Envision More: FY 2025

Envision More

At Envision Unlimited, we know that everyone benefits when people are recognized for their unique strengths and can access opportunities to learn and grow as individuals.

As we continue to provide quality services that promote choice, independence and inclusion for people with disabilities and mental health challenges, we always envision more for our members. More ways to thrive by exploring art, nature, cooking, and mindfulness and wellbeing. More choices – from places to live or gather, neighborhoods to visit, and even the decor they would like to see in a particular space.

Today, hundreds of dedicated and compassionate staff serve nearly 7,000 members and their support networks throughout Illinois. We show up when and where we’re most needed. While other providers cut back their services, we expanded our services in Central Illinois, where staff work diligently to transition individuals with disabilities and mental health challenges out of institutional settings and into safe homes in the community.

Since 1948, we have become a wellrecognized organization that provides highquality programs and services that improve members’ communication, engagement and independent living abilities. Yet, there are thousands of people with disabilities and mental health challenges who aren’t able to access the services needed to live self-directed, integrated lives.

Therefore, we remain steadfast in our mission, and your generous contributions make this possible. They enable us to explore, grow, create, and launch new ways to support people living with a disability or mental health challenge. Thank you to everyone who is part of the Envision Unlimited community – our work is only made possible through your support. Your partnership on this journey is invaluable, and together, we will continue to envision more for people with disabilities and mental health challenges for decades to come.

Niamh Kristufek Board Chair

McHugh President and CEO

Today, hundreds of dedicated and compassionate staff serve nearly 7,000 members and their support networks throughout Illinois. We show up when and where we’re most needed.

UNLIMITED POTENTIAL

“My attitude, my well-being, everything has changed because I have a little more freedom.” Jesse, Envision Unlimited Member

Leveraging Technology to Unleash Our Greatest Potential

In order to continue offering impactful services, we often lean into innovation to further support our mission of providing choice, independence and inclusion. We implement cutting-edge technology in many of our programs, including our residential homes.

In 2022, we began opening remote support homes, which give our members the freedom to receive additional support through a remote monitoring system. This telecare platform monitors the environment and provides two-way video chat with trained professionals, empowering our members to be less reliant on staff and more independent.

“I wanted this for a very long time,” said Envision Unlimited member Jesse about his newfound independence in a remote support home. “My attitude, my well-being, everything has changed because I have a little more freedom.”

Other technologies utilized in our remote support homes include laptops, smartphones and fall detection watches. As a result, Jesse is able to

walk to his local grocery store, take public transportation and manage other daily tasks by himself.

Implementation of these technologies was made possible through gifts from individuals and foundations who envision a more inclusive future. Thanks to the Henrietta Lange Burk Fund, we expanded installation of StationMD, another telehealth service, to nearly one-third of all our homes. Equipped with blood pressure monitors and thermometers, StationMD can be used for a range of medical questions and even urgent issues. Such technology ensures quality healthcare for our

members and reduces emergency room visits, which can be difficult and traumatic experiences for people with disabilities. We are pleased to report that the service has resolved more than 90% of our members’ medical concerns without the need for urgent care or hospitalization.

Outside of our homes, we have collaborated with community partners, such as Northwestern University’s Segal Design Institute, who are interested in creating practical solutions for realworld problems. Groups of engineering students interviewed Envision Unlimited members, who partake in our adaptive cycling program, and developed prototypes of modified kickstands and rear handlebars to improve the usability of tandem bicycles. Additionally, they constructed a free-standing, wheelchair-accessible sink for the ceramic studio at our Westtown Center and an accessible keyboard for our members with dexterity challenges.

As we head into 2026, we are excited to see what creative ingenuity lies ahead to support even greater possibilities for our members.

UNLIMITED EXPERTISE

New Programs Lead to New Opportunities

Throughout the past year, thousands of Illinoisans with disabilities and mental health challenges waited to receive critical services. According to the Behavioral Health and Economics Network, Illinois has a severe behavioral health workforce shortage.

There are only about 14 behavioral healthcare professionals per 10,000 Illinois residents, which means 38% of residents live in a designated shortage area. Knowing this, we chose to reinvent our programming to better reach the most vulnerable populations.

To respond to these challenges, we launched the Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) and Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) Success Program, a comprehensive, empowering initiative designed to train and guide individuals with lived experience of mental illness and/or substance use recovery towards professional certification and careers as peer support staff.

Our program, which has enrolled 55 participants to date, equips individuals with the skills, knowledge and practical experience necessary to work as a recovery support specialist, providing peer-to-peer services in a variety of settings such as community mental health centers, hospitals and treatment facilities. The goal is to strengthen local mental health resources for individuals experiencing serious mental illness.

Separate research showed that people experiencing traumatic events or mental health crises

often turn to their trusted faith leaders before considering help from a mental health professional. Yet, clergy often face challenges in addressing mental health concerns.

As a result, we also introduced the Cultural Faith-Based Empowerment (CFBE) Program, which equips clergy, faith leaders and congregations with necessary tools, training and resources to support individuals’ emotional and spiritual wellbeing. We work with leaders from diverse religious backgrounds to provide interactive workshops and discussions that explore the intersection of faith, trauma and mental health. Our staff also makes connections with local mental health providers to reduce barriers in accessing proper care.

“My overall experience with the workshops was incredibly positive,” said Jamia Clark of the William Leonard Public Library District. “Envision Unlimited and its team created an amazing, safe space that allowed us to be open about our feelings.”

Both programs have demonstrated great progress, from hosting numerous workshops to building strong community partnerships. Your support allows us to continue building our next generation of peer recovery leaders.

UNLIMITED GENEROSITY

A Dream Becomes Reality

For decades, our organization has provided award-winning community living options and support to individuals with disabilities, so they can live their best lives. Many members have been part of the Envision Unlimited family for decades and have become accustomed to making their own choices and experiencing independence and inclusion. It’s important they can continue to lead lives that are full of possibilities, especially as they move into their golden years.

To make that possible, Envision Unlimited collaborated with prominent Chicago-area architects, consultants, construction companies and the local bricklayers’ union to build a state-of-the-art, ADA-accessible home in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood, enabling seniors with disabilities to age in place as their needs get more complex.

Earlier this year, we completed construction and held a grand opening reception for our generous supporters. The evening included guided tours by our brilliant architect Susan D. Turner of JLK Architects and the opportunity to meet some of our residents. Never before had such a broad alliance of architectural, engineering and union talent come together to donate materials, labor and services to make our dream a reality.

The home is now named the Henry Home in recognition of the commitment and generosity of construction management firm Henry Bros. Co., which played an essential role in all phases of construction and completion. More than half of the residents have moved into the new home and decorated their rooms to reflect their personalities and the things they enjoy.

Phil, a diehard Chicago sports fan who has been receiving Envision Unlimited services for 30 years, just celebrated his 59th birthday in the Henry Home.

“I like my staff. They help me,” he said of our dedicated Direct Support Professionals who remind him to keep his room clean, wash his clothes and other daily tasks. We look forward to watching Phil thrive and celebrate many more birthdays in his new home.

“This project was a team effort, and we’re incredibly proud of the outcome,” said Henry Bros. Co. president and owner Bill Callaghan, Jr. “It’s an honor and privilege to have this home named after our family and business. Adding it to our legacy is truly special.”

The Henry Home is a model for future accessible homes, and your support ensures that more seniors with disabilities across Illinois can live their dream of aging in place.

Board of Directors List

Niamh Kristufek

Chair

Mary Kay Krupka

Immediate Past Chair

Julie Dreixler

Vice Chair

Mark Jak Vice Chair

Brittany Scott Nanry

Treasurer

Chrisonia Butler

Secretary

Jonathan Bilton

Becky Carroll

David Cook

Dan Durbin

Peter Ho

Mark Jackson

Ashvin Lad

Mary Jo Lamparski

John Lemker

Lori Marin

Dennis O’Malley

Dorothy O’Malley

John Schumacher

Timothy Smith

Zernul Shackelford, Jr.

Mohib Yousufani

Mark McHugh President and CEO

Associate Board

Katherine Bagnowski

Emma Balison

Cindy Luu

Sean McKeon

Sarah Morse

Liam Poczatek

Colleen Raleigh

Simone Schwartz

Lars Skarford

Eric Smith

Catherine Wohner

Executive Leadership

Mark McHugh President and CEO

Dennis James Chief Financial Officer

Betty Jackson Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer

Lauren Smith *In Memoriam: 10/20/25* Chief Human Resources Officer

Brandi Adams Chief External Affairs Officer

Angela Isit Chief Strategy Officer

Colleen Rosa

Executive Vice President, Intellectual and Developmental (IDD) Services

Jean Xoubi

Executive Vice President, Mental Health Services and Business Development

Donors Envisioning More

$25,000 and Above

Anonymous

Beverly Bank & Trust

Coleman Foundation

Evelyn Palon Trust

Foundation for Human Development

Mary Kay Krupka*

PwC Charitable Foundation, Inc.

$15,000 - $24,999

Anonymous

Dr. Scholl Foundation

Great Computer Solutions, Inc.

John Lemker*

The Ozinga Foundation, Inc.

Wolniak Family Fund

$10,000 - $14,999

Sally Acker*

Aileen S. Andrew Foundation

Darque Syde of D’Lyte Productions Inc.

First Business Bank

Mark Jak and Jack Halm*

Henrietta Lange Burk Fund, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee

Peter and Lois Ho*

The Horton Group

Brittany and John Nanry*

Norfolk Southern Foundation

$5,000 - $9,999

Bianca Barr*

Jon and Kristen Bilton*

Tom and Melanie Canale*

Daniel and Nancy Durbin*

Elliot Jay Favus*

Energy Force – ComEd

Ron and Diana Gorski*

Larry Kipperman*

Niamh and Christopher Kristufek*

Mary Jo Lamparski*

Mark and Leesa McHugh*

The Nature Conservancy

Brad Serot*

$2,500 - $4,999

Bespoke Commercial Real Estate

Dan Bogojevich*

William and Nancy Callaghan*

David Cook*

Julie and John Dreixler*

Ecolab Foundation

Enterprise Holdings Foundation

Evanston Bicycle Club

Franczek P.C.

Dennis and Sheryl James*

Jewel Osco Foundation

Christine and Frank Mullen*

Dorothy and Michael O’Malley*

Craig Roehl and Jenna Countryman*

Colleen and Rafael Rosa*

RSM

Spavia Lincoln Park

Brian Vaughn*

Winning Systems Inc.

Nancy Wolniak-Cook*

Nick Wright*

$1,000 - $2,499

Brandi Adams

Bank of America

Terrence Bannon

Bonnie and Brad Bates

Stephen Bonner

Becky Carroll and Jon Friend

Bert Connolly

Kathleen Craig

Joseph and Lisa Curci

Cheryl DeSplinter

Christ Eb

Frankenmuth Insurance

Charitable Foundation

Richard Goldsmith

Barbara Hyde

Betty J. Jackson

Joe E. Jefferson

Barbara Johnson

Tom Kallai

Brian Kennedy

Patricia Kuhl

Ashvin Lad

Mark Lewandowski

Laurence Lurio and Colleen Donohoe

Julie McGill

Jack and Susan Nanry

Reardon Lachay Family Fund

Randall Rollo

Philip Schwartz

Karen and Bob Strizak

Pam Wedgeworth

Jean Xoubi

William Zastawny

$500 - $999

Janice and John Besser

Ellen Carnahan

Barbara Cohen

Doubletake Promotional Marketing, Inc.

Donna Ennis

John George

Charles Hodgin

Matthew Hynes

Angela and Christopher Isit

John Roth & Son Inc.

Russell and Shannon Jones

Heidi Koster

John Krupka

Nir Lehrer

LUMA8

Mark Mathewson

Jonni Miklos

Nancy Miller and Cindy Lusignan

James Montupet

Kristina Norton

Candace Nowicki

Salvatore Oliveri

Brett Paschke

Eddie Pont

Colleen Raleigh

Carolyn and Robert Redd

David Reinisch

Trisha Rich

Michael Rosenbaum

Kristen Salkas

John Schumacher

Joseph Skibbie

Rebecca Tinkler

Craig and Christine Wories

In-Kind Donations

Chicago Firehouse Restaurant

Julie and John Dreixler

Erika Gilchrist

Mark Jak and Jack Halm

The Joffrey Ballet

Mary Kay Krupka

The Nature Conservancy

The Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk Wines for Humanity

*MEMBERS OF OUR ENVISIONARIES SOCIETY — Members of our Envisionaries Society –these dedicated supporters contribute $2,500 or more annually to ensure we realize our mission and vision for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health challenges.

IMPACT NUMBERS

6,900

MEMBERS & FAMILIES

78%

EMPLOYEE RETENTION

we served over the last year with empathy and compassion

98%

ANNUAL SATISFACTION RATE

Percentage of Direct Support Professionals who remained employed with Envision Unlimited over the past year. The national average is only 50%.

4,275

THERAPY SESSIONS

with our intellectual and developmental disabilities programs and mental health services

166

PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS

provided by our staff to individuals in need

transitioned from institutional settings to homes in the community, so they can live fulfilling lives

NUMBERS

HOURS OF RESPITE SERVICES

11,565 3,643

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

for families, reducing caregiver burnout and allowing our members with disabilities to remain at home without needing crisis services or institutionalization

111,955

HOURS OF BEHAVIOR ANALYTIC SERVICES

in which our members participated, helping them become more integrated in the areas where they live and work

helping adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities reduce challenging and injurious behaviors and improve communication, so they can live their best lives in community settings

Financial Highlights

The combination of public and private funding this past year has continued to allow Envision Unlimited to expand mental health, developmental disability and supportive housing services, as well as our geographic footprint. A portion of these funds will be critical in the development of two new residences in Springfield and Villa Park that will support people experiencing homelessness, living with disabilities or exiting institutional care. We also opened several new Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILAS) as part of our initiative to help nearly 100 people in institutional care transition to life in a community.

In 2026, we will expand services statewide to serve those who do not have access, including in Central and Southern Illinois; strengthen internal staff development to invest in our emerging leaders; and advocate for the rights of people with disabling conditions.

Gifts from individual supporters, corporate and family foundations, and new public funding opportunities will be vital to the success of this expansion, which will increase services and supports to families and individuals who currently have limited options. Our strong balance sheet puts Envision Unlimited in a position to be successful in these endeavors.

Brittany Nanry Board Treasurer

In 2026, we will expand services statewide to serve those who do not have access, including in Central and Southern Illinois.

Program Investment

MORE INDEPENDENCE AND MORE INCLUSION LEADS TO MORE JOY

AND MORE

LIFE!

Envision Unlimited is a full spectrum of care organization serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as mental health challenges with a mission that promotes choice, independence and inclusion. Since our founding in 1948, we have built a legacy of evolving care delivered with empathy, every time and everywhere. Our innovative services include community living options; novel day programs; employment, respite and mental health services; and foster care for children with disabilities. Today, we support nearly 7,000 members and their support networks in becoming part of the community, transitioning to safe homes, and accessing support services so they can live their lives to their greatest potential. For more information, please visit www.envisionunlimited.org Every act of generosity fuels independence and inclusion.