From the Executive Director
Friedman Place faced a challenge last spring that made us more aware of the impact we're having. A proposed change in Medicaid regulations galvanized our staff into requesting letters of support from our colleagues and friends. The response was much greater than I'd hoped. But it was the letters from residents and their families that really moved us and made us realize that Friedman Place makes a very real difference to the individuals who live here, and to the blind and visually impaired community at large.
The backgrounds of our residents are diverse. Some came from long and successful careers, either before losing their vision or while having visual impairment. Others were taken care of at home, many by parents who, like all parents, aged. But some of the most heartfelt success stories share the common theme of isolation – a cruel spell that is broken the moment an individual moves into our facility, filled with people who understand.
One resident's sister said, "She had no social life and never moved out of her chair. I believe that her life really began when she moved to Friedman Place." Another's father wrote, "My son's life consisted of sitting in front of the television everyday while his mother and I were at work. We tried to find suitable work and housing for him to no avail. Finding Friedman Place was a miracle." A resident said, "I was isolated and couldn't manage my own care. I have everything here that I need."
It is you, our supporters, who make it possible for us to make these success stories come true. You are the real heroes. And together we can face any challenge that comes our way.
A happy, healthy New Year and pleasant holiday season to you and your loved ones.
--Ann Farnam Lagory
A Wrigley Night to Remember
Residents Lauren Kane, Brain Smothers, and Carl Hobson relax with friends at an evening game
Residents agree that Friedman Place's first fundraiser was a grand slam. On August 10, Ron Santo Day, 20 residents along with a large group of Friedman supporters enjoyed a Cubs vs. Washington Nationals game from the best seats in town. Skybox on Sheffield generously hosted our friends at their beautiful, three-story venue with an open bar and all- you-can-eat menu from Goose Island Brew Pub.
Resident Steve Pfeiffer was lyrical about the event: "I'm a Cubs fan, and this was the most exciting game I've ever attended. I'd never been to one of these rooftops! It was phenomenal!" Another resident, Tim Woods, said: "My sister and I had an excellent time. Everything about it was exciting: the food, the atmosphere, and we'd both love to go again next year."
"It was a great evening; the weather was beautiful. I was grateful to be able attend," said resident Gary Sobel, who also went with his sister. And a newer resident, Cindy Hernandez, summed up the evening perfectly: "It was wonderful and best of all, the Cubs won!"
Passing the Low-Vision Torch
An optometry student gives resident David Harris an eye exam
Friedman Place has been a proud partner of Illinois Eye Institute for over a decade. The partnership first began at Kagan Home where our Low Vision Clinic was directed by one of the most venerable names in the field of Low Vision, Dr. Derrald Taylor. As of August 2011, the clinic is now being run by Dr. Karen Squier, OD, and her students from Illinois Eye Institute. The clinic is offered weekly on the fifth floor of our facility to residents as well as folks from the surrounding community. It serves the Institute as a hands-on classroom for soon-to-be optometrists, and is a valuable resource for those with vision loss.
To visit the Low Vision Clinic at Friedman Place, call (773) 989-9800 and ask for Vision Connections.
Eye Care Tip of the Season
UV glare from the sun is damaging both summer and winter. Be sure to protect your eyes year-round with sunglasses with a UV rating sticker. It's important that the lenses block 99-100% of UV rays.
Our social worker, Jeff Flodin, himself visually impaired, enjoys the original Matt Lamb painting in our lobby
Don't Forget…
To start your holiday shopping early! Our resident weavers have been hard at work all year to replenish our stock of beautiful hand-woven garments, accessories, and bags. These one- of-a-kind items are available for sale:
- At the Fine Art of Fiber exhibition at the Chicago Botanic Garden, November 3-6. For more information, visit www.FineArtOfFiber.org
- At Lill Street Art Center from November to December. Call Lill Streetat (773) 769-4226 for gallery shop hours and location.
- Online at www.Etsy.com. Our seller name is, appropriately, "FriedmanPlace".
- Here at Friedman Place. Just call Korah at (773) 989-9800 for an appointment to look over our inventory.
Proceeds from sales of all weaving items go directly into providing resident services.
What's New at Friedman Place
We're always keeping up with residents' health, wellness, and general wellbeing. But on top of the regular services we provide – private apartments and nourishing meals, medical care and case management – there are always a dozen activities coming up on the calendar. Here are highlights from some of the recent events Friedman Place residents have participated in.
Residents Enjoy Fine Dining
Laura Martinez, sous-chef at world-renowned Charlie Trotter's, leads a weekly cooking class for Friedman residents – an elegant pairing, since Ms. Martinez is blind herself. She was glad to be able to connect her day job with her social service work when she arranged for 14 residents to dine at the landmark restaurant on a July evening. After a tour around the vast kitchens, the residents and their sighted guides were seated at a magnificent long table and treated to the very tasting menu that would be served in the restaurant that night. Each course and its preparation were described by one of the chefs. Charlie Trotter himself made an appearance and was very gracious and welcoming. "It was truly an experience of a lifetime," said Events and Volunteer Coordinator Roz Katz. Our deepest thanks go out to Charlie Trotter's for providing such a lovely dining outing.
Residents Lead the Way
Resident Marie Busch shows off one of her Friedman residents and ceramics pieces
Thanks to the efforts of Celia Johnson, Wellness Director, and Beth Elman, Activity Coordinator, Friedman Place now finances a certain amount of Independent Outings per month. Independent of staff, residents plan activities, arrange for their own transportation, and go on outings that pique their interest. This year they've enjoyed movies, bowling, theater, and concerts on their own, sometimes in groups of three or four and sometimes groups as big as ten.
One Independent Outing that has become very popular is a ceramics class specifically for blind and visually impaired people offered through the Park District. This 16-week course has 8 residents attending regularly to sculpt whatever strikes their fancy, fire and glaze their creations, and bring them home to show off. “These outings allow us to enjoy all that Chicago has to offer and to do it independently,” said resident Steve Pfeiffer, one of the program's primary organizers. “But it's amazing how fast the money goes!”
"It's individual donors who really allow this to happen," said Executive Director Ann Lagory. "The budget for these extra services is limited, and we rely on private funding to sponsor activities and outings."
Author of Long Time, No See Speaks to Residents
Celebrated author Beth Finke shakes hands with resident Elsia Bendt with Events and Volunteers Coordinator Roz Katz standing by
Beth Finke, award-winning author, teacher and journalist also happens to be blind. She came to Friedman Place to talk to our residents in October and answer questions about how, exactly, she came to be where she is now – published and celebrated after having faced a complete loss of vision as an adult. "A volunteer read us her memoir, and Beth's story is just so inspiring," said resident Donnie Anderson, holding his newly-signed copy of the book. "I'm going to recommend it to my family."
After her memoir Long Time, No See was named one of the Chicago Tribune's favorite non- fiction books of 2003, Ms. Finke's children's book about guide dogs – Hanni and Beth: Safe & Sound – was published in 2007. We were honored to have Beth here. Said resident Bill Pendill, a published author himself, "It was a treat for all of us."
Friedman Place Is Plugged In!
People all over the world learn about our unique facility and services through our website and other online media. For those of you on Facebook or Twitter, don't forget to "Like" and "Follow" Friedman Place! It's a great way to get the most up-to-the-minute news.
- Visit our YouTube channel to see videosof happenings around the building
- Find out how to apply for residency
- Listen to the weekly Beacon radio show that Friedman Place sponsors
- Make a gift by credit card
- And much more…
Closing Notes
The Beacon is the newsletter of Friedman Place, a residence for adults with vision loss. Our mission is to provide housing and supportive services to blind and visually impaired adults so that their lives can be healthy, dignified and stimulating.
For more information about our organization or to inquire about residency, call (773) 989-9800 or email info@friedmanplace.org
To share your thoughts call and ask for Development or email development@friedmanplace.org
Editorial Staff: Ann Farnam Lagory, Heddy Lichtenstein, Sen Haines
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