Shore CEO Alexis India Alm, kicked off the evening by thanking all for joining and presenting outgoing Board President, Natalie Romano with a Distinguished Service Award for her wonderful leadership and 19+ years of service to Shore as Board President as well as many other key board positions in her many years of serving Shore. She has brought in a fresh perspective, positive energy, and many new relationships to Shore's Board. Natalie will move to Shore's Honorary Board and we will remain grateful for her efforts and leadership for years to come.

Douglas Schwartz, who was unable to attend, received a Distinguished Service Award for his 17 years of service on Shore's Board. Doug became involved in 2000 and served in many capacities. His architectural expertise has been invaluable; we are beyond grateful for all that Doug has done to make Shore a special place.

Incoming Board President, Meridith Adams, will provide strong leadership. She has been a valuable member of Shore's Board for many years. Meridith talked to the group about her passion for Shore and the amazing family tradition she will carry forward. We are so happy to have Meridith's leadership as Shore transforms into the future able to meet the new challenges ahead. Thank you, Meridith!

Esther Wilson and Pam Kinder, from Club Demonstration Services (CDS), graciously accept their award for Shore's Employer of The Year along with Job Coach, Ryan Polley, and Brian Keran, a Shore client who has happily worked at CDS for over a year.

Esther and Pam (from CDS) were honored to receive this award from Shore and they graciously told the audience they would love to hire more qualified candidates from Shore and hope to grow our relationship. We are so happy to work with Esther, Pam, and CDS!

Steve Burke is pictured with Job Coach, Ryan Polley after being presented with a Personal Achievement Award. Steve completed his Ready to Work Certificate last fall, enjoyed his classes, and felt ready to seek community employment.

Steve soon got a job at Jewel in Niles as a bagger. He loves his position, especially making friendly small talk with customers. He likes is supervisors and coworkers too. Stave says that Shore "never gave up on me and gave me new life and purpose."

We're proud of Steve's accomplishments; he's our first success story after initiating the Ready for Work program. His success inspires is peers. Congratulations on winning a 2023 Personal Achievement Award!

Michael Joyce, pictured above with Lanisa Abrams, Director of LLC and Residential Services won a Personal Achievement Award. He moved into the Brown CILA in early 2021 and takes great pride in doing his laundry, helping with barbequing chicken, and sitting on the patio listening to his favorite oldies.

He loves taking walks and his new favorite activity is going to dinner at Dengeo's in Skokie.

Michael recently requested that new Superhero pictures be placed on his living room wall because "why not have a picture of Spiderman, Captain American or Iron Man?" Thank you Michael for being such a great addition to our resident home in Evanston!

William Philip McEnroe was presented with a Personal Achievement Award by Necole Miller, Shore's Chief Program Officer.

Philip has been a Shore residential client since April 11, 2016. He's made tremendous progress navigating the public transportation system in and around Evanston. Philip volunteers around the townhome by taking care of the raspberry bushes in front of his unit and leaves fresh water on the lawn for the local birds.

When the opportunity presents itself again, he wants to return to volunteering at the Lois Lloyd Center, reading to clients. Philip has developed good comradery with his roommate, who shares housekeeping duties equally. They enjoy going to the local pub together on Fridays. Philip enjoys bowling, participating in the Special Olympics, and watching sports, especially Cubs baseball games. His personal support staff report that he is friendly and has a good sense of humor. He enjoys testing their knowledge of TV trivia.

Philip gave a beautiful acceptance speech and his family as well as his roommate, Jerry's family were happy to celebrate this special honor together!

Isabel Castillo was presented with a Personal Achievement Award from Alex Halilovic, Director of Shore Homes.

Isabel is our “girly girl” at Shore Homes East; she loves wearing dresses and cute accessories. Isabel is always ready for a party, and is considered by her home as the best dancer. She has a passion for music, especially Elvis, and movies. She learned to use a laptop to listen to her favorite Latin Music.

Isabel's family visits her at Shore Homes East, bringing so much joy into Izzy’s life. Recently Isabel has joined the Lois Lloyd Center for day programming. Attending LLC is one of the best things to happen to her. She has formed new friendships, enjoys painting, looking at books and magazines, movies, and has joined the walking club. Isabel is a ray of sunshine who brings light to all around her. 

Larry Lasko was thrilled to receive his Personal Achievement Award from Lanisa Abrams, Director of Lois Lloyd Center and CILAs.

Larry has been a part of the Lois Lloyd Center since January of 2007. His favorite activity is to greet guests as they enter the building and then to formally introduce himself. After his introduction, he must get your name. This makes Larry feel important and it’s his way of saying, “you are visiting my Day Program”. Larry is helpful; when it comes to activities, he enjoys nature walks, especially when the sun is shining brightly, and dancing to his favorite Michael Jackson songs.

Larry recently stumbled across his new passion of walking to the Skokie Mart and purchasing a large Cherry Slurpee or Diet coke. He loves the interaction that occurs while he is out in the community making a purchase. Given Larry’s caring nature, helpful spirit, and polite manners, he was chosen as the 2023 Personal Achievement Recipient for the Lois Lloyd Center. Keep up the great work Larry! 

Daniel puts clean dishes away before he gets back to his washing station.

Daniel loves keeping busy at his new job and is appreciative of the support he has been given from Shore.