IndependenceFirst - Press Release Archive

Press Releases

Press Release Archive

IndependenceFirst co-sponsoring Southside Community blood drive on May 31st

1st Annual South Side Community Blood DriveTuesday, May 31st, 2005

Koscuiszko Community Center
2201 South 7th Street
1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Please contact Stella Rodriguez at (414) 226-8122 to schedule an appointment

*Walk-in's Welcome.

On average, someone - perhaps a neighbor, friend, family member or co-worker - needs blood every three seconds.
Unless we donate, and encourage others to do the same, blood won't be there when it's needed.
And there simply is no substitute.

Proudly Sponsored by:

Milwaukee County Supervisor Peggy West, The Blood Center of South Eastern WI., Latino Health Organization (LHO), Milwaukee Christian Center (MCC), Project Excel, Community Partners, South Side Organizing Committee (SOC),Social Development Commission, La Causa, Inc., IndependenceFirst, St. Adalbert's Church, Journey House, Neighbors of Historic Walker's Point, Ace Boxing Club, Area Health Education Center, Council for the Spanish Speaking, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of WI., Neighborhood Housing Services, Perez-Pena, Ltd., United Community Center, Greater Mitchell Street Association, Hope House of Milwaukee, Forest Home Library, & UMOS, Inc.

IndependenceFirst promotes "Celebrate Ability" Bracelets
June 10, 2005--IndependenceFirst promotes "Celebrate Ability" Bracelets

Milwaukee--IndependenceFirst is selling deep purple colored rubber advocacy bracelets to "Celebrate Ability" for $2 a piece or 2 for $3. People who are purchasing and wearing these bracelets are promoting inclusion, full participation and equal rights for all and are additionally enscribed with "1 in 5" to signify that 20% of the United States' population has a disability of some kind. The packaging indicates "It's ability that counts, not disability." These bracelets will be available for purchase at the IndependenceFirst office at 600 W. Virginia St., Milwaukee, WI 53204 on the 4th floor or by special request at 414-226-8303. The bracelets will also be for sale at the Annual Meeting of the National Council on Independent Living in Washington DC from July 11-14, 2005. Bracelets will be available as long as supplies last.

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In February, at the Wisconsin State Capitol Rotunda, IndependenceFirst's Executive Director, Lee Schulz, presented Certificates of Appreciation to two Milwaukee area Representatives in the Wisconsin Assembly for their work on behalf of people with disabilities.

Contact: Lee Schulz, Executive Director
IndependenceFirst
414-403-824

Milwaukee Area Representatives Honored
For Work on Behalf of People with Disabilities
(For Immediate Release)

Madison, WI—On Wednesday, Feb 8th at Noon in the Wisconsin State Capitol Rotunda, IndependenceFirst’s Executive Director, Lee Schulz, presented Certificates of Appreciation to two Milwaukee area Representatives in the Wisconsin Assembly. This appreciation will be given to Representative Curt Gielow and Representative Peggy Krusick on behalf of the Wisconsin Coalition of Independent Living Centers (WCILC) in recognition of their work on behalf of persons with disabilities in Wisconsin.

Representative Curt Gielow is being recognized for his work to reform Medicaid in the interest of promoting efficiencies and protecting the choice of persons with disabilities who would rather live in the community with community-based services, than live in nursing homes. His work relies on analysis of the current system and attempts to represent the best interests of all of his constituents.

Representative Peggy Krusick is being recognized for her diligence in working with the IndependenceFirst ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Advocacy Team to introduce legislation which makes penalties for fraudulent use of accessible parking hangtags and license plates, more significant, as a deterrent for abuse. Representative Krusick is working to ensure that the people who truly need to use accessible parking, are indeed the ones who can—and the ones who don’t are significantly penalized to avoid repeat offenses.

IndependenceFirst is one of 8 independent living centers in Wisconsin who are members of the Wisconsin Coalition of Independent Living Centers (WCILC). IndependenceFirst serves as the primary resource on access and independent living for people with disabilities who reside in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha Counties. For more information, visit www.independencefirst.org. For more information about WCILC contact Maureen Ryan at 608-259-9267.

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Architect Event Promotes Awareness of Existing Community Barriers

Milwaukee (October 27, 2004) - On October 27, 2004, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) of Southeast Wisconsin and IndependenceFirst co-sponsored event, "Architects on Wheels" will take place with a kickoff breakfast at IndependenceFirst at 600 W. Virginia St. and offers a sneak peek of the prototypical designed Milwaukee Idea Home at 736 W Bruce St. This event invites architects, designers, developers, engineers and others to spend a regular workday using a wheelchair to appreciate the physical barriers that exist in the greater Milwaukee area for people with disabilities. The event promises to be educational for participants in their current and future planning for new business and residential developments and offers, at no charge to participate, four continuing education units for participants. The day wraps up at the newest City of Milwaukee Housing Authority Project, the Highland Park Midrise at 1818 W. Juneau featuring newly appointed Commissioner of Department of City Development, Rocky Marcoux, as guest speaker and tour guide of the new project.

This event is a part of the "Tap The Potential" activities in honor of October being National Disability Awareness Month. Sponsors for this event include the Tap the Potential Coalition of nonprofit organizations, Milwaukee County Office for Persons with Disabilities, ALS Association, AIA and IndependenceFirst.

For more information call Beth Dufek at Quorum Architects at 414-265-9265 or email at beth@quorumarchitects.com.

IndependenceFirst Announces Board of Directors

Other Board Members include: Michael Ash (Godfrey & Kahn), Barbara Corriveau (BDO Siedman), Rocky Cummings (Reinhardt Consulting), Bob Driscoll (Community Volunteer), Patricia Jerominski (iCare), Ron Jodat (Retired-Maritime Savings), Angela Jodie (Medical College of WI), Dalphina Johnson (Community Volunteer), Ron Johnson (Community Volunteer), Ronald Kuramoto (Time For Change Consulting), Dave Strelitz (Associated Wealth Management), Tobie Tyler (Community Volunteer) and Martha Valerio (Northwestern Mutual).

For more information contact Carol Voss 414-226-8305 V/Relay or cvoss@independencefirst.org

August 2, 2006—IndependenceFirst is pleased to announce the following Board of Directors for 2006-2007. Officers are Luis Arroyo from Michael Best & Friedrich (Board Chair), John Mitchell from Marshall & Ilsley Trust (Vice-Chair), Robert Unkel from Unkel Management & Marketing Solutions (Secretary), and Frank Gedelman from (Treasurer). Other Board Members include: Michael Ash (Godfrey & Kahn), Barbara Corriveau (BDO Siedman), Rocky Cummings (Reinhardt Consulting), Bob Driscoll (Community Volunteer), Patricia Jerominski (iCare), Ron Jodat (Retired-Maritime Savings), Angela Jodie (Medical College of WI), Dalphina Johnson (Community Volunteer), Ron Johnson (Community Volunteer), Ronald Kuramoto (Time For Change Consulting), Dave Strelitz (Associated Wealth Management), Tobie Tyler (Community Volunteer) and Martha Valerio (Northwestern Mutual). For more information contact Carol Voss 414-226-8305 V/Relay or

New Waukesha Business Access Guide Launched

June 27, 2006--In a cooperative effort, the Waukesha County Chamber of Commerce (WCCC), the Adaptive Community Approach Program (ACAP) and IndependenceFirst have developed a business guide to improving accessibility. This guide comes in the form of a brochure which is currently available for distribution. Copies can be found at the Waukesha County Chamber of Commerce, ACAP and IndependenceFirst and will also be distributed in the business community soon.

The purpose of this program is to create awareness and initiate change activities in the Waukesha area business community to guarantee opportunities for full and equal participation for all people.

As a part of this effort, recognition awards will be given to area businesses who demonstrate a commitment to accessibility. If you would like to nominate a business for this award or would like more information please contact Diana Sullivan, IndependenceFirst at (414) 291-7520, dsullivan@independencefirst.org .

Funding for this project comes from the Wisconsin Council for Developmental Disabilities (WCDD).

2006 POWER LUNCH Brings A Crowd For Robert David Hall

June 15, 2006--The 2006 IndependenceFirst POWER LUNCH, presented by the Northwestern Mutual Foundation was held on June 15th at the Midwest Airlines Center, where approximately 750 people came to learn more about IndependenceFirst and hear CSI’s Robert David Hall speak about how his disability affected her life. Mr. Hall spoke about his challenges with living as a double leg amputee and the success strategies he has learned.

In the morning, Mr. Hall recorded some tv introductions at the CBS 58 studio. Then he visited the Milwaukee offices of IndependenceFirst to meet staff and consumers who were thrilled to have the chance to meet him in person! Finally, after the luncheon, Mr. Hall spent time autographing commemorative t-shirts.

The event leadership for the POWER LUNCH this year consisted of Corporate Executive Committee Chair Mark Sabljak, Event Chair Cheryl Sensenbrenner. YP Benefit Committee Co-Chairs: Marci Pelzer and Jeff Sherman. For more information contact Carol Voss 414-226-8305 V/Relay or maito:cvoss@independencefirst.org

IndependenceFirst POWER LUNCH Features “CSI” Actor!

Contact: Barbara White 414-226-8304 bwhite@independencefirst.org
February 27, 2006
27, 2006
IndependenceFirst POWER LUNCH Features “CSI” Actor!
For Immediate Release

Milwaukee -- On Thursday, June 15, area business and community leaders will gather for lunch and "Tap into the Power of People with Disabilities" at the 2006 IndependenceFirst POWER LUNCH. Held at the Midwest Airlines Center , the event highlights the untapped potential of people with disabilities in the workplace, in the marketplace and throughout the community. As part of a dynamic and informative program, the POWER LUNCH will host Robert David Hall who plays Dr. Al Robbins on the #1 rated primetime TV drama “CSI” as the featured guest speaker. Unknown to many, Mr. Hall is a double-leg amputee. His presentation will include the many different challenges he has faced on the job, in the acting community.

2006 POWER LUNCH Honorary Chair is Cheryl Sensenbrenner and the Young Professionals Benefit Committee Co-Chairs are Jeff Sherman and Marci Pelzer. The Corporate Executive Committee and Benefits Committee/Table Captains are being added daily.

Last year's event featured Patty Duke as our guest speaker, and we hosted 920 people, so get your reservations early for this CAN'T MISS EVENT! Reservations are $50 and corporate tables are available.For further information and/or tickets to the 2006 IndependenceFirst POWER LUNCH, contact Barbara White at 414-226-8304 or bwhite@independencefirst.org.

IndependenceFirst is Metro Milwaukee’s primary nonprofit resource on access and independent living for people with all kinds of disabilities, in all age groups.
is Metro Milwaukee’s primary nonprofit resource on access and independent living for people with all kinds of disabilities, in all age groups.

BIG SUCCESS ON MENTORING DAY FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

October 20, 2005

Milwaukee--IndependenceFirst acted as the Local Host for Disability Mentoring Day. 63 high school and college level students with disabilities were scheduled to participate in a day of job shadowing in their field of interest. Students were paired up with mentors at job sites to spend the day learning about a career field of their choice.

Disability Mentoring Day is a national effort to promote the employment of people with disabilities through the time-tested success of personal mentoring. The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), with support from the U.S. Department of Labor, served as the National Host of Disability Mentoring Day on Wednesday, October 19, 2005.

This was the 5th year that IndependenceFirst participated in Disability Mentoring Day. The program reinforces the goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act: equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency.

The companies that provided mentors for the day included the following:
American Engine
Apple-A-Day Massage
Armed Forces of America
Aurora Sports Medicine Institute
Chancery Pub & Restaurant
Claudia's Looking Glass
Day Care Services for Children, Inc.
Entercom Radio
Ethostream, LLC
Ferranti Construction
Legal Action of Wisconsin, Inc.
Meda-Care Ambulance
Miller Park Stadium
Milwaukee County Parks
Milwaukee County Sheriff's Department
Milwaukee Wave
Pedrano's Mexican Restaurant
Pro Welding & Manufacturing, Inc.
Ray's Clipper Hair-Styling
Showtime Cinema
St. Ann's Center's Shepherd House
St. Joseph's Hospital
Tannery Security
Tender Car Auto Detailing, LLC
The Counseling Center of Milwaukee
US Bank
WJMR-FM Jammin' 98.3
WTMJ-TV

For more information about participating as a student or company in next year's Disability Mentoring Day in October, please call 414-291-7520 Voice/Relay or email kstern@independencefirst.org.

June 27, 2006--In a cooperative effort, the Waukesha County Chamber of Commerce (WCCC), the Adaptive Community Approach Program (ACAP) and IndependenceFirst have developed a business guide to improving accessibility. This guide comes in the form of a brochure which is currently available for distribution. Copies can be found at the Waukesha County Chamber of Commerce, ACAP and IndependenceFirst and will also be distributed in the business community soon. The purpose of this program is to create awareness and initiate change activities in the Waukesha area business community to guarantee opportunities for full and equal participation for all people. As a part of this effort, recognition awards will be given to area businesses who demonstrate a commitment to accessibility. If you would like to nominate a business for this award or would like more information please contact Diana Sullivan, IndependenceFirst at (414) 291-7520, . Funding for this project comes from the Wisconsin Council for Developmental Disabilities (WCDD). June 15, 2006--The 2006 IndependenceFirst POWER LUNCH, presented by the Northwestern Mutual Foundation was held on June 15th at the Midwest Airlines Center, where approximately 750 people came to learn more about IndependenceFirst and hear CSI’s Robert David Hall speak about how his disability affected her life. Mr. Hall spoke about his challenges with living as a double leg amputee and the success strategies he has learned. In the morning, Mr. Hall recorded some tv introductions at the CBS 58 studio. Then he visited the Milwaukee offices of IndependenceFirst to meet staff and consumers who were thrilled to have the chance to meet him in person! Finally, after the luncheon, Mr. Hall spent time autographing commemorative t-shirts. The event leadership for the POWER LUNCH this year consisted of Corporate Executive Committee Chair Mark Sabljak, Event Chair Cheryl Sensenbrenner. YP Benefit Committee Co-Chairs: Marci Pelzer and Jeff Sherman. For more information contact Carol Voss 414-226-8305 V/Relay or 27, 2006 is Metro Milwaukee’s primary nonprofit resource on access and independent living for people with all kinds of disabilities, in all age groups.

2007 POWER LUNCH Brings A Crowd For Ben Vereen

June 14, 2007--The 2007 IndependenceFirst POWER LUNCH, presented by the Northwestern Mutual Foundation was held on June 14th at the Midwest Airlines Center, where approximately 750 people came to learn more about IndependenceFirst and hear Tony-Award Winner Ben Vereen speak about how his disability affected his life.

After the luncheon, Mr. Vereen spent time autographing commemorative edition books "A Celebration of Caregiving," the nation's only book that tells the first-hand stories of the unique relationships between caregivers and care recipients. Finally, Mr. Vereen visited the Milwaukee offices of IndependenceFirst to meet staff and consumers who were thrilled to have the chance to be introduced to him personally!

The event leadership for the POWER LUNCH this year consisted of Event Co-Chairs Cheryl Sensenbrenner and Chris Elser. For more information contact Carol Voss 414-226-8305 V/Relay or maito:cvoss@independencefirst.org

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