Envision Unlimited Expands Service Footprint to Serve More People With Disabilities

Envision Unlimited, a full spectrum of care organization that provides support to people with intellectual, developmental and psychiatric disabilities in Chicagoland and Central Illinois, has welcomed 110 new individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and more than 80 direct service staff with the acquisition of residential housing formerly under management of St. Coletta's of Illinois. Residents and staff supporting 19 Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILAs), located in the south and southwest suburbs of the Chicagoland area, join Envision Unlimited effective Dec. 14, 2022. With this new ownership and management, Envision Unlimited now provides housing services in 83 homes in Illinois.

Envision Unlimited has a long legacy of residential support for people with disabilities, including 24-Hour CILA, Intermittent CILA, Host Family, Short-term Stabilization care and supportive housing. This transition ensures all services for new resident members and their families/caregivers remain in place, and those participating in day service programs and other outside supportive services will continue with their existing service providers. All homes are supervised and staffed with qualified Direct Service Professionals to assist residents with cooking, cleaning, personal needs and home maintenance. In addition, the homes are supported by house and case managers, and highly experienced management staff. By becoming part of the Envision Unlimited family, members and their caregivers will benefit from the full array of the organization's services, support resources, and infrastructure. 

"At Envision Unlimited, we understand how a safe, supported place to live gives people a maximum level of choice, independence and inclusion in their lives," noted Mark McHugh, President and CEO. "For more than 70 years, we have shared with St. Coletta's a similar mission, and we remain committed to providing a full range of care and support to help people with disabilities live to their greatest potential. Bringing these new CILA operations under Envision Unlimited strengthens the resources and array of vital services for these individuals and supports both our organizations so we can focus on key areas of expertise across the spectrum of care."

"We are confident residents will have stability in their lives as well as many positive new resources available to them as they continue to live their most fulfilling lives," said Annette Skafgaard, Executive Director of St. Coletta's of Illinois. "This arrangement gives residents access to more extensive behavioral health and diversified support resources from Envision Unlimited while we can focus on our educational and vocational training programs that enhance independence and well-being for participants without regard to race, religion or economic background." 

About one-quarter of adults in the U.S. live with a disability, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Despite the progress that many states have made to increase availability of resources and public funding to provide support for caregivers and individuals with disabilities, many critical challenges remain. In Illinois and across the country, the demand and need for long-term services and supports has continued to grow. 

About Envision Unlimited 

Envision Unlimited is a full spectrum of care organization serving people with intellectual, developmental and psychiatric disabilities from ages 2 - 80+ years old regardless of race, gender, religion, or ability to pay. Founded in Chicago in 1948, Envision Unlimited has a legacy of evolving care delivered with empathy, every time and everywhere. Innovative services offered across Chicagoland and Central Illinois include novel day programs; community living options; employment programs; respite for families; autism therapy; behavioral health services, and foster care for children with disabilities. For more information, visit www.envisionunlimited.org.

About St. Coletta's of Illinois

Founded in 1949 by the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Coletta's of Illinois provides a lifelong continuum of care beginning in early childhood. More than 300 individuals from the south, southwest and western suburbs depend on St. Coletta's programs and services each year. To learn more, visit www.stcolettail.org.