Center for Independence

The center for independence is an amazing organization and I have seen first hand the wonderful work they do!

We love Center for Independence! Our daughter has been coming for the past 3.5 years and has grown so much because of the Center. They work in groups but offer such wonderful 1:1 attention and the work is so fun and motivating. As a parent I have learned so much from the staff, therapists and other parents I have met and it has been such a valuable resource not only to our daughter but our entire family.

Our son first started at CFI just before he turned 1 and we feel so fortunate to have the entire staff on our team. The whole team there works tirelessly to best support the kids and we have seen wonderful progress over the past year.

My son has been receiving services for more than 8 years. It is amazing how much he has grown with the help of the entire staff from CFI. He was not supposed to walk until the age of 8 and he started at 3. Just to mention one thing. Not only has developed physically but also his character has improved a Lot. This is a great place. Thanks for all your help. CFI

Our son has been attending the Center for Independence for 5 years. We are so thankful for all they do for him and our family! We continue to make it a priority for him to attend the Center for Independence because of the expert care he receives.

This place was our saving grace. Having my son surrounded by peers has been an incredible experience. Each therapist has been so special in every way and i love seeing his face light up when i tell him we are going to see his friends :)

We are blessed to have found CFI..they have helped my son (with a rare genetic disorder) find a level of independence that he didn’t realize he could have! The staff are amazing experts at what they do! This is an organization that deserves to be rated tops in their field. Thank you for your dedication to all who attend!

We tell everyone we meet with a child with CP that CFI is the place to go! Their approach is so helpful and we love the family of expert staff our child works with.

We first learned about the Center for Independence from our doctor and our social worker and have been attending it ever since. It is truly amazing how much support and love they give to kids with special needs. They treat each child as if it is their own, you can see the true love and dedication in every word, every hug, every smile.THANK YOU!

My name is Rafael Rico and I have been a participant for over 20 years. I recommend this organization because it provides a weekly regiment for me of exercise that benefit me greatly. Along with the much needed exercise, I am blessed with meeting a staff that is compassionate, tactful and are there to challenge you physically. The program has equipment that cater to people with a wide range of physical disabilities and assist us in being our best selves. Last but not least, the Center for Independence provides everyone an opportunity to connect with each other by having social outings to develop meaningful friendships as well.

The Center helps me with walking, standing, stretching and walking on the Treadmill. The Center also helps me to be more independent at home, using my skills everywhere I go! I learn new skills here, like cooking, art, and going out to the community. I like to practice money management, ordering and getting around in the community. I have many friends at the Center and I like to talk to them! Great place to be!

The Center offers a warm welcome environment for families and the opportunity to be with peers.It is a great place for participants who share similar experiences in their lives.The Center provides a safe place to express yourself and it creates a community.
The professionals are highly qualified and experts of the fields of disability who see the individual as separate from the individuals disability. It goes way beyond the therapeutic se. Participating clients of the center learn valuable skills both physical and emotional that they can use in their daily lives.

I go to the center every week because it is valuable exercise and helps me maintain being able to do the things that I do every day. The center is amazing because they have all different types of therapy and it is very beneficial for me.

I grew up and found myself in the Center for Independence. It creates a powerful environment of inclusion, self esteem and creativity. The therapists are the best the people are the best and the environment is the best

We started in February of 2023 and CFI had made such an amazing impact on our CP warrior. Having therapy with peers has been so motivating for him and the staff is absolutely wonderful ❤️

I like this organization because I really like the job I have and it can be hard finding a job with a disability

I cannot speak highly enough of the Center for Independence Through Conductive Education! Their intensive motor therapy program and employment services program, Working Together Chicago, are truly exceptional. The supportive community they've built fosters incredible growth and independence, making it a life-changing resource for individuals seeking to overcome challenges and thrive.

My daughter and me are so lucky to be part in the center, the improvement I see with Wafaa since she joined us amazing and the self confidence she has a lot of it came from working in the center. The amazing team in the center make us feel we all are family .

I am an occupational therapist and know the owner and lead therapists at the Center for Independence. I have been to two of their sites and watched therapy as well as provided gently used equipment for them to use. Their programs focus on increasing functional skills to enhance participation. They begin working with infants and work with children as they move into adulthood including assisting with appropriate job placement. It is an honor to know them. Jessica Presperin Pedersen

The Center is a wonderful resource in our community that provides essential services for children and young adults with disabilities and their families. The staff and leadership are caring, compassionate, and knowledgeable - exactly what an organization needs to succeed.

I did my level 2 field work here and what I saw every day inspired me. The staff is incredibly hard working, providing a high level of skilled care for long duration is very hard work but all members work together to service the kids and family's. The children and adults who also engage in therapy are highly motivated and strive very hard to reach their goals. All together an amazing place. 10/10

Kyle Ferraro OTR/L

I have been a board member of this nonprofit for 10 years. During the last two years their ability to survive and thrive during the Covid pandemic was nothing short of miraculous. They followed all federal, state and local guidelines concerning the pandemic, all the while continuing to hold in person classes, summer camps and other events to make sure that the progress the kids had made did not diminish or go backwards. The discipline of the staff and the administrators in keeping everyone safe (staff, parents, the children, guests) safe was extremely gratifying. It put a significant burden on the entire operation, but they did not let that deter them from their mission. It was cry in credible to witness. Five stars for this great group of people working with these incredible children and families.

Having been able to witness first hand the impact The Center has had on the lives of children with disabilities has been immeasurable. I am so thankful for this amazing place.

The center is full of loving people doing amazing work!

My 4-year-old nephew attends the Center and it has been life-changing! It’s amazing that such a place exists, totally dedicated to children and young adults with Cerebral Palsy. My family doesn’t know what they would have done without them! We love everyone at the Center and can feel the love they have for our Mateo ������

Our daughter is just starting with the Center for Independence and we are thrilled! The staff is so caring, and our daughter gets to see there are lots of other children just like her. She is very excited to participate in therapies with other kids!

I wanted to see first hand of the miracles these staff members place into the hearts of these students and boy I did. I was lucky enough to visit the center with someone special and see first hand one on one care of these beautiful kids...It blew me away to view the level of passion and encouragement they give to each of these students and the best feeling I felt was the satisfaction you get when you see their faces light up and glowing on the goals they had just conquered!! You share right in the excitement along with them. Ive heard so many incredible stories about the center and interaction that I really wanted to view, not only was I able too but witness the heartwarming interaction of Patti Herbst , Executive Director of the center get so involved and see what humble, kind and how alive this place is...Im proud to be a donor and continue to spread the word of the wonder hands and heart of this place ;)

The center gives so much of themselves to these wonderful kids. Not only to their physical needs but their emotional needs. These kids are made to feel nothing can stop them. It's everything they can do. Yes they have physical disabilities, they are showen ways to work with them. They can be and do anything they want to. Love these kids and the staff ❤️

One of the kindest places on Planet Earth!

My daughter Djuna was a student here for ten years and there is not a single thing negative to say about this place.

Since we moved away from the area, it is literally the only thing Djuna misses.

Way to go, Patti!

My daughter Amina has a rare genetic syndrome which results in her having low muscle tone and mobility limitations. Our therapy team told us if we could increase her gross motor ability, the rest would likely follow, so at their recommendation we enrolled her at the Center for Independence. She has seen amazing progress since enrolling. They push her in ways our other therapists don't, and she has risen to the challenge. As hard as she works, she also has a great time. Going to "school" is the highlight of her week. The team at CFI goes above and beyond, making great suggestions and even helping us procure equipment.

This center has made a world of a difference in my granddaughter's life. I would not have believed this was possible. I wish she could continue her therapy there for as long as possible. Her mobility has improved drastically and we are very grateful for the center. I hope that the center can continue to make the difference in all these children. I definitely see the difference.
Thank you very much for what you have done for Amina

Our beautiful little grand daughter has made so much progress in less than a year. The Center for Independence and its wonderful staff have increased her mobility and her abilities to a point I wouldn't have believed 9 months ago. Thanks to all of you. You are truly a gift!

R. Qaiyum

The Center has been a life changing experience for our family. Our sweet little girl has made so much progress in her time at the center. It is amazing to think about her level of mobility and independence when we started here and where she's at now-- and I credit the center for a LOT of that. I'm so glad we found this place and I love their mission and the people here!

We love the center of independence - Max and family

I have been going to the center since I was 2 years old. I am now 18 years old and growing more independent every day. I feel blessed to have such a wonderful place be a part of my life. More than therapists and clients, people at the center became family. Every time I walk in the center, there are many different activities so no day is ever repetitive or boring. The services here are incredible and I cannot recommend them enough. I am proud to be disabled and a part of the center!

I have been attending the Center for 16 years, every time I come to the center there is always different activities to do to workout /have fun and get stronger. They always adjust and add support if we struggle/need it. Since coming to the Center I have been able to improve my balance to assist in my independence in walking. I have found good friends within the community at the Center and feel supported by all here.
- Brandon, 21

The Center of Independence is strongly devoted to each and every child receiving therapy as well as their family. What I love most is how the therapist effortlessly integrate smiles, play, and laughter into hardwork and physical gains of independence.

The Center for Independence through Conductive Education is a wonderful organization that gives children with physical disabilities access to therapy they would not otherwise have. The children get so much out of their time at the Center and are able to transfer what they have learned in to their everyday life. The Center turns no child away due to inability to pay! It is a very happy, encouraging place!

This is a fabulous place to volunteer and receive fieldwork experience. I am a graduate student right now completing my fieldwork rotation for OT. Prior to deciding where to go for fieldwork, I heard about this Center from a friend who is a co-worker. She told me what the Center is, their values, and mission. I thought I need to experience this so I set up some shadowing dates to observe. I fell in love with the place and knew I wanted to complete 12 weeks for fieldwork at this location. This place truly puts the clients needs first and listen to the parents concern. This is such a warm and heartfelt community that I felt since the first day. This Center is amazing and I have truly seen the progress made and the work these therapists do to assist the clients to be independent.

I first was made aware of the Center through my job as a Special Recreation and Adaptive Sports Coordinator. The Center was a great place to introduce adaptive athletics as the staff constantly encourage the clientele to grow personally and physically. I have always been impressed with the staff and results of the conductive education program. There where many times that I would come to pick up the kids for an outing and see the kids up out of their wheelchairs and walking.

I was so impressed with the Center that when it came time for me to make a change professionally, I came to the Center to work for the employment program, Working Together Chicago.

I am a member of the board of directors for the Center. It has been a very rewarding experience and I have learned a lot. The quality of the staff is outstanding. They are all true professionals and work hard to have the best learning environment for the students.

The children have improved a lot since I’ve been here. They come and say hi to me.
I love to motivate myself and the children. I also love the motivation around here.
I love coming to work because the kids make me happy.

I have seen first-hand the impact that this organization has on its families. The Center's team provides steadfast support for all those involved from infancy to finding employment. I am always so proud to represent this organization that is offering much-needed services for deserving people.

I have seen firsthand what The Center for Independence is capable of accomplishing. The incredibly supportive and dedicated staff goes above and beyond for these amazing kids. I have seen enormous gains over the years, which have proved to me that my family was in the best possible hands. I will forever be grateful for this place and these people.

I don’t know where to start. Our son, our family, would not be where we are today without the Center of Independence. This place has been so pivotal for my son’s growth and development and his gains have been so significant. The staff cares for our son as he’s family and everyday he is greeted with smiles and hugs. This is such a special, special place for my son and we feel so blessed to be a part of it!

The center is one of the best places out there for your children! I have never seen so much devotion to an organization like all the people that work there. It's great to see people that like what they do help other others in the best way possible. I couldnt thank them enough for all that they have done with my daughter. She is definitely independent thanks to their help! Keep doing what you guys are best at. Helping children!������

The Center for Independence is an amazing organization for clients, their families, and professionals working there. It is very family centered and feels like one big family. It is inspiring to see the dedication of everyone involved and the goals being reached at the Center. Amazing things happen at the Center!

My 5 year old son has quadriplegic CP, and has been attending the Center since he was 17 months. There isn't another therapy center quite like the Center; it has been absolutely invaluable in so many ways. My son has made incredible improvements (one example: going from hardly being able to life his head to taking steps with a walker), they have been an endless source of information, they have loaned us multiple pieces of equipment, they attend all his IEP meetings at school and they offer support at any time if needed. These are just some examples. I could list more. I am so very, very thankful we had a PT who referred us here. It has been a life changing experience for my son.

A family orientated organization helping children with cerebral palsy achieve their full potential through intensive physical and occupational therapy. The center is passionate of their purpose and dedicated to the children of the center.

Simply put and without doubt: There's no way our son would be where he is today if it weren't for the Center for Independence Through Conductive Education. Today, he's running, dancing and wrestling with his twin sister. The team is amazing and have built a real community that supports one another and celebrates each other's successes. We were lucky to be a Center family and owe them so much gratitude.

Such a wonderful facility, providing the best care to all of the children and young adults that they serve. Staff and therapists are kind, caring, encouraging and truly go out of their way to help all of the families. Would recommend to any family with a child with a disability.

The Center for Independence serves children with motor disorders of neurological origin such as Celebral Palsy. Conductive Educational teachers and thearpists work together to teach children functional skills that are used in the daily routine. The children work together in a group enviroment where socialization and peer support is a key element.

The center has been such a gift to our family! My daughter has shown amazing improvements due to their program. The staff have been such a source of support and knowledge for us.

I was first introduced to the Center for Independence as an aide before I went to graduate school. I was drawn to the group approach to therapy to help motivate the children. The group helps them learn through the peer motivation while having a good time and making lasting friendships at the same time. The Center focuses on the whole child and is an amazing place for both the children and families to receive therapy and support.

I’ve been volunteering/working at the Center for Independence for over two years. I couldn’t be more thankful for the following realtionships and learning experiences that I’ve encountered. The staff goes above and beyond helping the children and young adults that come for therapy,as well as for the family members. This facility is family-centered and motivate the children to achieve their fullest potential in life.

The Center for Independence does amazing work for children with cerebral palsy. My son has been attending the Center for less than a year and I can honestly say that I have already seen extraordinary changes. The group environment motivates him, and he continues to get stronger and make improvements in his mobility. The real strength of the Center is the staff—they really care about all of the children, are a source of support for the parents, and are always there to celebrate the little victories with us. I am so thankful we found the Center for Independence!

The Center does amazing work for my nephew and all the children that attend the sessions. I am so grateful for all of their hard work to help kids with physical disabilities.

There is no better place to volunteer my time because not only does the staff genuinely appreciate me, I feel like I am making a huge impact for the children that the Center serves. They are helping kids with physical disabilities become more independent and the results that I have been around for are amazing!

My child has shown such amazing improvements in their motor skills from just one summer of being at the Center's therapy! The staff is incredible and I am so grateful for them!

I have never seen so many dedicated employees in my life. The changes that they make possible for the children's lives are incredible.

Unparalleled work with children. The efforts of the staff is second to none!

I became familiar with this organization only this year and already I am astounded by all of the staff within the Center. They truly dedicate their lives to these children who have so much potential. It is amazing to witness the progress that the children make, even over the course of one month.

The Center for Independence is dedicated to serving children with cerebral palsy and adults post-stroke regardless of their financial means. They strive to help these individuals reach their full potential and gain strength, coordination, mobility as they reach for higher levels of independence. The social context allows children, adults, and family members to connect, share experiences, and bond in a such a unique and important way.

I have been able to watch the work of the Center for Independence positively influence the lives of families in a way that is simply transformative. To watch a child with a disability see no limits for their potential and to see the family alter their mind set to raise expectations for their child is truly life changing. The positive transformations and support the Center gives to families filters into every aspect of the lives of those working with the Center.

My son Justin attended the Center and I am a Board Member at the Center. I have witnessed many excellent moments over the years. Through the strong leadership of the Executive Director, a dedicated and loving staff, the gracious Board members who give so freely of their time, and charitable friends, family and associates who donate time and money, the Center has blossomed...In fact, this past May the Center opened our fourth location in the Chicagoland area. The Center now serves over 200 children with cerebral palsy at these four locations.

Many parents are anxious about the future of their kids when born with cerebral palsy. The Center has helped many children and their families over its 20 years. My son Justin was one of the original children to attend. Fast-forward to today and see Justin and many of his peers that have attended the Center scattered in their wheelchairs throughout universities and workplaces - being productive members of society….much more than we or other families were led to believe our kids could do. Every one of them thank the Center and the prevalent “Can Do” attitude.

The Center not only provides much needed services to children with motor disabilities, they are innovative and open to impacting the lives of adults who grew up with impairments and those adults who sustained brain injuries/strokes as adults. The staff work with the participants to also help to solve other life barriers as well. When young adults reported having difficulty finding employment, The Center partnered with business executives to help young adults create resumes and hone interview skills. The Center secured grant funding to provide fair wage paid internships for young adults with disabilities so that they can be strong candidates in the marketplace. As we now know, therapy is very important when the children are young and leaning or just after an injury as adults are trying to regain skills, however employment and social skills are important as well to be a full participant in society! the Center for Independence address the whole person and partners with individuals to achieve control over their own destiny.

The Center for Independence is uses a different model of care than traditional service provides: children with disabilities can be seen for intensive therapy and education, using a holistic approach that treats the whole child, regardless of what their insurance benefits cover (or don't). The children serviced through the clinic not only receive thorough, interdisciplinary, skilled therapy services at a high frequency and intensity, but a partnership from the center, helping the child and family navigate their many needs (medical, educational, and otherwise).

The Center For Independence is able to provide intensive therapy services to those that need it most. In a healthcare system that is becoming increasingly inaccessible, the center works to make sure every child receives the services they need, regardless of insurance coverage. The services provided go beyond the typical level of care able to be provided by other therapy models.

The Center for Independence through Conductive Education is an amazing place for families to depend on for treatment of their children with physical disabilities as well as for emotional support for the entire family. The work of the Center does not begin and end with the child walking through the door. The Center is truly there to provide caring treatment, support, and encouragement to all members of the family. With services ranging from early intervention to young adulthood and beyond, the children/adults at the Center along with the staff grow and work together to ensure success and full participation in the community in terms of physical ability, socialization, employment, and overall independence!

The Center has helped me tremendously not just the physical and social aspect of things that the center has to offer, but it offered me opportunities to be an employee and work at the center. I have grown so much from the center ever since I was four years old. The determination and the 150% effort that the staff has for each child who attends the center is truly incredible! Without my parents, sister and The Center for Independence I would not be the strong, confident and Independent person I am today.

I been coming for a month. I like the people. I feel stronger and I am making friends. I have Cerebral Palsy.

The Center for Independence is unlike any other therapy program. The center provides a comprehensive motor training program that not only incorporates physical and occupational therapy, but also a very important social component as well.. Everyone that comes to the center feels like they are apart of something much bigger. There is a unique sense of community that is often lacking when you spend a great deal of time with able body peers. When your at the center you feel that you are not alone and everyone is traveling on this journey together. Being someone with a disability I have been a fitted from my time at the center. I have learned many essential skills which I will use for the rest of my life.

The center provides an all-inclusive environment for people with disabilities to thrive & grow physically &mentally.

the center pushes me more than other therapies do. Mary Kate D.

I am very happy attending the center. The staff is very nice and will make you feel welcome. It has been a pleasure and wonderful experience getting services here

I truly love everything about the Center! In the 6 years I've been attending the Center I've learned so many valuable skills that have help me become much more independent.... I've also made so many valuable friendships that will last a lifetime it is great to have somewhere where you can share bonds and struggles with peers who truly understand. The therapists and support staff as well as the attendants of the Center are forever going to be a part of my family. I am proud to call the Center my home away from home!

The Center is awesome!!! The best part of the Center is the helpful people. I like coming here because they help me be more independent. I learned how to tall kneel and can now kneel in church every week. I also made a lot of new friends just like me!

I like the center for independence though conductive education because there are so many kind hearted therapist there. I gained an endless amount of independence with the great help of these amazing people. I've also made so many great unforgettable memories that will last a life time, I've also made amazing friendships that will last forever

This a fantastic,family oriented organization that serves children/young adults with cerebral palsy!The mission of the Center is to serve anyone regardless of the economic level of the family.
This is a unique setting for the students and the best place for those who can benefit from the program.
The leaders and staff members go out of their way to help the best way they can!

Highly recommended!

As a former Special Education teacher, I am delighted to applaud the teachers and staff of the Center for Independence. The dedication to their students is outstanding and the difference that they make in their lives, as well as the lives of the families they serve, is priceless.

I honestly don't know where my family would be today without the center for independence. The program is wonderful but the staff is irreplaceable...they have become our family and our life line. Greatest place in the world!!!

Amazing organization that truly helps children gain independence and increase self-esteem.

This organization is an amazing representation of helping those that need it most. The Center for Independence makes great strides towards ensuring that children and adults with physical disabilities are independent and self-sufficient. The vocational training program is an amazing opportunity for young adults with Cerebral Palsy to get experience in the workforce through internships, job shadowing, resume review, public transportation experience and college campus tours. It's incredibly useful for these individuals to get this experience!!

I have attended the fundraising events for the Center for Independence Through Conductive Education for the past several years, and am always struck by the huge impact that the Center makes on each child's life. Also important is the compassion and love that is evident in the interactions between teachers and students. My nephew was born with Cerebral Palsy and has very limited mobility, completely bound to his wheelchair. He is an amazing young man, with an incredible mind, and has accomplished much. I always wish, though, that his parents had known about the Center when he was younger, because he struggles with having the confidence that he can strive to live independently. At the Center, I see this theme constantly in the forefront of their work and mission. Every day, the staff work small miracles with their students to take one step after another in a continuum toward greater independence. This is a hard-working and motivated organization, and I can't speak highly enough about it.

The Center has had a profound impact on the life of my niece. Their efforts literally resulted in my niece taking her first steps and continue to impact her as she works toward greater and greater level of independence. The commitment of the organization to servicing families without regard to their ability to pay is incredible. There is a unique understanding of the need of their clients and their families. This is a life-changing organization whose efforts uniquely merit support.

All the therapists and conductors at the Center for Independence are so very knowledgeable and always willing to go above and beyond for the kids and adults they serve!

At the beginning of the Center's growth spurt, I worked with Patti Herbst to help her set up in a space that could handle more kids. I knew Patti from our children attending Montessori school together and I saw how she lived day to day with a child with CP. She and her husband Chuck, had such dedication to their child's independence. When she explained to me their vision, I was on "board" immediately.

A true leader has enthusiasm, passion, dedication, and good business sense. Part of that business sense, is surrounding themselves with others who share that vision. I am always honored to be a part of the Center, where I know my yearly donations are used to benefit the children and staff who work tirelessly day in and day out to foster independence in those kids. I love the two way mirrors in the waiting area, where I can pop in at a moments notice, and see hard work in action knowing that everyone is on task and reaching for their goals. The method of education used, Conductive Education, is even working on adult stroke victims as the Center continues to ask "Who else can we help?"

When I look at the charities I support and have supported, and some I have pulled away from due to ethics, the Center is always at the top of my list and in my will. They only have one major Fundraiser a year and the parent and community involvement makes it grander than fundraisers with much higher budgets. It's done with love and it shows!

I was blessed to birth 4 very healthy children and in gratitude, I am honored to help look after the lives of those who didn't ask to be born with a physical disability. The Center works tirelessly, day in and out, and accepts all children, whether they can afford the tuition or not. May all who cross the threshold at the Center, continue to strive more more independence in their daily lives. Bravo to the Center for Independence!

Words alone are not enough to express how the Center of Independence for Conductive Education wrapped their arms around our family. My daughter has Spastic Cerebral Palsy and from the age of four she attended the Center faithfully. We watched a scared child transform into a confident young women. The Center taught our daughter a multitude of life long learning skills that gave her life changing independence. More significantly, our confidence grew and we began to see a new beginning for her future. The Center supported the families with important concerns and built confidence to take the next step to keep moving forward. Our daughter has since graduated from the program, but the Center is continuing to build the next steps into the job market. The Center of Independence has given our daughter unmeasurable support with their complete all around expertise and it has been our privilege to be part of their family.

The Center of Independence for Conductive Education helped me tremendously for the 13 years I attended (1998-2011). I was one out of three to attend the program when it started in 1998. Early on when I first started, my family did not know how I was going to walk into my kindergarten classroom. My teachers had the wagon all ready for me, but with hard work and determination from both the therapists and myself, I was walking with a forward walker. From that point forward I never looked back. I have grown into a confident person always giving 150% because anything less is not enough. The times I wanted to give up, I know the Center along with my family gave me that extra push to keep going. I have since graduated from the program, but there were many times when I reflect on the milestones that I surpassed to make me the strong independent college student I am today. I am truly blessed for having attend this program. The Center has inspired me to work with other children with Cerebral Palsy. I NOW show them that it is possible to conquer their milestones.

The Center is an amazing place for both the children and the families as a whole. It is a place for children with cerebral palsy to receive the best intensive treatment available while making friends and learning from each other. The Center is not just therapy, it's a family and a home away from home. I highly recommend this organization!!

I have had the honor to work for the Center for Independence almost since the beginning! It's been wonderful to see all the accomplishments that have been made during that time. From the first attendees going on to college, the expansion to three locations and partnering with other organizations to make Conductive Education more widely available. It's enjoyable hearing the children working together and great that no child has ever been turned away because of inability to pay. I look forward to continue being part of a very special organization.

The Center of Independence for Conductive Education, is a great place for children with
cerebral paulsy, I would recommend the Center very highley to any family who needs therapy
for there child my daughter has been going there for many years she is now a teen and is doing
so much better thanks to the help of all the great therapist at the Center they work so hard with
each and every child as if it were there own we have become part of the Center family. We are
very greatful to everyone from the Center.

We are proud, as a family, to know the originators of this wonderful non-profit who began this Center many years ago. We have seen it grow from a mother & father's mere wish for an innovative, new way to educate their own child with CP to the actual award-winning, functioning institution for many other children with Cerebral Palsy that it is today. It grows better every year! A dream that has become a reality and yet serves so many! What a great thing to accomplish!!!

This is a wonderful organization that gives children with cerebral paulsy therapy. No child is ever turned away! I worked here over the summer and my experience was truly amazing. The staff are wonderful and would go above and beyond for the children!

The Center for Independence is an amazing community of children, families, and professionals. The Center never turns a child away due to inability to pay. The Center places an emphasis on advocating and empowering individuals with motor disabilities through compassionate collaboration with the family. A truly unique pediatric clinic.

My daughter has been with the center for about 4 years. When we first started to attend the center I had many many questions about how to care for a child with cp but most importantly i was looking for a place to help me understand and learn how to give her the most meaningful life possible. I feel that i have not only looked at the center for help and learning but i have always had a amazing support system. They are amazing individuals and i dont think i would be as strong for my emily as i am today with out their advice and support.

The Center seves motor disabled individuals at 3 locations ! It serves a wide variety of ciltures and doesnt turn anyone away for the inability to pay! The Center extremely family oriented and has a tight relation with those in the program! Highly recommended!

The center family has surrounded our family and made what seemed like an impossible road living with Cerebral Palsy, possible. It is refreshing to know that there are organizations like this that really understand the need to be family focused and they definitely are.

The Center for Independence is one of the top charities I donate to because I trust that the money that is received by them, is used almost completely for the kids and young adults they serve. I sat on the Board of this organization from it's inception and for 5 years thereafter. We found our first space in the Presbyterian Church of Western Springs and I remember the day I called to see if they had space for our kids and the Pastor said..."I can't believe you are calling me. I just finished putting in an elevator to get people with disabilities to our second floor. Come right over!" Patti Herbst and I ran over and were thrilled with the space, and the congregations willingness to share that space with us until we outgrew it. People coming together to help those less fortunate is exactly what the Center is all about. On days when I am feeling like work is just too much, I will pop over to the Center, see if I can go to lunch with Patti to catch up on all that is going on there. The I peek through the two way glass at the hard working kids with their excellent conductive education teachers, physical therapists, and occupational therapists..all working towards a common goal...giving these children more independence. All you have to do is see even one of them achieve a task and break into a smile, to know that miracles are happening here every day. The Center is the best place I know for truly using the dollars they receive.

I started working with this organization as a PTA about 4 years ago but only about 6-7 hours a week. I was doing it on the side of my "real" job, were I managed an adult orthopeadic PT clinic. I immediately fell in love with the kids, and as I learned more about the services provided and the heart of the people I was working with, I started to fall in love with the Center. So much that a year ago at my "real" job we had some buy out and restructuring and I faced a dilemma. I could stay with that job, a job I did love and was very knowledgable in and experienced in, but because of the restructuring wouldn't be able to stay working at the Center. Or I could quit the job and hopefully come on full time at the Center. After some deliberation I came to the conclusion that I needed to work full time at the Center. One, I couldn't NOT work with these kids, but even above that was this organization. I wanted to give up the position and stature I had built up over the last 11 years and tie my time to something so purposeful and meaningful. The HEART is at the heart of the Center. Everyone has an incredible heart for equality and independence for the kids we work with. Everyone deserves the right to reach their highest potentials, not to be hindered.

I have been a fan of the Center for Independence since inception, and have watched it blossom into the facility it is today. A large part of this growth, I believe, is due to the dedication and compassion of the staff that work there. They clearly love working with the kids and families that are a part of the Center "Family". It is so heartwarming to visit the Center and see how hard they all work, but to also see the room filled with smiles, laughter and encouragement.

My daughter has attended The Center for over a decade and we have been integrally involved with them during that time, as both parents and supporters. The Center has been not only a fantastic provider of services for her, but an advocate for us in the public education system. I can't speak highly enough of the tremendous work, attention to detail and passion with which they conduct themselves.

I worked at the Center as an office and classroom assistant for about seven years. I have not only gained a lot of knowledge about conductive education and physical therapy but have first-hand gotten to witness and experience the absolute beauty and success of the Center for Independence. The group setting format of the Center allows children to get to know other peers 'just like them' and helps them stay motivated throughout the practice. The use of music and art that the therapists include in the physical therapy session allows the children to develop sensory and auditory training as well. It is an absolute joy to see families walk in the door with no hope and no idea where to go, and just a few visits later have all their attention and efforts revived. I also find it so inspiring how much emphasis the staff and director place on having the children attend college/university and get a job in the workforce to become fully-participating members of the community. I am so glad to have had the experience to work with the amazing staff, children and families of the Center for Independence!

My son Andrew would not be where he is today, without the expertise of the Center for Independence Staff! They know what to do to help the child, and the parents. They are continually updating their education on the latest things kids with CP have to go through, and that helps keep things fresh! Their vast knowledge base and staff that become like family are a magical combination! Our family owes so much to them and they are all truly selfless about it!

A wonderful organization that has been helping children with physical disabilities for the last 15 years. We have been supporting the Center for the last 9 years and we are so impressed with the staff, volunteers and families. We also really like that 92 cents of every dollar we donate goes back into the programs that help kids. We will continue to support this wonderful organization!

This place is amazing. You can truly tell that the staff is dedicated to the clients. They are always helpful, engaging and willing to go the extra mile. The kids who attend the Center love to go to class and make great personal strides every day. Thank you to the Center for Independence and all that you do!

The Center for Independence is Amazing!!
My grandson, Cody, was born at 25 weeks gestation and 2lbs.,2oz. Because of this he has Cerebral Palsy, Spastic Dysplasia, He began physical therapy at the age of 9 months and my daughter was frantic to find the right intervention to give her son the best advantages he could have. By the age of two, the Center had just opened it's doors and Cody was welcomed in. Starting therapy two days per week, meeting in a church with two conductor. That is how it all started and thirteen years later my grandson can walk the halls of his high school (where he is an A student) with the help of a walker and he has learned the skills necessary to lead an independent life, all because of the Center.
The Center has helped thousands of children with Cerebral Palsy, they are an amazing group of people that truly love each child and do all they can possibly do to improve that child's future.
The Center for independence is Amazing and worthy of being know as A GREAT NONPROFIT.