July 2024

CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING OPTIONS


IS NOW



Dear Friends,

 

I am beyond excited about our new name! It was a long journey to reach this official launch of Independence Alliance. Thank you to our staff and board for their guidance in developing a brand that invites everyone to feel the welcoming embrace of our organization.


It has been an honor to work with a talented strategy team at Olberding Brand Family to create this identity for our organization. We appreciate their expertise and guidance throughout the rebranding process.



Why did we change our name? 

Changing our name to Independence Alliance will help us to better communicate our mission and reach more people with disabilities. Our new name represents “Independence” because we assist people with disabilities to reach their goals to live independently; and “Alliance” signifies the partnership that connects our organization to people with disabilities and the community.


What else has changed?

Our logo and brand colors have changed – plus we have adopted as our new tagline:


Empowerment∙Inclusion∙Advocacy


Our mission has not changed: We empower people with disabilities to lead independent and inclusive lives in the community.


What about our services? 

Our services will not change; we continue to support people with physical, sensory, cognitive, and/or psychological disabilities to reach their self-identified goals. Our core services include Independent Living Skills Training, Peer Support, Information & Referral, Disability Rights & Advocacy, and Transition Services. 


What is the philosophy behind our services? 

Our model, which differs from other social service agencies, empowers individuals to take control of their lives and decide what independence means to them. We mentor and guide them to help them achieve their self-identified goals. The majority of our board and staff are people with disabilities, giving us the opportunity to provide resources and advocacy based on our first-hand experience.

Who is eligible for our services? 

Any person of any age who has a disability is eligible for our services. There is no fee for our services.


What is our service area? 

We serve the following counties in Ohio: Adams, Brown, Butler, Clermont, Hamilton, Highland, and Warren; and eight counties in Northern Kentucky.


Are contributions accepted?

Absolutely! Donations help us further support people with disabilities to achieve their independent living goals. Since we are a nonprofit charitable organization, donations may be tax-deductible. Visit our website to learn how you can support us.


Where are we located? 

Our office is in the East Walnut Hills neighborhood of Cincinnati at 2368 Victory Parkway, Suite 501. Our location is on several Metro bus routes.


What if I need services? 

Call us at 513-241-2600 or email us. We can answer your questions and put you in contact with the appropriate staff person.

 

Feel free to contact me with any questions or comments, and I hope you and your family enjoy your summer!


Rob Festenstein

Executive Director

Independence Alliance is Now Accepting Referrals for Our

2024 Home Modifications Project!


This project, funded in part by a grant from Greater Cincinnati Foundation, will provide home modifications that will assure a safe and accessible environment for people with disabilities so they can live as independently as possible. 


Home modifications are changes made to a person’s home that create a living environment that is accessible, safe, and promotes independence. These changes can include adding supportive features, such as those that improve a person’s ability to engage in daily activities, care for themselves, or maintain access to community participation. While handrails or temporary ramps are common home modifications, this project can also provide modifications such as lowering a mailbox or doorbell, changing doorknobs to lever style knobs, lowering closet rods, installing a raised toilet, updating faucets to lever handles, adding a handheld shower spray, or updating to a digital thermostat.   

   

Interested in submitting a referral? Our referral guidelines are as follows:


·        Home modifications must be reasonable and necessary.


·        Home modifications must increase a person’s independence.


·        Home modifications must follow ADA guidelines.


·        Interior home modification referrals for a rental property will require a written authorization from landlord or property owner.


·        Eligible applicants must have no other resources to help obtain this modification.


·        The completed referral form must be signed by the participant or a representative. 


·        Participants may live in Southwestern Ohio or Northern Kentucky.


A Home Modifications Project committee will review all referrals. If your referral is approved, an on-site assessment will be completed, and modification/installation work will be carried out through our partnership with People Working Cooperatively. It is our goal to work together to complete each project in an efficient manner and within a suitable time, however, all projects are subject to the availability of the contractor and materials. 

 

Home Modifications Referral Form, click here.

  

Questions? 

Contact Debbie Moorehous or call: 513-338-5110

We are seeking candidates for two part-time positions on our core services team. For the full description, qualifications, and how to apply, click on each position:


Youth Transition Services Specialist


Information & Referral Specialist



Independence Alliance is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of our community.

________________________________________


No Phone Calls Please.


The Abilities At Bat Day at the Great American Ball Park highlights and celebrates people of all abilities in our community while building awareness of disability services. Fun giveaways, pregame ceremonies, an on-field parade, select seating, and a ceremonial pitch will make it a day to remember! Do you have your Abilities At Bat tickets yet? Buy your discounted tickets now to receive a custom drawstring bag ($35 value) and a player bobblehead. A portion of your ticket purchase will support us when you select CILO during checkout.


Just scan the QR Code below!

In late May we completed our 2024 Living Well in the Community, a ten-week workshop series where topics included goal setting, healthy communication, eating well, and more! We were pleased to have Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services (HCDDS) host this series at their Madison Road location. Throughout the series, Amber Cowart, HCDDS Advocacy Coordinator, interacted with the participants and was impressed how one participant, Maxx Morrison, was able to articulate his life experiences. Amber invited Maxx to participate in a speaker series for teens with autism at the Heidt Center of Excellence. Maxx will be speaking about what to expect as a young adult with autism and the importance of advocacy to students preparing to transition from high school. We are proud of Maxx and hope this speaker series leads to other opportunities for advocacy! (Photo – Maxx, on far left)

Employee Anniversaries


Join us in congratulating Stephanie Johnson, Support Services Specialist, celebrating 6 years of service; and Dee Henry, Disability Rights & Advocacy Specialist, celebrating one year of service.


Learn more here about how using your

Kroger Plus Card can support our organization!

Once you have signed up there is nothing more

to do other than use your Kroger Plus Card

at the checkout!


Help us increase the number of households participating by signing up today!

Jazzed About Art

benefiting Art Beyond Boundaries


This annual event continues to be one of the premiere fusions of

art featuring local visual and musical artists creatively collaborating for a cause! Tickets include music from Art Gore & The Jazz Knights with dinner catered by Ollie's Trolley, and valet parking. The fun includes a Bourbon Pull and a fabulous raffle.


Friday, November 8, 2024

6:00 - 10:00pm


Woodward Theater, 1404 Main Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202


Tickets $75 per person


Purchase tickets at Woodward Theater or Art Beyond Boundaries



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