Envision Unlimited Blog

As the days grow shorter and the temperature drops, many people find themselves feeling a little “off.” This can be more than just the typical winter blues — it can be a condition known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). If you’ve noticed that your mood dips significantly when the seasons change, you’re not alone. But there’s good news: there are ways to cope with and even prevent the worst of SAD’s symptoms.

We extend a warm welcome to our new Chief External Affairs Officer, Brandi Adams. She brings nearly two decades of nonprofit leadership experience to her new role, in which she will foster strategic partnerships and strengthen relationships with policymakers, industry leaders and other key stakeholders in the disability community. These efforts will expose Envision Unlimited to a wider audience and further advocate for change for people with disabilities.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one in five American adults live with a mental illness. Mental health impacts every aspect of our lives, yet we often overlook or shy away from discussing it due to stigma and fear of discrimination.

It’s been said that hard work and dedication can make anything possible. At Envision Unlimited, our employees are proof of that, as they go above and beyond every day to help our members with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental illness lead their best lives. We celebrated them at our annual Employee of the Year Awards last month.

A snow-filled ski trip. Lunch at a restaurant adorned with white tablecloths. Fireworks in celebration of the Lunar New Year. These are just some of the memorable experiences our members have enjoyed, thanks to our dedicated volunteer Alan Yuen. He has been a good friend to Envision Unlimited for many years, but he has recently become more involved in our various programs.

Individuals with mental health challenges often face stigma and discrimination, which can hinder their willingness to seek professional mental health support. Friends, family and loved ones play a critical role in helping them navigate their mental health journeys, as social support can provide a sense of belonging, improve self-esteem and significantly reduce feelings of isolation.

What does it mean to go above and beyond? Driving across the city during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to deliver food to sick members? Distributing 80 wrapped presents to members in group homes, so everyone could experience the joy of the holiday season?

Since 1996, the Envision Unlimited foster care program has helped children with disabilities find their “forever home” and provided them with skills and tools that are necessary for an independent and successful life.

Envision Unlimited increased its social impact for people with disabilities in Central Illinois.

For the past few years, Ernest has lived with Mary Zornoza and her wife through the Envision Unlimited host family program. Similar to the foster care model, the program pairs eligible adult members with intellectual and developmental disabilities with host families, giving them the opportunity to live in a private home and enjoy choice, independence, inclusion and community involvement.