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Building Lives Building Futures Corporate Office: 4060 McFarland Road • Loves Park, IL 61111 • 815/654-6100 • www.MILESTONE-INC.org MATTERS Newsletter For The Friends & Supporters of MILESTONE, Inc. FULFILLING OUR MISSION SPRING 2020 CONTENTS Planning for the Future 3 It Was A Night to Shine 4 Helping MILESTONE 5 Special Olympics Update 6 Helping Miss Carley’s 7 Monster Cup 8 M ILESTONE’s mission is to help each Individual reach their fullest potential. MILESTONE’s staff develops a unique plan for each Individual in order to meet this goal. Since 1973 the staff has worked to develop specialized programs to meet the needs of the Individual. There are 2 specialized Autism classrooms at the MILESTONE Training Center where the programs keep evolving to meet the changing needs of the participants. The first Autism class was created with the help of Dr. Robert Fox MILESTONE’s consulting Psychologist, shortly thereafter a second classroom was added in order to meet the need. The goals in the classroom include working to reduce maladaptive behaviors, introduce daily structure, increase skills and to improve quality of life for the Individuals. These classrooms are filled with a variety of sensory items. For example a sensory ball placed in the palms of someone’s hand can help them remain calm. There is also a two-person swing that the individuals enjoy using because of the movement it provides. Tuesday is recycling day for pop cans, paper and plastic, and old boxes which are donated to the Winnebago County animal shelter. There is always time for some fun. Favorite outings include going to Burger King, Beef-A-Roo, McDonald’s, or Dollar Tree stores. In the fall a visit to the Apple Orchard is a tradition. While the activities and programs change over time the one thing that does not change is the staff’s commitment to developing a plan that helps each Individual have the best quality of life possible. SAVE THE DATE: June 8, 2020 Monster Cup Golf Honoring First Responders The Club at Mauh Nah Tee See

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Page 1: Newsletter For The Friends & Supporters of MILESTONE, Inc.milestone-inc-il.org/MilestoneMatters/20_1st.pdf · 2020-06-09 · Building Lives • Building Futures Corporate Office:

Building Lives • Building Futures

Corporate Office: 4060 McFarland Road • Loves Park, IL 61111 • 815/654-6100 • www.MILESTONE-INC.org

M A T T E R SNewsletter For The Friends & Supporters of MILESTONE, Inc.

FULFILLING OUR MISSION SPRING 2020C O N T E N T S

Planning for the Future

3

It Was A Night to Shine

4

Helping MILESTONE

5

Special Olympics Update

6

Helping Miss Carley’s7

Monster Cup8

MILESTONE’s mission is to help each Individual reach their fullest

potential. MILESTONE’s staff develops a unique plan for each Individual in order to meet this goal. Since 1973 the staff has worked to develop specialized programs to meet the needs of the Individual. There are 2 specialized Autism classrooms at the MILESTONE Training Center where the programs keep evolving to meet the changing needs of the participants. The

first Autism class was created with the help of Dr. Robert Fox MILESTONE’s consulting Psychologist, shortly thereafter a second classroom was added in order to meet the need. The goals in the classroom include working to reduce maladaptive behaviors, introduce daily structure, increase skills and to improve quality of life for the Individuals. These classrooms are filled with a variety of

sensory items. For example a sensory ball placed in the palms of someone’s hand can help them remain calm. There is also a two-person swing that the individuals

enjoy using because of the movement it provides.

Tuesday is recycling day for pop cans, paper and plastic, and old boxes which are donated to the Winnebago County animal shelter.

There is always time for some fun. Favorite outings include going to Burger King, Beef-A-Roo, McDonald’s, or Dollar Tree stores. In the fall a visit to the Apple Orchard is a tradition.

While the activities and programs change over time the one thing that does not change is the staff’s commitment to developing a plan that helps each Individual have the best quality of life possible.

SAVE THE DATE: June 8, 2020Monster Cup Golf Honoring First Responders

The Club at Mauh Nah Tee See

Page 2: Newsletter For The Friends & Supporters of MILESTONE, Inc.milestone-inc-il.org/MilestoneMatters/20_1st.pdf · 2020-06-09 · Building Lives • Building Futures Corporate Office:

2

M I L E S T O N E M A T T E R S SPRING 2020

SPRING 2020

For some reason I especially looked forward to the calendar turning over to 2020. Another fresh start to the New Year, a new decade, a clearer focus on the future. So while I am looking forward, I spent some time contemplating the past. I recently celebrated my 10th anniversary as CEO of MILESTONE. The time has flown by. Being born and raised in Rockford, having spent 25 years as a local banker, 11 of which included serving on the MILESTONE Board, I thought I had a pretty good handle on life at MILESTONE. Wrong.

From the first day I walked in the door, trying to fill the giant footsteps of our founder, Jim Hamilton, I quickly learned that life as I knew it would now be different, as I now view everything through a different lens.

Whenever I think I’m having a tough day, I take a walk out into our workshop to visit the men and women we serve who have been dealt a tough hand. Yet they smile, they laugh, they work, they play, they push forward despite the many incredible obstacles they face each and every day.

It’s easy to get caught up in titles. CEO of MILESTONE, that’s a big job people tell me. No, a big job is working back-to-back 8 hour shifts as a Nurse or Direct Care staff because of staffing shortages and the care for the folks we serve cannot waiver. That means weekends, holidays, days or nights when their own family misses out on time with mom or dad. Twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year, the care is in place, for some of the most vulnerable souls on this earth.

The shear reality of it all is this. I’m the luckiest man in Rockford. An incredible wife, 6 healthy kids, a family of nearly 900 here at MILESTONE, and a community that supports us to no end. Just this holiday season we raised more funding to benefit the individuals we serve than ever before. Once again, our supporters have shown incredible support, not for the tax deduction, not because the CEO writes a compelling letter every quarter, but because you care about your fellow man, women, boy and girl. They need your support, and once again, you are there.

In closing I just want to say thank you to our Board of Directors, our management team, our dedicated staff and you, our supporters. Life on earth is a one-time deal, and I love the way it all comes together at MILESTONE.

Thank you!

M. Shawn Way President and CEO

Building Lives • Building Futures

FROM THE DESK OF SHAWN WAY, MILESTONE PRESIDENT AND CEO

Page 3: Newsletter For The Friends & Supporters of MILESTONE, Inc.milestone-inc-il.org/MilestoneMatters/20_1st.pdf · 2020-06-09 · Building Lives • Building Futures Corporate Office:

M I L E S T O N E M A T T E R S SPRING 2020

SPRING 2020 3

PLANNING FOR THE FUTUREWhen you are a parent you worry about many things concerning your children, including what will they do if something happens to me? Change can be hard and most parents what to do whatever they can to help ease their child through the life’s transition. When Michael turned 26 his

parents decided it was time to consider his future. Michael had graduated from Guilford High School and was happy at home, he loved watching movies and volunteering with the Salvation Army. But his parents knew any move would be easier if they were there to help. Jim Geaschel and his wife Cherri contacted Services Inc. of Illinois formerly Access Services, and started the process of finding just the right home for their son. They looked at several residential service providers in Northern Illinois before making a decision. As they learned more about MILESTONE they realized they had fund Michael’s new home. They like the fact he could go to MILESTONE Industries during the day and they were impressed

by the way the staff went the extra mile to listen to them. Michael soon moved in and his parents say it went smoother than they had expected. When issues arise they are addressed and the staff is always willing to listen to their suggestions. Michael visits his parent’s home every Saturday, but his dad says at the end of the day he asks to go back to his home. He still loves to watch movies and go out to eat, but now he can do those things with his housemates. His parents say if they could share any advice with other parents it would be to start planning so you can make the transition easier on everyone, be involved with the staff at your child’s new home and give them as much information as you can because they are there to help and will welcome the input and suggestions.

MILESTONE MISSION STATEMENT “Everyone has the right to be treated with respect, to participate in community life, to develop and exercise personal

competence, to have family and friends, and to make decisions in their lives.” MILESTONE, Inc. exists to ensure that

persons with developmental disabilities can exercise these same rights.

Page 4: Newsletter For The Friends & Supporters of MILESTONE, Inc.milestone-inc-il.org/MilestoneMatters/20_1st.pdf · 2020-06-09 · Building Lives • Building Futures Corporate Office:

M I L E S T O N E M A T T E R S SPRING 2020

SPRING 20204

IT WAS “A NIGHT TO SHINE”

ADOPT A CAMPER NEEDS YOUR HELP

Over 50 Individuals danced the night away at “A Night to Shine” at City First church. Rockford’s event was one of 721 that happened on the same night around the world. Sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation the night featured a red carpet, limo rides, dinner and of course dancing.

Remember the fun you had at summer camp?

Help us make summer camp a reality for everyone at MILESTONE by Adopting a Camper.

For $100 you can sponsor a camper for a week.

Campers will attend one of 4 camps in Wisconsin, Iowa or Illinois, or

Camp Wac A Doodle, a program designed for our medically fragile individuals who need

specialized attention and care

Call the Resource Development department at 815-639-2965 for more information.

Page 5: Newsletter For The Friends & Supporters of MILESTONE, Inc.milestone-inc-il.org/MilestoneMatters/20_1st.pdf · 2020-06-09 · Building Lives • Building Futures Corporate Office:

WOODWARD GRANT HELPS ELMWOOD HEIGHTS

MILESTONE DENTAL CLINIC RECEIVES GRANT TO HELP CHILDREN

M I L E S T O N E M A T T E R S SPRING 2020

SPRING 2020 5

A grant from the Woodward Governor Charitable Foundation funded the purchase of a new EZ Lift for MILESTONE’s Elmwood Heights facility. The lift will be used to transfer the Individuals who live at Elmwood Heights from their bed to their wheelchair or to the whirlpool tub. The use of EZ Lifts has greatly decreased the number of injuries to staff from lifting.

The Milestone Dental Clinic received a grant from the Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation to cover the cost of providing care to children who are uninsured. The Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation is the charitable arm of Delta Dental of Illinois and works to support and improve the oral health of people in Illinois and their access to care, with a specific focus on children.

SPREADING CHEER

SHARING SMILES

The holidays were a bit brighter at 3 MILESTONE facilities, thanks to the efforts of the staff and patrons at Flamingo Slots. They conducted a Secret Santa campaign and donated the collected funds to RocVale, Elmwood Heights, and the MILESTONE Training Center for Christmas presents.

TMDelta Dental of Illinois Foundation

Did you know you can Donate to Milestone, Inc. using a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD).The support we received during 2019 was incredible, especially during our year-end efforts. A good number of our supporters made their donation using a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD), a recently enacted provision that is now a permanent part of the Internal Revenue Code.

If an individual who is currently required to take a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) or when you reach age 72 (New tax law passed in December 2019 SECURE Act) and must take a RMD from your retirement account, you may direct all or a portion of that RMD to a qualified charity, up to as much as $100,000 annually. Milestone, Inc. is a qualified charity. The funds must be distributed directly from the IRA to the charity; your investment advisor will be familiar with the process to ensure the transaction meets IRS requirements and provides the donor the maximum benefit.

Please consult with your tax advisor and/or investment advisor for more information as it relates to Qualified Charitable Distributions.

Winnebago County Corrections Officers put a smile on the faces of the Individuals at Elmwood Heights and of many children at RocVale when they delivered teddy bears. The bears were part of a collection drive sponsored by the Corrections Officers, AT&T, and WTVO.

Page 6: Newsletter For The Friends & Supporters of MILESTONE, Inc.milestone-inc-il.org/MilestoneMatters/20_1st.pdf · 2020-06-09 · Building Lives • Building Futures Corporate Office:

REGIONAL SNOWSHOEING SUCCESS Seven MILESTONE Athletes attended the snowshoeing qualifying event at Mendota High School. They brought home 1 gold medal, 2 silver medals, 2 bronze medals, 3 fourth place ribbons, 3 fifth place ribbons and 1 sixth place ribbon.

STATE SNOWSHOEING COMPETITION

One MILESTONE Athlete advanced to the state snowshoeing competition

in Galena. Lance represented MILESTONE well and brought home the 4th place ribbon.

STATE BOWLING TOURNAMENTMILESTONE Bowlers had a great time at the State Tournament in Peoria. Bobby Efinger earned a silver medal and Janet Waldrop a Bronze medal.

M I L E S T O N E M A T T E R S SPRING 2020

SPRING 20206

SPECIAL OLYMPICS UPDATE

Page 7: Newsletter For The Friends & Supporters of MILESTONE, Inc.milestone-inc-il.org/MilestoneMatters/20_1st.pdf · 2020-06-09 · Building Lives • Building Futures Corporate Office:

M I L E S T O N E M A T T E R S SPRING 2020

SPRING 2020 7

MILESTONE, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) Illinois not-for-profit organization. MILESTONE Matters is developed to inform the public of the program services we offer to developmentally disabled citizens from Northern Illinois. To learn more about MILESTONE and the individuals we serve, please call (815) 654-6100.

President and CEO: M. Shawn Way MILESTONE Matters Editor: Arles HendershottCopyright © 2020 by MILESTONE, inc.

EMPLOYEE ANNIVERSARIES10 yearsRuth Gallagher January Hailee Humphry JanuaryRosalind English FebruaryNick Segalla FebruaryPatricia Fisher March

15 years Andrea Barmore January

25 years Malay Phetvixay February

30 years Dawn Brown February

HELPING MISS CARLEY’S

MILESTONE NEEDS

Everyday Miss Carley’s distributes lunches to the homeless in Rockford. A group of MILESTONE artists decorated the lunch bags used every day as a way to make everyone’s day brighter.

ROCVALE CHILDREN’S HOMEOutdoor Sensory Equipment $10,000

New Furniture $15,0001 month of Art Class and

Music Therapy $1,000Therapeutic Recreational

Opportunities $5,000

MILESTONE TRAINING CENTEROutside Recreation

Area Upgrades $2,000Sensory Therapy Equipment $36,000

MILESTONE INDUSTRIESiPads $1,600

Various Educational Materials $3,000

ELMWOOD EASTEnclosed Patio $10,500Replacement Windows

for Home $20,000

AGENCY WIDEAutomated External Defibrillators (AED)

$2,000Robo-Coupe Commercial Food Processor

$3,80024 chairs for Training room $4,000

Smart Board and Stand for Training Room $6,100

Standing Cooler for Main Kitchen $32,0009 passenger vans for

12 or 15 people $270,000

ADULT GROUP HOMES

Slings for EZ-stand $1,050Patio $1,500

Exercise Equipment $2,550Support Railings $3,000

Washers and Dryers $6,000Screened Porch or 3 Season Room

at 1 Group Home $7,000Carports at 2 Group Homes $11,000

New Furniture $40,000Bathroom Renovations $60,000

ELMWOOD HEIGHTS SPECIALIZED CARE FACILITY

Adaptive Swing Set with Wheel Chair Swing $8,000Medical Equipment $10,000Positioning Slings $11,000

Replacement Entrance Doors $21,500Patio Door Replacements

for Homes $40,000Bedroom/Bathroom Remodels and Upgrades in Each Home $60,000

Replacement Carpet for Two Homes $20,000

EZ lifts $40,000EZ Lift Replacement Batteries $1,000

Replacement Windows $80,000

MILESTONE DENTAL CLINICParking Lot Repair

and Repaving $40,000Replace Carpeting/Flooring $9,000

Ultrasonic Surgical Equipment $7,000

Page 8: Newsletter For The Friends & Supporters of MILESTONE, Inc.milestone-inc-il.org/MilestoneMatters/20_1st.pdf · 2020-06-09 · Building Lives • Building Futures Corporate Office:

M I L E S T O N E M A T T E R S SPRING 2020

Building Lives • Building Futures

4060 McFarland RoadRockford, IL 61111

Non-ProfitOrganizationUS Postage

PAIDPermit #640Rockford, IL

Address Service Requested

HONORING FIRST RESPONDERS Area First Responders will be honored during

MILESTONE’s Annual Monster Cup Golf Playday on June 8.

Police Officers, Firemen, Paramedics and Emergency room personnel are being invited to attend as guests of Milestone and will be paired with a team of 3.

You can be a Monster Sponsor for $1,500 which include a hole sponsor sign, and team registration.

The fee to register a team of is $750 and include a box lunch and dinner, $250 for a single golfer hole sponsorships are $250.

Call the Development office at 815-639-2965 for more information.