Community Link News

Buddy Walk Success

Monica Mensing — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:03:13 +0000

The top fundraising team for the second year in a row was Team Torino – Strides for Steve Timmermann raising over $4,410.

Community Link held their 6^th Annual Buddy Walk Saturday, April 21^st at Carlyle Lake. With over 500 people registered for the Buddy Walk, 300 more than last year, the cold weather was not enough to scare people away from walking for a great cause! Community Link’s Buddy Walk brought in over $19,000 in gross proceeds, which is $10,000 more than last year!!

Thank you to all who came out to enjoy the day.

A special thank you goes out to this year’s Buddy Walk sponsors. The gold sponsors were Foppe Insurance Agency and John Hudspeth, Your State’s Attorney. Silver sponsors included Henken Storage, First County Banks, and Kohnen Concrete. Thank you to the U.S. Army Corp. of Engineers, Clinton County Parrot Head Club, First Bank employees, Wesclin High School students, Mater Dei Track Team and students for the tremendous help the day of the event. Other donors who made the day possible include Excel Bottling of Breese, Hardees of Breese, J & W Produce, Taylor Made Signs, Peek Rentals, and Pepsi Mid Am. Visit www.commlink.org or ‘like’ us on Facebook for more information on Community Link.

Production Contract Filled

Monica Mensing — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:14:09 +0000

The Community Link Breese East Production site recently received a new contract that required 25,000 bags to be completed by April 11, 2012. This contract employed 28 individuals, along with a tight deadline that required extra hours outside of the normal work schedule. The individuals pulled together and worked diligently to meet the deadline. This contract was secured by our volunteer, Phil Shy.

2012 Spring Possibilities

Monica Mensing — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 17:19:01 +0000

Follow the link to read the latest issue of the Possibilities, our quarterly newsletter to the public.

APR 2012 Spring Possibilities

Family & Friends Gather

Monica Mensing — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 20:53:28 +0000

The Family & Friends support group met March 6, 2012 to greet our new Executive Director, John Huelskamp. The group asked questions regarding the agency’s financial status with the State of Illinois and future growth. John announced the agency purchased its 7^th CILA group home which is located in Breese. The Ligas lawsuit was explained and the impact that will have on allowing individuals to move from ICFDD’s and 16 bed homes to smaller group homes.

The Places Katie Can Go

Monica Mensing — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 20:35:38 +0000

Katie Bunt, a Community Link program participant, loves children and has always wanted to work at a day care center. In order for Katie to fulfill her dream, she and her program manager, Angela Zurliene, sat down and discussed possible options. Angela spoke with the site leader at Siblings and Company day care in Breese, and an opportunity for Katie to volunteer arose. On March 2, 2012, in honor of the famous Dr. Seuss’ birthday, Katie and Angela read, “Oh the Places You’ll Go” to the Pre-K students and assisted with two activities. Everyone had a blast and it was a great experience for Katie and the students. She is hoping to do this again in the future.

FLFP Class Underway at Breese East Site

Monica Mensing — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 20:29:35 +0000

A Full Life Future Planning (FLFP) class is off and running at the Breese East site. Tammy Neaville, a trained coach and program manager for Community Link, is facilitating a class that is filled with fun and interactive activities that encourage teaching each other as well as learning from each other. Topics covered during the FLFP program include: Hopes & Dreams, Goal Setting, Action Planning, Resources, Assets, and Fears & Obstacles. The consolidated class meets twice a week and includes eight participants. The participants are identifying dreams and goals and are taking the steps to achieve these ideas along with the aid of staff. These classes are also offered at the Breese West and Fairview Heights Metro sites. It is a learning experience for both the coach and the participants; but when they take steps towards living the lives they want based on their dreams, the possibilities are endless.

BW Bake Sale

Monica Mensing — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 21:21:12 +0000

“Team BEST” raised $350 for the Buddy Walk today during their first bake sale. “Team BEST” stands for “Breese East Staff Team” and was organized by Donna Fitzgerald, RN/Program Manager at the East building. A big thank you to all who purchased and helped out in making this a huge success! Just from today, “Team BEST” raised more money than they had from all last year’s achievements. Remember to mark your calendar for Saturday, April 21^st, for the annual Buddy Walk at Carlyle Lake. Watch for more information to come.

Possibilities Newsletter

Monica Mensing — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:33:55 +0000

Follow the link to read the latest issue of the Possibilities, our quarterly newsletter to the public.

2012 JAN Winter Newsletter Final

CCPHC Spring Phling

Monica Mensing — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:37:12 +0000

The Clinton County Parrot Head Club is hosting their 5th Annual Spring Phling on February 25, 2012 at Bretz Wildlife Lodge & Winery in Carlyle, IL. Tickets are $25 each, a chicken and beer dance is provided, which includes draft beer, soda and chicken; you may bring your own snacks. A silent auction will be held, along with raffles and prizes. The doors open at 6:45 PM, and the food will be served at 8:00 PM. To be a sponsor, get tickets or for more information, contact Todd Peppenhorst, President of the CCPHC at 618-792-6586 or toddpccparrot@yahoo.com. Proceeds benefit Community Link.

Centrue Bank Employees

Monica Mensing — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:12:26 +0000

Employees from Centrue Bank raised and donated $235 towards the agency’s Annual Appeal Drive. They presented the check to Hanna Laminack, one of our program participants at the West Developmental Training site. Community Link is very grateful to the Centrue employees for this generous donation. Pictured l to r: Anna Antonelli, Branch Manager; program participant Hanna Laminack; Executive Director John Huelskamp; and Hanna’s Aunt, Tanya Laminack, Loan Servicing, Fairview Heights.