Center for Independent Futures is a nonprofit that supports individuals with disabilities.
What We Do:
Person-Centered Coaching and Education- Through coaching and experiential learning, work alongside individuals with disabilities using a straightforward, person-centered approach to support them in living full and independent lives. Community-Based Supported Housing- Address one of the most important and least satisfied needs of people with disabilities: affordable, safe, and inclusiv
e housing in their community, near family, loved ones, and friends, with access to transportation, jobs, shopping, services, and entertainment. Inclusive Community Building- Encourage people with different gifts and talents to band together, reach out for mutual support, form communities, and create the conditions for all to thrive.
04/22/2025
At Center for Independent Futures, we work alongside individuals with disabilities on their journeys to greater independence and self-reliance, honoring their unique abilities and strengths. To learn more, visit our website independentfutures.org/individual-support
04/17/2025
My Full Life™ is a digital platform created by Center for Independent Futures. It helps people with disabilities achieve self-determination by providing the support, tools, and resources they need to live independently and pursue their personal goals. Access high-quality, ready-to-teach lessons on essential life skills instantly on any internet-connected device!
My Full Life™ includes 200 courses, gamification, learning paths, badging, reporting, skills assessments, and more! Learn more at myfulllife.org.
04/15/2025
We're Hiring! Join the Center for Independent Futures Team! We’re looking for passionate individuals to help empower people with disabilities to live more independently.
We'd love to hear from you if you're ready to make a difference in a supportive and dynamic environment! Learn more and apply today: independentfutures.org/careers.
04/08/2025
Center for Independent Futures could not be prouder to share that we have earned Quality Assurances Accreditation from CQL, The Council on Quality and Leadership!
This recognition reflects our deep commitment to person-centered practices and high-quality support for individuals with disabilities. We could not be prouder of our team, our community, and the individuals we support every day.
Hip hip hooray for Center for Independent Futures on achieving Quality Assurances Accreditation! Time to party! 🥳
04/01/2025
📢 Join Our FREE April Webinar on Supported Decision-Making on Thursday, April 17 at 6pm via Zoom!
CIF’s own Adam Wiser, Project Director for the Illinois Self Advocacy Alliance and Krescene Beck will explore how supported decision-making empowers individuals with disabilities to make their own choices with the guidance of trusted supporters.
Adam specializes in helping self-advocates speak up and speak out and frequently presents as a content expert for The Alliance. Together, he and Krescene will discuss how this approach promotes independence, preserves rights, and serves as a powerful alternative to guardianship.
Spring Activities sign-up is now OPEN!! Click here to register & learn more! https://ow.ly/AIKc50VouzI
03/25/2025
📢 Join Us for CIF's next free webinar and learn about supported decision-making in Illinois!
Center for Independent Futures invites you to a free, informative webinar with Adam Wiser and Krescene Beck from the Illinois Self Advocacy Alliance.
Supported decision-making empowers individuals with disabilities to make their own choices with the help of trusted supporters. Learn how this model promotes independence, preserves rights, and offers a powerful alternative to guardianship.
Spring Activities sign-up is now OPEN!!
Check out your old favorites PLUS new options today!
👉https://ow.ly/s58Z50VmccH
03/19/2025
Did you miss CIF's Housing Navigation Webinar? Watch the Recording! 🎥
If you or someone you support is exploring housing options in Illinois, don’t miss this valuable resource! Our recent free webinar featured Miranda Martinicky, Program Coordinator for Housing Navigation at Community Alternatives Unlimited. She shared her expertise and passion for helping individuals achieve their dream of living independently. With over 15 years of experience, Miranda provided practical guidance on applying for rental units and accessing Medicaid waiver services.
📺 Catch the recording now and gain insights into this empowering program that promotes choice and independence! Click here to watch 🔗 https://youtu.be/C-U-xxL_Gmc
03/18/2025
🌟 Get ready for a show that celebrates creativity, diversity, and self-expression! 🌟
Don't miss a FREE drag performance right here in E-town on Saturday, March 29, at 7 p.m. at Sketchbook Brewing Company (821 Chicago Ave)! 💃✨
🎤 As Chrome Snatchica, a CIF participant, powerfully told Evanston Patch, “I want to inspire others not to be afraid to express themselves through drag. It’s important so that all artists can be heard and seen. We want to be accepted and included in the drag community.” 🌈❤️
Don’t miss this empowering, joyful, and unforgettable night of bold performances, fierce artistry, and boundary-breaking talent. 🎉✨ See you there! patch.com/illinois/evanston/evanston-true-colors-drag-show-spotlights-performers-disabilities
The True Colors Drag Show aims to demonstrate that drag can be for anyone, no matter their ability level.
03/17/2025
We're Hiring! Join the Center for Independent Futures Team! We’re looking for passionate individuals to help empower people with disabilities to live more independently.
🌟 Life Skills Coaches – Guide and support individuals as they build essential independent living skills.
📢Marketing & Development Manager – Help share our mission and expand our impact.
If you're ready to make a difference in a supportive and dynamic environment, we'd love to hear from you! Learn more and apply today: independentfutures.com/careers.
03/14/2025
🌮🔥 It’s , and we’re serving up some fun with CIF’s Cooking Club! This week, our chefs-in-training mastered the art of the chicken quesadilla—using fresh rotisserie chicken for that extra delicious touch! 🧑🍳✨ From chopping to sizzling, everyone brought their A-game (and their appetites)!
Want to get in on the fun? CIF’s spring activities will be posted soon, and that means more Cooking Club sessions and other exciting ways to connect! Stay tuned and don’t miss your chance to cook, learn, and laugh with us! 🍽️💙
03/13/2025
📢 CIF is at CEC 2025 - The Council for Exceptional Children's Special Education Convention and Expo in Baltimore, March 12-15. This conference brings together educators, administrators, and advocates dedicated to advancing learning for individuals with disabilities.
Stop by Booth #941 to see the newest upgrade to My Full Life™, a digital curriculum designed by Center for Independent Futures to teach essential life skills through engaging lessons, gamification, and progress tracking.
📅 March 12-15, 2025
📍 Baltimore Convention Center
03/12/2025
🎉 Mark Your Calendars for SPARK 2025! 🎉
Date: Friday, October 10, 2025
Location: The fabulous Hilton Chicago/Northbrook
Purpose: To celebrate our vibrant CIF community—the individuals, families, and supporters who make everything we do possible.
Don't miss out—save the date now! We look forward to celebrating with you! ✨
03/11/2025
📢 One week away! Don't miss this FREE opportunity!
Are you or someone you support looking for housing options in Illinois? Our free 2025 webinar series continues next week with an informative session on Housing Navigation, led by Miranda Martinicky, Program Coordinator for Housing Navigation at Community Alternatives Unlimited (CAU).
📅 Only one week to go! Join us on March 18, 2025
⏰ 6:00 PM CST | Live on Zoom
🔗 Register now: independentfutures.org/2025-cif-webinar-series
Secure your spot today and take the next step toward independent living! 🏡✨
03/07/2025
🌞⏰ Don’t forget—Daylight Saving Time begins this weekend! That means it’s time to spring forward and set your clocks ahead one hour before bed on Saturday night.
Yes, we lose an hour of sleep, but that also means longer days, more sunshine, and spring is just around the corner! 🌷☀️
Make sure to adjust your alarms, and let’s step into the new week on time and ready to shine! ✨
03/03/2025
Are you or someone you support looking for housing options in Illinois? Our free 2025 webinar series continues with an informative session on Housing Navigation, led by Miranda Martinicky, Program Coordinator for Housing Navigation at Community Alternatives Unlimited (CAU).
📅 Date: March 18, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM CST, via Zoom
🎉🏆 Congratulations to the Smartinis for their outstanding victory at the Center for Independent Futures' Trivia Night 2025! 🧠🎤 Your impressive knowledge and teamwork truly shined. A big thank you to everyone who joined us at Double Clutch Brewery and to Stewpendous Productions for making the evening a hilarious success. Here's to more nights of fun and friendly competition! 🥂📚
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Independent Futures was founded by two mothers who, like any parent, wanted the best possible opportunities to be available for their daughters. In 2002, Jane & Kay founded Center for Independent Futures to provide services to families of loved ones with disabilities. Since then, Independent Futures has been guided by the belief that every person deserves access to every opportunity of a full life.
From living independently and being healthy to working and giving back in the community, living full lives means individuals with disabilities are able to be active in the community and activities of their choice. Our innovative service models open doors for adults with disabilities and their families.
Today, Independent Futures provides excellent direct service based on person-centered planning and participants’ hopes & dreams. Nationally, we also provide training to family groups interested in creating housing options for their loved ones with disabilities through our New Futures Initiative. Finally, our My Full Life online learning tool helps hundreds of individuals by training agency professionals and educators on person-centered planning across the country.
As Independent Futures looks toward our future, we are engaged, dedicated, and ready to continue working toward our vision of the future when individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to live the full, independent futures of their choice.
Find us on Guidestar by Candid, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter!