Become a Personal Assistant
Progress Center PA Advocates lead several trainings every month. Call us to sign up.
Annual Meeting Recap
On Saturday, June 21st, we gathered at Ophelia’s to celebrate Progress Center’s 37th Anniversary, our annual meeting, and the election of new board members.
It was a powerful event full of energy, unity, and commitment to disability rights.
Thank you to everyone who attended, joined, or supported us. You make our work possible!
Special thanks to our guest speakers, allies, and the amazing Progress Center team.
For me, Horacio Esparza, it’s an honor to be part of this organization since 1999, and to serve as Executive Director since 2008.
We will keep building a more accessible, fair, and inclusive community!
Thank you for being part of this journey!
¡Celebramos 37 años de servicio! / Celebrating 37 Years of Service!
Este sábado 21 de junio, nos reunimos en Ophelia’s para celebrar el 37º aniversario de Progress Center, nuestra junta anual y la elección de nuevos miembros de la mesa directiva.
Fue un evento lleno de energía, unidad y compromiso con los derechos de las personas con discapacidad.
Gracias a cada persona que asistió, se afilió o apoyó este gran día. ¡Ustedes hacen posible nuestro trabajo!
Reconocimiento especial a nuestros oradores invitados, aliados, y al increíble equipo de Progress Center.
Para mí, Horacio Esparza, es un honor ser parte de esta organización desde 1999, y Director Ejecutivo desde 2008.
¡Seguimos construyendo una comunidad más accesible, justa e inclusiva!
¡Gracias por ser parte de este camino!
Annual Meeting – Saturday
Progress Center’s Annual Meeting is tomorrow, Saturday, June 21 from 1:00pm to 3:00 pm. For those who haven’t reserved an in-person spot, you can now join over Zoom. Here is the Zoom link and information. We hope you can attend!
Topic: PCIL Annual Meeting
Time: Jun 21, 2025 01:00 PM Central Time
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84803747180?pwd=9f0blJPi0pcseSE9J2AxN64vzaQ9qe.1
Meeting ID: 848 0374 7180
Passcode: 916278
Reunión Anual
Se acerca la Reunión Anual del Progress Center. Confirme su asistencia hoy mismo.
June Personal Assistant Trainings
Support people with disabilities by becoming a Personal Assistant.
• Free two-hour training
• Flexible schedule
• $18.25 an hour
To reserve your spot, call 708-209-1500 or email:
-kreis@progresscil.org (English)
-pquinonez@progresscil.org (English/Spanish)
Personal Assistant Trainings
Personal Assistant training dates for the month of May are here.
Annual Meeting
PROGRESS CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVINGIS HOSTING ITS 37TH ANNUAL MEETING
Saturday, June 21, 2025
12:00 pm Lunch
1:00-3:00 pm – Program
LOCATION: Ophelia’s Banquets
13102 S. Western Ave
Blue Island, IL 60406
*Accessible entrance off Western Avenue
❖ Guest Speaker Dennis O‘Brien – Impact of sign language interpreter shortage
❖ Guest Speaker Mariyana T. Spyropoulos, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County
❖ Learn about the ITAC Amplified Phone and iPhone Equipment
❖ Learn about the Home Modification Grant Program
❖ Current advocacy topics
ASL interpreters and Spanish captioning provided.
RSVP (708) 209-1500 or Nkhan@progresscil.org by Friday, June 6, 2025
Accommodation requests must be submitted by Friday, June 6, 2025
*Support people with chemical sensitivity by wearing no scented products*
Progress Center serves the community of people with disabilities of all ages.
Learn from leaders in advocacy and support services.
SHIP Program
Progress Center has trained Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) Counselors at our Forest Park and Blue Island offices.
Goals of the SHIP program:
● To screen for eligibility for various subsidies to reduce your out of pocket costs.
● To explain the Medicare-Medicaid Alignment Initiative (MMAI).
● To explore Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) and Medicare Savings Plan (MSP) eligibility.
● To provide an explanation of Medicare and to provide plan comparisons.
● To discuss eligibility for the Extra Help program to reduce prescription drug costs.
● To provide information on the new $2,000 cap for drug costs as well as the new Medicare Payment Plan.
● To provide assistance without pressure from insurance agents and companies.
To talk to a SHIP counselor call or email us at 708-388-5011 or SHIP@progresscil.org.
Progress Center flyer
Here’s a short flyer on Progress Center – our services, locations, hours and phone numbers.