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FIRST QUARTER 2002Dear Friends: It has been more than two months since CELEBRATION 2001, and still we are hearing from concert patrons gushing about the evening’s diverse musical program and great fun. From the moment mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves appeared to open the program and before she sang even a single note of the American Anthem, she was met with enthusiastic applause and cheers that lasted nearly two minutes. With each subsequent number by base Samuel Ramey, tenor Richard Leech, and soprano Nancy Gustafson, the excitement grew. The concert’s focus on America, its music and artists played extremely well to the lively crowd. Who in the audience will ever forget Richard Leech? While singing “crossover” country songs composed by John Denver and Dolly Parton, Mr. Leech accompanied himself on guitar, proving his mastery of that genre too. We could go on and on—about Sam Ramey’s concert chairmanship and stellar operatic and popular selections, Nancy Gustafson’s Gershwin/Weil medley, Frederic Chaslin’s expert piano accompaniment, and Marc Verzatt’s entertaining commentary. But now, we simply say thanks to our audience for the rousing response, and to the artists for their joyful singing. We’ll see you again in December! Most sincerely,
AMY ROYER: SOMEONE WHO TRULY CARES
Twelve years later, Chris acknowledges his past anger, impatience and depression- conditions faced periodically by the general population, and of course much more frequently by people with severe physical challenges. After the diving accident, Chris wore a painful halo brace for three months and also spent three months at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. Later he finished high school and earned a B.A. in Speech Communication. Finally, his mother heard of Hill Arboretum and soon Chris was headed to a much-needed, barrier-free apartment. This is a man who has taken control of his life and emotions. He is the new president of the Hill Arboretum Tenant Association, through which he encourages other residents to enjoy life by participating in group activities. Chris also is a fan of Amy Royer, a social worker who has made significant improvements in the quality of life of residents of Rainbow's Hill Arboretum in Evanston and Belden Apartments in Chicago. SOCIAL SERVICE COORDINATOR: AMY ROYER
Amy Royer herself has faced serious health problems. A medical social worker who previously worked at Schwab Rehabilitation Institute and Mt. Sinai Hospital, Amy saw her career halted twice by cancer diagnoses. During these times she learned firsthand the complexities of dealing with Social Security and other agencies. "It was scary," she says. After one illness, Amy enrolled at IIT in a master's program geared to counseling people with disabilities, and more recently she was hired by Over The Rainbow Association for a position made to order for her degree from IIT. Today Amy is a lifeline to Rainbow residents. She provides one-on-one counseling; assists residents who, because of speech impediments, have difficulty securing government aid; helps with interviewing and directing personal care attendants; does occasional grocery shopping when family and friends of a resident are unavailable; arranges wheelchair repairs; and solves many other issues. "Holidays are especially difficult for people with disabilities," notes Amy. "That's why on Halloween, I spent the day dressing residents in costumes, painting their faces and getting them to the tenant party. On New Year's Eve, I was here from 10 a.m. to midnight helping everyone prepare for a wonderful pizza and Karaoke party." Amy is a member of Hill Arboretum's Tenant Association and Rainbow's Resident Relations Committee. She spends one day each week at Rainbow's Belden Apartments in Chicago, where she has made vital phone calls for residents who have difficulty speaking and assists in many other ways as well. About 75 percent of Rainbow residents have turned to Amy for assistance. "I have reached the point where I must force myself to go home, because the people I serve here give as much to me as I give to them," says Amy. Rainbow Board Member Joe Dunn, who is a strong tenant advocate, says that Amy is filling an important need. "In countless ways, Amy has made the lives of Rainbow residents richer and more fulfilling," he says. NEW ROLES FOR RAINBOW STAFF
Eric Huffman
Dorothy Archer
Leo Kirwan
Theresa Phillips
AN OVER THE RAINBOW JUNIOR BOARD IS NOW BEING FORMED
Under the stewardship of Rainbow supporter Eunhee Choi, a Junior Board is now being formed. A kickoff reception was held at Northwestern University’s Block Museum of Art immediately before the CELEBRATION concert. Inquiries regarding participation on the Junior Board should be directed to Eric Huffman at 847-328-8140.
A TIME TO REMEMBER WITH SMILES, TEARS, SONG AND CHEERS CELEBRATION 2001
STAR-POWER!In closing the evening’s musical program, these carolers had the audience in the palms of their hands and clamoring for more.
Deepest thanks from Rainbow Residents, Board & Staff to Samuel Ramey for his starring role as Celebration 2001 Honorary Chair!THE PURPOSE, THE PEOPLE AND THE PLEASURES OF CELEBRATION 2001Over The Rainbow Association’s annual CELEBRATION concerts support facilities and programs specifically serving men and women with physical challenges. Rainbow has developed and assists like-minded groups in creating barrier-free housing in which people who must use wheelchairs for mobility can live independently, many for the first time in their lives. CELEBRATION concerts are a primary source of funds for expanding programs to build Rainbow housing on a national basis.
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Chris Krystyn, a Hill Arboretum resident since last May, was by
his own account a rebellious youngster. One of the questionable
choices he made-to dive into a shallow pond-landed him in a wheelchair
at age 16.
"Amy
is a self-motivator who is there for everyone in this building,"
says Chris. "She is a good person who is willing to talk and truly
wants to help us in any way possible."
The
process follows a change for Dennis Breitholtz, Rainbow's former
Director of Affiliate Development. Denny has joined Rainbow's Palatine
affiliate to spearhead the development of a Rainbow facility in
that northwest Chicago suburb. Eric now personally oversees the
expansion of Rainbow's affiliate network.
Before
joining Rainbow last fall, Dorothy Archer held positions in debt
management and bookkeeping, and was office manager for a prominent
interior design firm. Earlier she managed five residential properties.
For Rainbow, she initially was named bookkeeper to handle rent and
other receivables, accounts payable, banking liaison, HUD reconciliation
and billing, vendor contracts and budget monitoring. Now she has
assumed additional duties as Assistant Property Manager of Hill
Arboretum, including working with Leo Kirwan on tenants' recertification
to assure their eligibility for HUD subsidies.
The
new Property Manager of Hill Arboretum is resident Leo Kirwan, who,
despite his dependence on a wheelchair, has served as Chair of Benefit
Operations, is a Rainbow Board member, and works with Eric Huffman
on a variety of projects. "I offered to help in the management office
when Lynne Greene resigned last fall to spend time with her family
and pursue other career interests," says Leo. "Before long, Eric
asked me to fill the position full time." Leo oversees property
operations, including apartment and common area maintenance, and
coordinates complex reporting with the Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD). His new preventive maintenance schedule
is consistent with manufacturers' specifications, and he is taking
a proactive approach to roof and other building component repairs.
As a person with physical disabilities himself, Leo's actions are
sensitive to the special needs of residents of Rainbow facilities.
He also works closely with Mary Dooley, Assistant Property Manager
at Rainbow's Belden Apartments in Chicago. He plans to become a
Certified Occupancy Specialist and previously was a real estate
broker in Chicago's northwest suburbs.
Promoted
from Development Associate to Development Manager, Theresa has assumed
full responsibility for numerous tasks associated with Rainbow's
annual CELEBRATION fund-raiser. Those duties include database management,
ticket and ad book sales and mailings. She also is responsible for
maximizing ongoing fundraising potential by seeking corporate sponsorships,
private donations and government funds at the federal and state
levels. She assists in writing grant proposals in connection with
Arboretum Business Center, capital improvements, the expansion of
Rainbow's national affiliate network, and Hill Arboretum's Tenant
Association. Accordingly, she is deeply involved in enhancing Rainbow's
website. "I am eager to introduce new people to the wonderful work
of Rainbow," notes Theresa. "Every day brings new challenges, and
we must be prepared to meet them fully."
SHOW-STOPPER!
A CELEBRATION 2001
