A Guiding Light for Transitioning to the Community
February 2024
It’s been said that it takes just one person to motivate a community and make a difference. Our member James is doing exactly that.
James has been part of our community living program for more than 10 years and currently resides in one of our homes with remote support. Prior to Envision Unlimited, he lived in a state-operated developmental center in the south suburbs. He now enjoys a life of choice and independence, taking public transportation throughout the Chicago area and regularly visiting his mother on the South Side.
James is also a transition mentor with The ARC of Illinois Family Transition Project – a program geared for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are living in state-operated centers and want to explore life in the community. Transition mentors share their firsthand experiences of community living with fellow members, professionals in the field, policymakers, the media and the general public.
“I like being a mentor,” James said, noting how he enjoys meeting and speaking with different people in diverse groups and settings.
We’re so proud of James and all that he has accomplished!