CEO Commentary - Kristin V. MacRAE

It’s rather easy to become preoccupied with the proceedings occurring in Springfield this time of year. The waiting and speculation becomes trying, and everyone who is familiar with Envision and the work we do is acutely aware of the potential consequences.

Yet now more than ever, we must think positively; and be strengthened by the good things that happen consistently at our agency program sites. I am consistently humbled by the courage and dedication of the people we support. Day in and day out, they come to work; and every day, they continue the pursuit of lifetimes with more opportunities. These journeys are challenging, and each person we support must overcome many obstacles on the path that leads to a lifetime with more choice, independence and community integration.

Aside from the daily encouragement of the agency’s dedicated staff, the people we support are assisted from outside sources. Recently, thanks to a memorial contribution aimed to honor the legacy of Mr. Jack Grant, a longtime supporter and a vital leader of the agency, Envision was able to create a very special award program: “Jack Grant’s Champions.”

“Jack Grant’s Champions” honors the indomitable spirit of the people we support and recognizes the sheer effort and fortitude that makes all breakthroughs, both large and small, possible. “Jack Grant’s Champions” recognizes the tremendous will and self-belief that is necessary to achieve success by overcoming great odds.

Jack Grant worked diligently to advance the well-being of Envision and the people whom we support. He did not seek recognition or fanfare of any kind for his considerable contributions. He simply wished to help those who worked so hard themselves in their quests to secure jobs, live independently, or simply enjoy the modest, but powerful gift of community inclusion.

This year, Envision’s Special Olympians Team represented our agency at the 2011 Chicago Summer Games with quiet dignity and true sportsmanship. Through a generous financial award, in memory of Jack Grant, Envision was able to purchase uniforms for 200 men and women. This year, at the Opening Ceremonies held at Soldier Field, our team marched tall in the parade of athletes, all proudly wearing agency colors, uniforms purchased in memory of a man they may not have met, but a man who worked with conviction for decades, tirelessly, quietly, and effectively, to help assure that Envision continually strives to be the best agency it should be.

All of the 1,500 individuals who Envision supports are indeed “Jack Grant’s Champions.” While they may often face tremendous challenges, they always possess an ever greater degree of courage. Even now as our Governor and elected officials hem and haw, and continue to place politics before people, our champions are quietly hard at work, without fanfare or any special attention, in pursuit of lifetimes of the dreams and lifetimes with more meaningful possibilities.

If Gov. Quinn and the Illinois General Assembly spent one day, or even one hour in the shoes of just one of the people we support, one thing is certain: they would feel the beating of a heart of a true champion, and unquestionably, community-based service providers, like Envision, would never need to be concerned about insufficient funding or budget cuts again.

Empowering people. Creating possibilities. We are Envision.