Political Leaders in Illinois Attend a Tour of Aspire’s Programs Impacting Adults with Disabilities 

Date

September 23, 2024

Time

3 minutes

Category

News

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(From left to right) Kristin Krok Director of Academies at Aspire, Brad Weir Aspire Board of Directors President, Serena Alaily CEO of Aspire, State Representative Joyce Mason, State Senator Adriane Johnson, Chair Sandy Hart, Congressman Brad Schneider, Ann Taylor Mayor of Waukegan, Joe Virgilio Aspire Board Member, and Rick Banas Aspire Board Member  

Government Officials Visit Aspire!

Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10), Senator Adriane Johnson (IL -30), Representative Joyce Mason (IL-61), Chair Sandy Hart (Lake County Board), Ann Taylor, Mayor of Waukegan, visited Aspire’s Academy North facility where they were able to see Aspire’s services that are designed to connect people with disabilities to ever-greater possibilities for learning, jobs, and safe places to call home. 

People with disabilities experience greater challenges in many environments at twice the rate of non-disabled people due to a lack of housing options, funding, support services, job skills training opportunities, social isolation, transportation, and biases in the hiring process.

Aspire offers programs where individuals have the opportunity to learn the skills needed to gain greater independence at home, success in the workplace, and belonging in the community.  

Aspire CEO Serena Alaily and Congressman Brad Schneider  

Aspire’s initiative continues to gain recognition and momentum within the disability community, architectural circles, and broader social sectors. By sharing knowledge and experiences, Aspire aims to inspire similar projects nationwide, driving a collective effort towards a more inclusive society. Our local leaders are truly partners in creating a brighter future!

Aspire believes in the power of inclusivity, enriching the lives of both adults with disabilities as well as the surrounding communities. Aspire supports adults with disabilities, like autism or cerebral palsy, fostering personal growth and independence.  


About our local leaders that are partnering to create a more inclusive future: 

  • The Honorable Congressman Brad Schneider, began serving in the US Congress in 2012. His fighting attitude shows throughout his career as he focuses on building an economy that works for all Americans, breaking through partisan gridlock to find solutions, and promoting core American values of opportunity, equality, and security.  
  • The Honorable State Senator, Adriane Johnson is committed to improving transportation so that individuals of all abilities have greater access to opportunities and community.  
  • The Honorable State Representative Joyce Mason has been a longtime champion and has worked with her colleagues to secure important capital funding for the improvement of Aspire’s Community Homes in her district.  
  • Chair Sandy Hart, Lake County Board, was elected Board Chair in 2018. Her main priorities are good governance, environmental protection, economic development, mental health services, and criminal justice.  
  • Ann Taylor, Mayor of Waukegan, was first elected mayor in 2021.  Prior to serving as Mayor, she was an alderman for six years, and she is a staunch believer in transparency in government, fiscal responsibility, and protecting taxpayers’ hard-earned money. 

 

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