Team Agency Spotlight: UCP Seguin

IL IMAGINES CHICAGO

TEAM AGENCY SPOTLIGHT

Agency/Program name:

UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago

3100 S. Central Ave.

Cicero, Illinois 60804

(708) 863-3803

www.ucpseguin.org

MISSION:

We believe that all people, regardless of ability, deserve to achieve their potential, advance their independence and act as full members of the community. So we stop at nothing to provide life skills training, assistive technology, meaningful employment and a place to call home for people with disabilities, as well as specialized foster care for children.

Our goal: life without limits for people with disabilities.

RANGE OF SERVICES:

UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago provides a wide array of innovative services for adults and children. For adults with intellectual disabilities we offer a variety of community living arrangements, case management, employment services, life skills training, respite, home-based support services, and recreational services. We place and support many individuals in community jobs throughout the Greater Chicago area, including in our own social enterprises Seguin Auto Center and Seguin Garden and Gifts.

We also give a home to children and adolescents, with nurturing foster care from birth to 21, including specialized care for children with behavior or medical challenges. In addition, our specialized assistive technology and accessibility services allow us to serve more people, advancing independence and promoting inclusive opportunities for thousands of children and adults with disabilities. Infinitec, with its partners, provides invaluable information about assistive technology, as well as training, equipment and access to specialists and resources. 

DISABILITY ACCESSIBLE:

All of our locations are fully accessible.

Welcome our newest member and admin assistant, Melissa Harrington

Team Member Profile

Team member name:

Melissa Harrington

Position:  

Administrative Assistant for Illinois Imagines Mini-Grant

Agency/Program:

YWCA Metropolitan Chicago/Sexual Violence Support Services

Member since: 2016

Member Bio:

Melissa received her undergraduate degree in Social Work at Northeastern Illinois University and hopes to be attending graduate school in 2017 to obtain her MSW. Melissa has been a volunteer sexual assault crisis counselor with the Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline since 2014 and is passionate about advocating for survivors of sexual assault.

Quote: “No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted” -Aesop

Why I joined IL Imagines.  

I am passionate about working with and advocating for survivors of sexual assault, so working with Illinois Imagines was a perfect opportunity for me to continue that work in a meaningful way.

Fun Fact:  
Even though I am terrible at it, I really enjoy playing tennis! It’s a great way to alleviate stress while getting exercise!

Team Member Profile: Meet Ana Correa

IL IMAGINES CHICAGO 

TEAM MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Team member name:
Ana M. Correa

Position:  
Advocacy Manager

Agency/Program:
Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center

Member since: 2016

Member Bio:

Ana received her master’s degree from University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.   Ana has 15 years of experience working directly with victims of child sexual abuse.  Ana currently manages the Advocacy Team at the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center. Ana continues to seek out evidence based interventions as well as collaboration from complex systems to support children and families.

Quote: “No one can’t hurt you without your consent” Eleanor Roosevelt

Why I joined IL Imagines.

I was invited by Linda Sandman to become a member of the Chicago Team.  I am interested in learning and collaborating with experts in the field, so I can better service our clients.  The Chicago IL Imagine Team is a venue to ongoing assesses what’s best practice to support children and adults with disabilities.

Fun Fact:

Watching cooking shows is a fun way to distress from trauma work!

Educating Providers on Supporting Healthy Sexuality for People with ID/DD.

Presenting on Supporting Healthy Sexuality in People with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities

From left to right:  Krescene Beck, Cathy Saunders, Linda Sandman

llinois Imagines Chicago team members Linda Sandman and Cathy Saunders joined with state team member Krescene Beck on June 29th to provide a full day of training to about 90 disability service providers in Springfield, Illinois. The topic was "Supporting Healthy Sexuality in People with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities". 

The Illinois Crisis Prevention Network (ICPN) sponsored the training and is excited to have this opportunity to work with Illinois Imagines.
by: Linda Sandman

IL Imagines Chicago's #SAAM2016 Awareness vi ART and PICTURES.

In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month #SAAM2016, we organized activities that opened opportunities for people to create messages of support through art and pictures.

Learn more about us on our socials.
Facebook
Twitteer
Instagam

Using Our VOICES for ART
The IL Imagines Chicago organized a creative arts event hosted by our partner Access Living.   13 attendees including, self advocates, survivors, disability and rape crisis staff and allies, all shared their creative energies to make a beautiful collective art piece covered with empowering words, images and messages of support for survivors of sexual violence on their healing journey.

Our intention is to display this art piece whenever possible at various community events.  Follow us on our socials to hear when you can see the art in person.:)

Thank you to our organizing team;
Anacany Barrera; Metro YWCA and Team Co-Chair
Carrie Kaufmann; Access Living
Jae Jin Pak; Self Advocate and Team Co-Chair
Julie Parikh; Metro YWCA Intern
Lisa Cesal; Self Advocate/Author
Lubia Nuñez-Montelongo; Mujeras Latinas en Acion

Tara Wickey; Self Advocacy Alliance

A very SPECIAL THANK YOU to all the wonderful artists who made this possible.

 

#OURRIHTSRIGHTRNOW Photo Campaign

We launched the #ourrightsrightnow photo campaign to show support for survivors of sexual violence with disabilities by asking people to take pictures of themselves holding signs with a message of support.   See our "2016 our rights right now" blog post for full details.

We have a good start, but as #SAAM2016 winds down, we want to keep the momentum.  Please keep sending us your selfies with messages of hope, healing and support by using either template below.

Blank template to make your own message.

Here are some messages so far.  See more by following our instagram @ilimagineschicago

Sign Text: "our rights are non-negociable!!"

Sign text: "Our rights... I support #survivors with #disabilities #right to be seen, heard, believed and RESPECTED."

Sign text: "Our rights... SAFETY is a RIGHT."

Sign text: "Our rights... to CHOICE and OPTIONS."

Sign text: "Our rights... I support better access to police support."

Sign text: "Our rights... Should be Respected, Protected: Never Dejected! Disability is Credibility!"

Sign text: "Our rights... #Respect4allabilities"

Sign text: "Our rights... Survivors can #fight, Survivors can #love, Survivors can #heal"

Sign text: "Our rights... #Freedom from Abuse"

Sign text: "Our rights... to be BELIEVED   to be HEARD"

Sign text: "Our rights... 83% of disabled women are assaulted.  100% of us deserve to be heard, believed, and respected."

Sign text: "Our rights... to be heard--- to access services.  to be believed."

#SAAM2016: OUR RIGHTS...RIGHT NOW Photo Campaign

Sexual Assault Awareness Month #SAAM2016

OUR RIGHTS...RIGHT NOW 

Photo Campaign

co-chair, Jae JIn Pak 
with his message of support.

In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month #saam2016, IL Imagines Chicago is launching #ourrightsrightnow photo campaign. 

We want to show support for survivors of sexual violence with disabilities through the power of pictures.

Our Goal:

We want to collect and post as many pictures of people holding a sign with a supportive message for survivors of sexual violence with disabilities.  Like the ones shown above and below.
Send questions to ilimagineschicago@gmail.com 

We invite Survivors, People with Disabilities, and Allies.

Fab Intern; Julie Parikh
with her message of support.

Co-Chair; Anacany Barrera
with her message of support.

Help us go viral!  
Join us! Add your message of support. It's easy.

• Download the sign you wish to use below.
• If you use the "sample" sign, take a picture of yourself holding it in front of you.
• If you use the "blank" sign, write or draw your message of support.
• Take a picture of yourself holding your sign in front of you so it is visible and readable.
• Post to instagram, facebook, twitter with the hashtags;
• #ilimagineschicago, #saam2016, #ourrightsrightnow
• Please tag us in your posts so we can find them.  
• Facebok-@ilimagineschicago
• Twitter-@ilimagineschgo
• Instagram-@ilimagineschicago
• Share and invite others to post.

THANK YOU! :)

sample sign

Blank sign for you to fill out.

We invite Survivors, People with Disabilities, and Allies.

Featured Team Agency Profile: CHS

IL IMAGINES CHICAGO

TEAM AGENCY SPOTLIGHT

Agency/Program name:

Chicago Hearing Society, a division of Anixter Center

2001 N. Clybourn Ave.  Suite 200

Chicago, Illinois 60614

Office: (773) 248-9121

Web: www.chicagohearingsociety.org

Facebook: facebook.com/ChicagoHearingSociety

Twitter: ChgoHearingSociety

Agency overview:

Chicago Hearing Society (CHS) empowers Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Hearing people to communicate and collaborate by providing an array of social services, advocacy, support programs and assistive technology products to Deaf and Hard of Hearing people.

Agency/Program Mission:

Since 1916, CHS has offered programs and services that improve the lives of deaf and hard of hearing individuals by empowering them to connect with the world around them.

Range of services:

Hearing Health Clinic and hearing aids, Sign Language Interpreter and Translator Services, Free Amplified Telephones, Information and Referral, Video Remote Interpreting (VRI), Captioning, Parent Support, Hearing Aid Bank, Tinnitus Program, Youth Program, Victim Assistance, Domestic Violence Counseling, Income Tax Return Preparation, Deaf Community Calendar of Events (Deaf Line)

Specialties:

Our staff is fluent in American Sign Language and Spanish

Disability accessible:

CHS is 100% Disability accessible.

Team Member Spotlight: Meet Co-Chair Jae Jin :)

IL Imagines Chicago Team Member Spotlight

Team member name: Jae Jin Pak; Self Advocate

Position:  Co-Chair for 2015-2017

Member since: 2009

Member Bio:  

Jae Jin Pak is a social justice advocate, educator, and ally.  For over 20 years, he has worked on issues of mental health, ending men’s violence against women, disability, anti-oppression and cultural competency.  He has presented for high school & college students, teachers, law enforcement, medical staff, faith leaders, social service providers & community members.  

He has served on the Board of Directors of the Asian American Suicide Prevention Initiative (AASPI), Asian Giving Circle, the IL Imagines Chicago Team, IL Caucus for Adolescent Health (ICAH), Korean American Community Services (KACS), IL Coalition Against Domestic Violence MEN Committee and IL Coalition Against Sexual Assault Education & Training Committee.  He is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Quote:

"All that is necessary for evil to succeed is for good men to do nothing."

Edmund Burke

Why I joined IL Imagines.

I wanted to connect with my “disability” identity.   I learned of the lack of outreach to the disability community about men’s violence against women’s issues.  Being a person with a disability, I realized I could be a voice and bridge to educate, advocate and ally to my disability community.  I want to help.

Fun Fact:  

I’m a geek who loves my gadgets, gizmos and a long time Doctor Who fan. Life is timey whimey. :)

Team Member Spotlight: Say hello to our intern Julie :)

IL Imagines Chicago Team Member Profile

Team member name: Julie Parikh

Position:  Intern

Agency/Program: YWCA

Member since: December 2015

Member Bio:

I am 22 years old and I am from Plainfield, IL. I am currently finishing my undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago. I will be graduating with a B.A. in Applied Psychology with a minor in Criminology, Law, and Justice. I am a Resident Assistant at UIC and enjoy creating social programs for my residents. My goal is to attain a Masters in Social Work and to continue advocacy work in Chicago.

Quote:

"Be the change that you wish to see in the world"

Why I joined IL Imagines.

My goal is to work to promote future changes in the system to help those that may not be able to advocate for themselves. I stand by IL Imagines message that advocates can not only just help survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault, but can make a lasting change in our community.

Fun Fact:

My favorite color is purple.

Featured Team Agency Profile: Metro YWCA

IL IMAGINES CHICAGO

TEAM AGENCY SPOTLIGHT

Agency/Program name: 

YWCA Metropolitan Chicago/Sexual Violence Support Services

820 W Jackson, Ste 550

Chicago IL 60607 

Office: 312.229.7259 

24hr Rape Crisis Hotline: 888.293.2080

Web: www.ywcachicago.org 

Facebook: facebook.com/ywcachicago

Twitter:  twitter.com/ywcachicago

Agency overview:

YWCA Metropolitan Chicago is committed to providing women with the support and tools needed to transform their lives, be confident in their choices and make valuable contributions to their communities.

Agency/Program Mission:

YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

Range of services: 

Sexual Violence Support Services:

Counseling, Medical and Legal Advocacy, Prevention Education, Rape Crisis Hotlines

Specialties:   

Rape Crisis Services 

Disability accessible:

All Facilities are accessible.

Meet our Senior Co-Chair Anacany Barrera:)

IL Imagines Chicago Team Member Spotlight

Team member name: Anacany Barrera         

Position:  Coordinator, Crisis Line and Volunteer Services

Agency/Program: YWCA Metropolitan Chicago Sexual Violence Support Services

Member since: 2013

Member Bio: 

Anacany received her undergraduate degree in History from Utah Valley University.  Anacany brings six years of experience working directly with underserved members of the community through Head Start.  Anacany spent three years as the Bilingual Prevention Educator for the YWCA Sexual Violence and Support Services. Anacany is on mission to innovate how we provide services on the Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline and expand our volunteer program.

Quote: 

“There is no agony like an untold story inside of you.” 

Maya Angelou  

Why I joined IL Imagines.  

I was invited to attend the Chicago Team meeting when I started working at the YWCA and that is all it took.  I am very interested in working with underserved populations and IL Imagines is a perfect way for me to get involved. 

Fun Fact:  

I am a member of the Jane Austen Society of North America, Chicago Chapter and a mom to an adorable pup.

Hello 2013! It's all about the education...

Hi, I'm Megan one of the co-chairs for our Illinois Imagines Team. I am a sexual violence prevention educator at Rape Victim Advocates here in Chicago. I've been involved in the local Illinois Imagines collaboration since February of 2010.


Hmm, hmm...

Well what to talk about first? Illinois Imagines has been very active over the past few months. At the end of October I had the opportunity to attend the 2012 National Conference on Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Against People with Disabilities. It was great to meet the women who have pioneered researching the intersection of disability and sexual violence. I went all the way down to Louisville to hear these speakers talk about their experiences in their own communities and how they focus on this intersection. The most enjoyable thing about this conference was the reminder that I am not doing this work alone. Not only do I have my Chicago team behind me but there are people all over the country who 'get it'. They are doing this incredibly challenging and necessary work and have been for decades. Here's a great quote from the workshop "Perspectives: Learning from the Past for a Better Future" with speakers Roberta Sick and Leslie Myers..."baby steps! Where you're at is where you start. If not you then who?" It was inspiring! 
Here are a couple of photos from the time I spent there: 

What else...

Well as you know one of our main goals on our team is not only professional development and education, like my trip to Louisville, but also having these conversations within the community. From October through December of 2012 myself and another educator, Stephen Adler from Rape Victim Advocates, worked with about 14 post-secondary students who have disabilities. We met with the Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education students once a week for six weeks to talk about everything from dating relationships, options for survivors of violence and a whole lot about consent (one of my favorite topics). I would say it was a success!

Illinois Imagines also worked with Access Living in December. If you don't know Access Living they are amazing. Check them out here! This organization is definitely integral within our team dynamic... Anyway, we lead a two-part workshop on healthy relationships and sexual violence for the Empowered Fe Fe's, a group of women with disabilities that meet regularly at Access. We had some interesting conversations and a couple of the participants mentioned they were surely prepared to help a friend if they ever needed it following a sexual assault. Sexual violence is a tough topic but it's great to have more access to resources in the community. Talking about dating violence and sexual abuse are not fun topics but we always try to end on a positive note. Here is a picture of our "empowerment graffiti board" and a group shot. Hey that's me with the green scarf!

So that's all for now. It was a great 2012 and we have some pretty rockin' things planned for 2013. We are just getting started!

-Megan for Illinois Imagines Chicago

INCLUSION vs EXCLUSION-A MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION

Concerning the subject of persons with Disabilities participating in the process, and a sister With a disability, I feel:
To include me is to empower me
To exclude me is to devour me, allowing evil
Thoughts of my violation to overpower me- like a Broken winged dove, I can not fly- refreshed only by th Silent tears I cry.

Do no turn a deaf ear, but please do hear and believe the Testimony I give.  I will not die, but live- survive 
Eventually, thrive and fly.

Allow me full inclusion, and be
Not disillusioned.  I am a credible person
With physical limitations.  Train me as 
A rape victim advocate and I
WIll be a force to be reckoned with.

Allow me in the courtroom with DNA evidence. 
He did not have consent- and so the full intent of
His actions were not clearly understood by her.
Give me the knowledge of how to put him away- 
And make today- his last day of freedom.

Do not turn a blinded eye to  me.
Open your eyes, and clearly see, my abilities.
Just how needed, I would be, for the survivor
Who has a disability.
Liability or asset- which one
Shall I be?

However, another question arises.
Do I stand alone?
How many others will there be?
To stand up with me, to ensure the next
Generation is sexually violent free?
Do you hear my passionate plea?
Full inclusion is a hard fought for
Victory.

Victory is assured by the number of
People with disabilities trained to work side by side with me.

Author: C. Saunders copyright 2012

posted by Jae Jin Pak with the kind permission of the author.