Community Forum

EFE Honors 2 Volunteers with the 2004 Public Citizen Award

Aida Calvopina, 2004 Public Citizen
awardee Equip for Equality is proud to honor Aida Calvopina with the 2004 Public Citizen Award, for her outstanding efforts and dedication as a volunteer. Aida assisted the development team throughout the planning of the 2004 special event An Evening for Equality and also conducted a survey project that gathered information on the disability community's interests and concerns.

Aida, 73 years old, came to the organization through a partnership with the Hull House R.S.V.P senior volunteer program. Born in Quito, Ecuador, she immigrated to the United States over 50 years ago and has been an American citizen since 1963. She began her career in the banking industry and worked at a local bank for 20 years. Aida enjoys people immensely. She was married 40 years and has one son, a grandson and a granddaughter.

Aida is an avid volunteer in several organizations throughout Chicago, including R.S.V.P, Mather Lifeways Foundation and her church, and she is on the social committee in her condominium complex. When asked for her philosophy on volunteering, Aida states, "Volunteering is always a lesson, a learning experience. Life is a learning process until you die ...otherwise you're dead already."

Our special thanks goes out to her for all her hard work and for filling the office with such a lively spirit. Aida is scheduled to accept her award at the upcoming open house this June.

In the fall issue of the Equalizer, we will be honoring Equip for Equality's second volunteer awardee, Lynne McNown, who is working on education materials and strategies for seniors with disabilities, regarding their housing rights.

Ruby Pflum rides her new chairlift in her apartment building. Ms. Pflum installed the chairlift as an exercise of her right to a reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act, after Equip for Equality assisted by negotiating with her landlord. "May God bless Amy Peterson and Equip for Equality. We wouldn't have the chairlift without them," writes Ruby.

I just finished reading the latest issue of the Equalizer and wanted to tell you how much I liked it! The article explaining the history of EFE was so interesting; I learned a lot from it. Also, the article about the parent who was represented by EFE to get her children back was so timely - I have staff that is experiencing the same situation with a parent she is working with. Thanks for the great newsletter.

- Debbie Einhorn, Director of Family Matters , Effingham, IL

I wanted to write and express my appreciation for the service I received from Ms. Cheryl Martin. Ms. Martin went above and beyond to help me understand the law and how it pertains to my son's disability award letters. She cleared up all my questions. Ms. Martin is truly an exceptional employee with a professional knowledge of her job. Please let her know how I feel.

Thank you,

- Brenda Tolbert

On behalf of the residents and staff of the Ann Kiley Center, I want to thank you and commend your speaker, Stacy Yusim, for her presentations on Sunday at our Center. She was amiable, informed, and geared her presentation to our residents. She did presentations to two groups and both were well received. You have provided a valuable service to our residents and I wish to again thank you.

- John Schulien, The Ann Kiley Center, Dept. of Human Services

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