blessing over the house, with a message about how a mother eagle must teach her young to fly on their own, drawing comparisons to the residents of the home and their own independence. Guests also enjoyed refreshments and a tour of the fully furnished, accessible home.

There were delays in opening the home as there were several renovations which needed to be made in order to make the home fully compliant with the American Disabilities Act. Key among the renovations was installing fire extinguishing sprinklers and redoing the back deck to make it safer. The house is currently home to 5 individuals with developmental disabilities.

Dubbed “Pedersen Place” because of the generous funding from the Pedersen Foundation (many of whom were present that evening). The project also would not have been a possibility without the support of the following contributors: The Kane County Board, Kane County Community Development Block Grant, St. Charles Parent Fundraising Group, Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, EFS Foundation, Trust Company of Illinois, St. Charles 708 Mental Health Board, Dellora A. & Lester J. Norris Foundation, Hansen-Furnas Foundation, Unity Masonic Lodge #48, National Knights of Columbus, and The Community Foundation of Fox Valley.

AID is a nonprofit, community-based organization that serves 3,800 individuals throughout Kane, Kendall, DeKalb, DuPage, suburban Cook, and Will Counties offering over 20 programs for individuals with physical or developmental disabilities, and those in need of behavioral health services or crisis intervention.

AID Telethon 2008

Making a Difference One Step at a Time

We are once again preparing for our annual telethon, slated for March 1, 2008. This will be AID's 9th telethon, and we're planning on making this our most exciting one yet!

Our theme this year is "Making a Difference, One Step at a Time," and our goal is to raise $125,000. Hosted at Waubonsee Commmunity College Sugar Grove Campus, the telethon is an all-day event that aims to raise funds for our programs and services, all while exhibiting exciting local entertainment and talent, and featuring interviews with AID clients, family and staff.

We are currently seeking sponsors, talent and volunteers. If you or your company would like to help with any of these areas, please contact us and let us know what you're interested in.

Website Update

The website has undergone some design changes. Hopefully, things are easier to read and find. There may be a need to tweak some things still, so if you notice something not working the way it used to, or if something is missing altogether, please let us know. This form goes straight to the web developer. We hope you like the look!

United Way Employee Campaign

Giving back is part of what we do

October is United Way employee campaign month. AID receives significant support for its programs and services throughout the year from community United Ways. As a service organization, it is important for us to show our support in return, to this generous charity. The funds we receive are related to the success of the United Way campaign in the Fall, so it is important that we each give what we can.

Thank you to all of the employees who participate in this campaign. To learn more about United Way, follow this link.

AID Benefit Auction an Evening to Remember

Harvest Moon Magic

The Association for Individual Development’s (AID) annual benefit auction, Harvest Moon Magic, was magical! There were gourmet baskets of delectable goodies and baskets filled with fine wines and liqueurs and a garden wagon stuffed with stepping stones, bird feeders and more. And those were just some of the raffle prizes.

Between cocktails and dinner, guests browsed the hundred some silent auction items, which included dazzling jewelry, framed and autographed pictures of sport stars, wine tastings, furniture and such unique items as a Build a Bike: Chopper Boot Camp certificate and a one-on-one training session with a former NBA player. Those present also enjoyed some humor when Geneva’s Mayor Kevin Burns took center stage as our auctioneer. The bidding got intense over such items as 2008 Cubs Tickets, a pig roast party, trips to Galena, Florida and Arizona, and a beautiful electric guitar and amplifier. Not to mention a flight in a real WWII plane! The Dutch auction segment helped raise much needed funds for dentistry, medication support, and recreational therapy.

The auction could not have been the success it was without the help of its committee, volunteers and financial supporters. Planning for the 2008 auction will begin in early spring. Anyone who is interested in working on the committee should call Wendy Bialek at 847-931-2294.

Motorcycle Run: Mobility for Ability

Rain!

Our first bike run was held this Sunday, and despite our request for sunshine, it turned out to be a very rainy day.

Many supporters came out to enjoy the pancake breakfast that was held at our Elgin Area Services building, and we even had a few riders who insisted on braving the elements. Although more or less drenched, the riders seemed to have a good time.

AID would like to thank the following people for helping make this event possible: our volunteers, Moose International (particularly Chris Ecker for his ride-knowledge), the Fair family, Hoss's Roadhouse, Knucklehead's Tavern, Mott's Lounge, Outpost Tavern, Last Shot Bar & Grill and all of the individuals who brought in their generous pledges.

We hope to see a sunnier day for next year's ride!