Macy’s, Inc. provides grant to The Center for Enriched Living supporting women with developmental disabilities

Riverwoods, Illinois - The Center for Enriched Living (CEL), a not-for-profit serving individuals of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is proud to announce its collaboration with Macy’s, Inc. Macy’s provided the seed funding for CEL to launch the Illinois Imagines curriculum in its REACH (For Success) adult day program. Illinois Imagines is a sexual violence prevention program for women with disabilities, created by the Illinois Department of Human Services and funded by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women.

The Illinois Imagines curriculum addresses four themes: healthy relationships; healthy sexuality; reducing the risk of violence; and safety and support. A new topic is discussed at each weekly meeting, with time allotted for discussion, interactive activities, reflection and relaxation. CEL staff and the program’s leader, a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC), adapted each lesson so that it is maximally effective for female participants. The first full session will conclude at the end of April.

 “Implementing the Illinois Imagines curriculum is an important step in CEL’s vision of eradicating sexual violence against women with developmental disabilities,” said Harriet Levy, Executive Director of CEL. “This partnership with Macy’s has helped increase community awareness that women with developmental disabilities are victims of sexual violence four to ten times more frequently than women without disabilities.”  Illinois Imagines empowers women to know their rights and to expect respect from all relationships.

Educating first responders, law enforcement, and legal representatives about ways to ease people with developmental disabilities’ pain helps ensure justice is served. Together with the Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center and other social service organizations, CEL co-sponsored a conference for service providers in April 2013. Additionally, CEL will host a disability awareness training for Deerfield first responders, April 16-18, 2014, where sexual violence sensitivity will be a key component.

About the Center for Enriched Living

The Center for Enriched Living exists to enhance and enrich the lives of people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities – from youth through adulthood. CEL programs provide opportunities for our members to make new friends, learn social and practical skills, and become vital participants within their communities. More information available at www.CenterForEnrichedLiving.org