Centers for Independence

Today marks the 86th anniversary of the founding of the Centers for Independence! For nearly a century, we have been dedicated to promoting independence and enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

From providing essential resources and support to advocating for rights and inclusion, our journey has been driven by the strength and resilience of the community we serve. Here's to the countless lives transformed and the many more we will touch in the years to come.

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this incredible journey. Let's continue to champion independence and make the world a more inclusive place for all! 💙🎉

A statement from CFI President & CEO Leif Elsmo:

"On July 26, 1990 President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act into law.

"On this 34th anniversary of that historic day, we here at CFI are proud to celebrate and carry on the legacy that bill was dedicated to do - create a community filled with diversity and inclusion.

"We hope you join us in recognizing the ADA anniversary as we at CFI strive to partner with people of all abilities to advance their total health."

On Tuesday, CFI staff took some time and attended an educational seminar about the Americans with Disabilities Act.

It was 34 years ago this Friday that the historic Civil Rights law was signed by President George H.W. Bush.

CFI’s Diversity & Inclusion team organizes and leads several learning opportunities to help staff foster an inclusive environment.

To learn more about CFI’s D&I initiatives, visit our website: https://cfihope.org/diversity-and-inclusion/

Wellness Committee hosted a Video Games Break for staff. There wasn’t much mercy shown in several rounds of Mario Kart 😁😁

“Laughter gives us distance. It allows us to step back from an event, deal with it and then move on.” – Bob Newhart

For Caregivers, Laughter Can be the Best Medicine It’s no secret that caring for a loved one is a very stressful role, and the medical issues that your senior faces are certainly no laughing matter. But that doesn’t mean that caregivers – and their loved ones – can’t spend a few moments of the day

Tell your friends! We're hiring!

Our Behavioral Health Services is looking for a Masters Level Clinician. CFI's Behavioral Health area is one of the largest providers of mental health care in southeastern Wisconsin, and our Crisis Resource Centers are considered pioneers in the mental health care field, committed to transforming how services are delivered to at-risk populations.

For more information about the position and to submit your resume, visit our website www.cfihope.org.

The August CBRF training schedule at CFI is now available with classes starting July 30.

Behavioral Health provides top-quality community based residential facility (CBRF) certification training from instructors certified by the state of Wisconsin.

We open our classes to anyone in the community interested in CBRF training as well as employers who require quality training for their employees.

For more information, including class schedule and course descriptions, visit our website: https://cfihope.org/programs-services/behavioral-health/ -training-and-education

Thank you BAYCOM for the help!!

CFI staff and guests had a great time the Brewers game Sunday and they won, thanks to home runs by William Contreras, W***y Adames and Garrett Mitchell! Thank you Milwaukee Brewers for hosting and playing a great game!

MCFI Home Care, one of CFI's affiliates, is looking to hire daily living specialists in Grafton.

Apply at mcfihomecare.org!

CFI was honored to host Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services (DHS) Secretary Kirsten Johnson and Medicaid Director Bill Hanna for a tour of our facility and programs July 1.

Our team and program leads were outstanding! Our guests were impressed, and exciting partnership opportunities are on the horizon! DHS and Medicaid help fund many of the programs we lead through CFI. Our guests toured our Pharmacy, Pediatric Skilled Nursing, and LIFE programs. It was an important and inspiring visit!

Did you know this?

Today was the CFI staff and guests outing at American Family Field.

Give Willie from Nutrition Services a big high-five! He helped serve more than 100 meals in an hour during the first Washington Park Wednesdays of the summer yesterday (July 11)!!!!

This month's Talking Points e-newsletter is now available. We take a look back at the Free Summer Meals kickoff event, the Concordia 27 ribbon cutting and a commemoration of the upcoming 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act becoming law.

Read the full Talking Points here: https://cfihope.org/talkingpoints/july-2024-talking-points-free-summer-meals-program-kicks-off-in-milwaukee/

Don't forget to subscribe!! 😊

We are hosting a job fair for Daily Living Specialist, Community Health Worker, CNA today in Grafton. We’re here until 3!

Bring a resume and a smile 😁

Use this link for your GPS. Woodside Prairie Apartments and Townhomes: https://g.co/kgs/akEwHp6

In our latest Nutrition Focus newsletter, we offer tips for picking the best produce and when to do so.

READ MORE: https://cfihope.org/programs-services/food-and-nutrition-services/ -focus-newsletter

Reminder. We will be hosting a job fair for Daily Living Specialist, Community Health Worker, CNA, this Thursday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in Grafton.

Use this link for your GPS. Woodside Prairie Apartments and Townhomes: https://g.co/kgs/akEwHp6

If you can't make it, be sure to check out our website at cfihope.org.

This is such a valuable asset for our clients and the community at large.

At the Center for Independence's Urban Garden, clients grow food while cultivating skills At the Milwaukee Center for Independence's Urban Garden, people with disabilities grow veggies while increasing their ability to live autonomously.

The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law July 26, 1990. We're thankful for what the law has meant for diversity and inclusion.

The ADA National Network is celebrating Disability Pride month! Explore our resources designed for people with disabilities at our website here: https://adata.org/audience/people-disabilities

Don't be afraid to ask for help ...

How Much is Too Much? It’s well-documented that caregivers often suffer from emotional and physical health problems because of their overwhelming caregiving duties. According to the Mayo Clinic, caregiver stress is common.

A reminder that CFI's administrative offices and main campus will be closed July 4. Group homes and Crisis Resource Centers will be open.

Have a safe and Happy Fourth of July holiday!

We are back in the kitchen putting together another healthy and tasty recipe. Watch for the demo coming out soon!

MCFI Home Care, one of CFI's affiliates, is looking to hire community service providers.

Apply today at https://rebrand.ly/MCFI-HomeCare-CSP!

On July 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act into law. It's passing meant it was unlawful to discriminate against people with disabilities.

As we approach the 34th anniversary of the law's signing, we invite you to join us in commemorating the ADA and what it has meant for diversity and inclusion.

Learn how at www.adata.org/ada-anniversary

“It’s extremely rewarding for the clients because they tap into skills that we don’t always see that they have strengths in,” said Erin Dentice, supervisor of LIFE services for CFI.

Urban farm helps those with developmental disabilities grow and cultivate skills The CFI horticulture program has a goal to produce at least 1,000 pounds of fresh food this year.

Later this month is the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act being signed into law.

As we celebrate Disability Pride Month, let's remember that mental illness is a valid form of disability. Let's advocate for understanding, support, and inclusivity for all. Every voice matters. Every experience is valid. 💪🧠

Say hello to Adriana! She is a student at Mount Mary University where she is studying dietetics and is an intern in CFI's Food and Nutrition Services area!