Little City's Center for the Arts Receives Service Award from The Arc of Illinois

Palatine, IL

Little City was recently honored with the Distinguished Service Award from The Arc of Illinois for its Center for the Arts program. The positive impact this program has made in the lives of individuals with disabilities made Little City stand out from other service providers.

This award acknowledges an organization that offers an exemplary, unique and innovative program resulting in people with intellectual and developmental disabilities achieving full participation in the life of the community. The award is presented to the provider whose services are a model of excellence to others.

"This award took me by surprise, I never expect awards-the work is its own reward," said Little City Center for the Arts Administrator Frank Tumino. "At the same time it's really nice to be recognized, and I'm especially thankful to think that this may cause more people to view Share My Kingdom, putting the spotlight back where it belongs on our wonderful artists and their creations."

For more than 20 years, the Center for the Arts has provided children and adults with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to explore and expand their unique and creative talents, promoting a sense of accomplishment and empowerment through the arts.

Little City staff member Theresa Fifarek was honored with the QIDP Award from The Arc of Illinois, for providing outstanding dedicated service to individuals with disabilities. In her current role as a Case Manager, Fifarek is responsible for the care and well-being of 10 children who live in a Little City group home. She has worked at Little City for more than five years.

"Working in this position at Little City has helped me grow exponentially, both personally and professionally," commented Fifarek. "Although I face many challenges in my position, the youth and families motive me to put 110 percent into my work every single day. I'm incredibly honored to be the recipient of this award."

To learn more about Little City's Center for the Arts and to purchase artwork, visit http://www.littlecity.org/arts.

For complete information, visit http://www.littlecity.org or contact Sally Blake at sblake(at)littlecity(dot)org or 847-221-7831.

About Little City Foundation
For more than 50 years, Little City Foundation has developed innovative and personalized programs to fully assist and empower children and adults with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. With a commitment to attaining a greater quality of life for Illinois' most vulnerable citizens, Little City actively promotes choice, person-centered planning and a holistic approach to health and wellness. Little City's ChildBridge services include in-home personal and family supports, clinical and behavior intervention, 24/7 residential services and special needs foster care and adoption. Little City's LifePath Adult Services offers a variety of residential options, employment opportunities, home-based services, case management, day supports, Special Olympics, an award-winning Center for the Arts and more. The organization has a 56-acre campus in Palatine and offices in Chicago. Visit http://www.littlecity.org.

To post a comment, you must register and login.