Print Friendly VersionOur History
This is a brief history of IndependenceFirst, known as the Southeastern Wisconsin Center for Independent Living (SEWCIL) prior to 1995.
1978
In 1978, a group of Milwaukee area rehabilitation professionals and persons with disabilities met to establish an Independent Living Center. Their efforts led to a grant proposal submitted to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for competitive funding by the United States Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). The proposal was approved and a new agency, the Southeastern Wisconsin Center for Independent Living, Inc. (SEWCIL) was incorporated as a not-for-profit agency in July 1979. The initial grant was in the amount of $92,728. The RSA grant was designed to create a freestanding consumer controlled agency. From the beginning SEWCIL maintained a Board of Directors comprised of a majority of persons with disabilities. In addition, the organization seeks to employ staff with disabilities. SEWCIL's mission was defined as one of "assisting persons having disabilities to maximize their independence and be full participating citizens in our community." The required services of the grant were independent living skills training, peer counseling, advocacy, and information and referral services to persons with disabilities in the counties of Washington, Ozaukee, Milwaukee and Waukesha.
1979 - 1983
Robert Hodge was hired in 1979 as SEWCIL's first Executive Director. SEWCIL established offices on the fifth floor of Sacred Heart Rehabilitation Hospital. Mr. Hodge remained the Director until 1983, and SEWCIL's budget grew to $180,000. Staff increased from four to seven.
1983 - 1985
William Hatcher replaced Mr. Hodge as the Executive Director in 1983 and remained in that position until December 1985. Within those years, SEWCIL became better known in the community. The agency's annual budget grew to $322,000 and seven staff grew to eight. The Personal Care Attendant Match-Up Program, Independent Living Skills Project, and St. Paul's Adult Day Service Program were created. SEWCIL solidified its expertise on housing issues for persons with disabilities by obtaining financial support from the City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County Community Development Block Grant Programs. SEWCIL created a subsidiary organization, SEWCIL Housing I, and purchased three duplexes with the intent to actively pursue the development of affordable, accessible housing to persons with disabilities.
1986
Lee Schulz, the present Executive Director, was hired. Under his leadership, the organization has continued its history of growth services to persons with disabilities.
1987
SEWCIL began its "IDEALS" program through an RSA grant for a three-year pilot project of case management services to Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals. In addition, a full time position was added to offer wheelchair sports and recreation options for persons with disabilities. Also, SEWCIL accepted the responsibility of "lead" agency for the Independent Living Skills Camp for Children with Spina Bifida, since expanded to all disabilities with similar functional challenges.
1988
Need for additional office space led to SEWCIL's move from the protective support of Sacred Heart Rehabilitation Hospital to 6222 West Capitol Drive. About this time, SEWCIL decided to discontinue its housing provider role and sold the duplexes.
1990
SEWCIL developed a Technology Specialist position that was funded by the State of Wisconsin's WisTech Project, which was part of the National Technology Act funding. Staff's role is to assist persons with disabilities with many aspects of technology or adaptive equipment used by persons with disabilities.
1991
We began development of our "Try-A-Gadget" (TAG) Center that currently has $55,000 of low and high technology adaptive equipment that persons with disabilities can use on a trial basis so that they can determine whether a product meets their needs before purchasing it.
1992
SEWCIL's Medicaid funded Personal Assistance Services Program (PAS) was created in March 1992. PAS was created to provide a more cost effective and consumer directed personal assistance program. Within the first 18 months of operation, PAS services were provided to 64 individuals who otherwise might not have access to appropriate attendant care services. This new program has worked cooperatively with our traditional "attendant" match-up program funded by United Way. The two programs complement each other and allow for consumer choice.
1993
By the fall of 1993, SEWCIL was scheduling sign language interpreters for all of Wisconsin. SEWCIL's efforts with the Interpreter Coordination Service, active participation with the formation of the Alliance for Deaf, Deaf/Blind and Hard of Hearing, active participation with the Wisconsin Chapter - American Deafness and Rehabilitation (WisADARA), and support for interpreter wage increases reinforced our expertise in this area of disability need.
1993 - 1995
SEWCIL's 1993-1994 projected budget reached $3.2 million. Staff and service growth had rendered the current facilities inadequate. SEWCIL, in partnership with Interfaith Older Adult Programs, searched for new office space. After a thorough search, the decision was made to relocate to its current location at 600 West Virginia Street.
From 1993 to 1995, SEWCIL played an instrumental role in collaborative activities and disability related community surveys. In partnership with the Planning Council for Health and Human Services, SEWCIL completed the Milwaukee County Needs Assessment of Persons With Physical Disabilities and Sensory Impairments. Under contract from the State of Wisconsin WisTech Program, SEWCIL conducted a statewide Needs Assessment concerning assistive technology.
SEWCIL initiated the formation of the Wisconsin Coalition of Independent Living Centers (WCILC) and SEWCIL's Executive Director was elected the first chair of WCILC. SEWCIL was a founding member and had a prominent role in the ABLE Coalition and Access ADA Network. The ABLE Coalition actively pursued legislative issues and educated legislators on the service and health care needs of persons with disabilities. Access ADA Network's major accomplishment was the sponsoring of training on the Americans with Disabilities Act. These coalitions dissolved around 1999.
Through the years, SEWCIL's Sports/Recreation Services and Adventures in Independent Living Camp have gained state and regional recognition and respect.
1995
SEWCIL's name was changed to IndependenceFirst to better reflect the mission of our organization.
IndependenceFirst was one of two ILCs in the state to receive a Benefits Specialist pilot project, which was funded under a contract with the State Independent Living Council (SILC) and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). Based on the success of the two projects, Benefits Specialist projects expanded to include 7 of the 8 ILCs in Wisconsin. In addition, our Benefits Specialist program was nominated by DVR and selected as a exemplary collaboration between VR and IL for the VR-IL Employment Outcomes Partnership Project, a national competition was conducted by the World Institute on Disability (WID).
1997
IndependenceFirst began a new contract with Milwaukee County Adult Services to train personal care workers who are independently employed by persons with disabilities who receive COP or COP Waiver funding. Over four hundred personal care workers received this training. We continue to offer these trainings to supportive home care workers.
IndependenceFirst completed a one-year State funded study to evaluate the feasibility of IndependenceFirst or another organization to provide managed health care. The Board decided against further consideration until start-up funds became available.
The RSA funding for the IDEALS project ended. At that time, Milwaukee County and the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) began funding the program. This project assists up to 100 persons a year who are Deaf or Deaf/Blind to obtain employment. Over the past 2 years, IDEALS program services have been rolled into a variety of our IL Counselor staff responsibilities.
1998
IndependenceFirst took over the arts accessibility project that threatened to vanish when Artreach of Milwaukee closed its doors. Since then, IndependenceFirst has worked with the performing arts companies to schedule interpreters. In addition, the project has worked with theaters, museums and libraries to increase access.
1999
IndependenceFirst received a grant from the Cudahy Foundation to establish an internship program designed to assist persons with disabilities to develop a work history, obtain new skills and obtain employment. Our internship program has continued to expand and has become a model for other CIL's to establish similar internship programs.
IndependenceFirst began a project to gather and distribute information concerning violence against women with disabilities. This included providing women's shelters with information and resources concerning disabilities and accessibility. This program won a National competition by IL/NET on model advocacy programs.
2000
IndependenceFirst established a Resource Center, which includes a comprehensive library, computer and Internet resource, as well as expanded "technology" resources.
IndependenceFirst subcontracted with the Milwaukee Center for Independence to provide benefits counseling in the "Pathways to Independence" pilot program funded by the state Department of Vocational Rehabilitation and Department of Health and Family Services. The goal of Pathways is to assist person with disabilities to obtain employment. In 2001, IndependenceFirst became a separate Pathways contractor.
The Federal Health Care Financing Administration awarded $500,000 to the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services to coordinate the "Homecoming Project," a nursing home transition project. The Homecoming Project identified residents who want to move out of nursing homes. Funds were available to cover initial relocation costs such as home modifications, adaptive equipment, telephone services and security deposits. Each of the eight Independent Living Centers in Wisconsin received $10,000 to provide transition assistance.
IndependenceFirst responded to the national challenge issued by the National Organization on Disability (NOD) to actively work to increase the number of person with disabilities who vote. A limited term employee was hired part-time who conducted voter registration and education activities. These efforts continue, although we no longer have a dedicated staff-person responsible for the activities.
IndependenceFirst collaborated with EBTIDE, Inc. to begin a homeownership program for persons with disabilities. Since that time, the program has been completely absorbed by IndependenceFirst and over 150 low-income households have been assisted in purchasing their first home. In 2001, additional staff were added to address other types of housing issues.
In 2000 the photo art exhibit: "Ten Years and Counting" was completed. This travelling exhibit of 25 photographs and oral histories of persons with disabilities working was created by Al Balinsky, of the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design. The exhibit has been shown at MIAD, General Mitchell International Airport, the State Capitol and Northwestern Mutual Insurance Company, in Rockford Illinois, California, and Washington D.C.
2001
IndependenceFirst was awarded a five-year grant by the Social Security Administration to provide benefits counseling to Social Security recipients.
A contribution from a former Board member and donor established the Eugene Hayman IndependenceFirst fund (of $250,000) at the Greater Milwaukee Foundation.
Via contract with the state's Department of Health & Family Services, IndependenceFirst began WisLoan, a statewide program to provide low interest loans to persons with disabilities who likely would not qualify for conventional bank loans. Funded by NIDRR, IndependenceFirst and M&I Bank with support from DHFS, $3.75 million dollars has been established in the revolving loan fund. A Statewide Advisory Board was created which subcontracts with the state's other seven (7) ILC's.
IndependenceFirst provided $10,000 to the Center for Independent Living New York (CIDNY) in the wake of September 11th and to meet the needs of their consumers. In addition, Leslie Meyers (staff) spent three (3) weeks at the center providing support to an exhausted staff.
2002
Our 2002 luncheon promoted disability awareness with keynote speaker and nationally renowned reporter and author, John Hockenberry, which drew over 500 attendees.
A statewide nursing home transition collaborative effort of all eight Independent Living Centers in Wisconsin, along with the local and state resources began. This project is funded through a three-year grant from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. IndependenceFirst receives $14,500 per year to provide transition services for any person with a disability that has resided in a nursing home facility or other institutional setting for more than 90 Days. Unlike the grant from 1999, this project does not provide individuals with initial relocation costs.
IndependenceFirst was chosen to develop and implement a statewide program established under contract from DHFS Bureau of Alcohol and Substance Abuse to increase access to culturally sensitive, accessible, and language appropriate AODA services by person who are Deaf, hard of hearing or deaf-blind and to reduce communication, language and cultural barriers to treatment.
IndependenceFirst was selected to receive the service of a Trinity Fellow through Marquette University's Trinity Fellowship Program. The fellow began working at IndependenceFirst in September 2002 and will continue until May 2004.
IndependenceFirst received the Governor's Diamond Award, recognizing our efforts to break the "glass ceiling" through promotion and employment for women and all other minorities.
Beginning in 2002, Board and staff continue to evaluate ideas for business efforts that might benefit IndependenceFirst.
The Milwaukee Idea Home concept was created and construction began in January of 2003. This home is a collaborative effort with the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee whose idea was to build an affordable/energy efficient home that was combined with our interest in making it accessible and a model for some accessibility features as well as a transition home for persons with disabilities moving out of nursing homes or rehabilitation facilities. Atlas Development donated a parcel of land for the home that is located one block from our offices. The home is expected to be completed in November 2003.
2003
Our 2003 Power Lunch to promote employment of persons with disabilities featured keynote speaker and Oscar-winning actress Marlee Matlin, which drew over 900 attendees.
IndependenceFirst and the State of Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services and Division of Vocational Rehabilitation have applied for additional micro-loan and telework loan funds that may create a loan fund in the $20 million range.
September, 2003 IndependenceFirst assumed operational control of the Wheelchair Recycling Project. This program will be expanded statewide to provide a resource for individuals to dispose of unneeded adaptive equipment and be a resource for low cost used adaptive equipment who need it.
2004
In 2004, IndependenceFirst celebrated our 25th anniversary.
Our 2004 Power Lunch featured keynote speaker and former Happy Days star, Henry Winkler. The Power Lunch drew over 800 attendees. Mr. Winkler shared his story of success and defying expectations as someone with a learning disability. A part-time grant writer and a Fund Development Manager were added to IndependenceFirst staff to further expand these development efforts.
The Milwaukee Idea Home was completed and architects, educators, green design professionals, and other innovators toured the home to gain knowledge and inspiration.
A new website was launched containing over 6,000 local, state, and national resources.
Numerous organizations recognized IndependenceFirst and individual employees for their success this year. The Business Journal awarded IndependenceFirst its second Beyond the Paycheck Award for employee benefits and diversity employment practices. Also, IndependenceFirst received the Silver Telly and Platinum Aurora Awards nationally for its business-targeted video extolling the power of persons with disabilities as an untapped workforce, market-force, and group that contributes to the diversity of the community. Karen Avery, IndependenceFirst Associate Director, was honored as “Consumer Advocate of the Year†by the Mental Health Association of Milwaukee County. Midge Pinchar, who works in the Nursing Home Transition Program, was awarded the prestigious National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) Region V Advocacy Award for her outstanding work in transitioning people with disabilities from institutional living into community-based living.
IndependenceFirst made another major commitment to support the Wheelchair Recycling Project and established a Milwaukee Office for the project.
2005
In 2005, IndependenceFirst’s growth was evident as 900 individuals utilized the Personal Assistance Services Program, including over 90 new referrals. By this time, IndependenceFirst had expanded onto the 6th floor of the Atlas location, totaling three full floors of usage. Record numbers of individuals requested services in programs such as Benefits Counseling and Employment, Women with Disabilities and Abuse Victims, and Homeownership. During this time, through assistance with the Milwaukee County Task Force, IndependenceFirst also provided services to Hurricane Katrina victims that were airlifted to Wisconsin. Other successes of the year included expanded use of the WisLoan Program and better outreach to outlying counties and minority communities.
IndependenceFirst’s Housing Program Coordinator developed and facilitated a local coalition of affordable housing advocates. This group promoted the development of a housing trust fund, addressed predatory lending concerns, assisted with the City’s “Impediments to Fair Housing Analysis, “ and testified and submitted comments on the City’s Consolidated Plan regarding the housing needs of Milwaukee residents.
The IndependenceFirst accounting department began providing accounting services to other nonprofit agencies on a fee-for-service basis, adding a new revenue stream to IndependenceFirst.
The 2005 Power Lunch highlighted the influence of people with disabilities in the workplace, in the marketplace, and throughout the community. Our featured speaker was Oscar winning actress, Patty Duke, a spokesperson for people with mental illness. Ms. Duke spoke about her bouts with manic-depression and the success strategies she has learned.
In collaboration with Wisconsin FACETS, IndependenceFirst conducted a week long Youth Leadership Forum for 25 high school age youth with disabilities.
IndependenceFirst won the “MANDI Award†for innovative neighborhood development innovation due to our collaborative work with the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee on their Highland Gardens project. IndependenceFirst was also recognized by the Metro Parents Magazine for being a “Family Friendly†employer.
IndependenceFirst was selected by the Microsoft Corporation to serve as one of 26 Microsoft Accessibility Resource Centers (MARC) in the nation. The goal of MARC’s is to demonstrate accessible technology solutions possible on today’s computers. Computer technology was also added in the office to allow video relay service capabilities for staff persons who are deaf.
IndependenceFirst partnered with Visit Milwaukee, the area’s convention bureau, to provide disability awareness and access training to the hospitality industry. The training was conducted in anticipation of the TASH-Disability Advocacy Worldwide convention that was hosted in Milwaukee in November, 2005. Time Warner Digital Cable's "Wisconsin on Demand" Channel 1111 hosted three of IndependenceFirst's videos for under the Community Organizations category. Featured videos On Demand included IndependenceFirst's "Freedom to Be Independent" agency video, IndependenceFirst's nationally awarded "Power of People with Disabilities" video, and IndependenceFirst's most recent video "Power of Youth with Disabilities."
The Disability Assault Response Team was formed through the hard work and initiative of IndependenceFirst staff member Leslie Myers. The Disability Assault Response Team is a collaborative effort of victim and disability agencies in the area who are offering wrap-around services for victims with disabilities who have been abused.
2006
In 2006 we established the position of Youth Leadership Specialist to target resources and services to young adults with disabilities. The Youth Leadership Specialist presented life skills classes to high school students with disabilities, coordinated participation of local youth in Disability Mentoring Day, and organized the weeklong Youth Leadership Forum.
The Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Advocacy and Education Project for people with disabilities attracted national attention and acclaim. IndependenceFirst staff conducted trainings as far away as Alaska and Washington, DC to assist other organizations in establishing services. The Disability Abuse Response Team, a unique collaboration between disability, social service, health and police agencies in Milwaukee County whose goal is to ensure timely assistance to abuse victims with disabilities, was honored with an Exemplary Program Award from IL Net/ILRU. Our Domestic Violence Specialist, Leslie Myers, received the 2006 Justice Award from the Wisconsin Governor’s Council on Domestic Abuse.
The annual Power Lunch featured guest speaker Robert David Hall, who plays Dr. Al Robbins on the #1 rated primetime TV drama "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation." Unknown to many, Mr. Hall is a double-leg amputee. His presentation included the many different challenges he has faced while working in the acting community.
The WisLoan program continued to grow after being awarded a federal grant in the amount of $750,000.
2007
The 2007 Power Lunch featured Tony award winner Ben Vereen. Mr. Vereen shared how his near-fatal accident and stroke led to his successful living philosophy of spirituality and wellness. His experience is indicative of how disability can impact anyone.
IndependenceFirst published, “A Celebration of Caregiving: Portraits and Stories.†This book is a photo and story collection profiling the importance of caregiving and the relationships that develop between those who give and receive care.
IndependenceFirst won a three-year $750,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women for Education, Training and Enhanced Services to End Violence Against and Abuse of Women with Disabilities. This collaborative grant was used to replicate statewide the Disability Abuse Response Team (D.A.R.T.) protocol which was started in Milwaukee County in 2005.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Consumer Advocacy team created two public service announcements (PSA’s) for television. The two PSA’s highlighted the importance of respecting parking laws when it comes to accessible parking placards and spaces. The two short pieces were written by and starred members of the ADA team and their families and was funded through a generous grant from Disability Advocates Wisconsin Network (DAWN). IndependenceFirst also premiered the DVD of, “Working: Ten Years & Counting.†This film featured photos and stories of adults with disabilities and their importance in the workplace. IndependenceFirst was a collaborative partner in this exhibition, which included photographs by Al Balinsky
and oral histories by Kristin Kurzawa.
The Wheelchair Recycling Project once again became an independent free standing organization that could begin to establish its own identity and resources.
The Assistive Technology Program has a current inventory of $63,000 in Assistive Technology Equipment. Staff in this program were contracted to develop Assistive Technology kits for the Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC’s) throughout the state and to train ADRC staff on this information. A collaborative effort with the Milwaukee County Department on Aging resulted in the publication of a resource manual and awareness brochure as well as seven Assistive Technology trainings for local service providers.
Growth continued in a number of other IndependenceFirst departments. The Personal Assistant Services program served over 1,000 people with disabilities. The Accounting Department did the books for nine other non-profit organizations. Information and Technology services are used as a resource for other Independent Living Centers throughout the state and consulting services are provided for five other non-profit organizations. Information Technology staff began serving on the advisory strategy board at UW-Milwaukee for the Entech Project, which helps non-profits in the area with their technology. In 2007 IndependenceFirst also established IM Design Consortium as a social enterprise initiative that will bring new fitness and mobility equipment to the public. As IndependenceFirst programs have continued to grow, a search for new main office facilities was initiated. Several locations have been reviewed by a committee and the search will continue until a location has been selected that will meet the designated criteria and better fit the needs of consumers and staff.
2008
Much was accomplished in 2008. The POWER LUNCH presented again by the Northwestern Mutual Foundation featured former MLB Pitcher Jim Abbott who was born with only one hand and brought 750 people to the table. After a 3 year exploration, looking for office space to house our staff and program needs, IndependenceFirst moved its offices to 540 South 1st Street in Milwaukee. IndependenceFirst was selected by the Potawatomi Bingo Casino for the first time to be a "Miracle on Canal Street" charity and receive a portion of funds collected all year in the Bingo charity games.