ILO Insights
Maedi Tanham Carney
Founder & Executive Director, ILO
I don’t even have the words to thank everyone who has supported me on this wonderful journey.
I am incredibly grateful.
May 2023
..Join Us Sunday and Help Launch the Next Era of ILO!
I have met him . . . and he is exactly what I had hoped for in a new Executive Director for ILO. Please come on Sunday to our Hike, Bike & BBQ annual event and meet Tait Danielson Castillo in person.
Tait is amazing. He has a great background in the non-profit sector. He is compassionate, and smart, and asks all the right questions. I believe he will not only continue to grow what ILO has built, but may even take us in some fun new directions.
Stepping back is not easy for me. I have lived and breathed ILO for the past 9 years. But, it is time to turn over the reins and watch as ILO continues to grow, and as ILO’s families and self-advocates build new futures for themselves. This will allow me to focus on my family, especially my girls, and to explore some new adventures.
I will also be working part-time at my business, M & L Special Needs Planning. Please feel free to keep in touch maedi@specialneedsplanning.net.
As we all keep moving forward I wanted to be sure and capture the history of ILO and the many people who have helped make it what it is. Please take a look at my Founder’s Story below.
Sherrie Welch
Programming Coordinator
Sherrie will be assisting Sherita (ILO’s Programming Director) in helping plan and manage activities and events, and will work to ensure the continuity of programming goals and progression.
Sherrie earned her BS in Human Service Administration and has several years of experience helping individuals and families experiencing substance abuse and mental illness. Sherrie believes programs like ILO are essential for families to have access to because being a mom of a four-year-old son with a developmental delay, she understands how beneficial support and advocacy are for the overall betterment of individuals with developmental challenges.
In her spare time, Sherrie enjoys spending time with her parents, children, and husband. Sherrie loves creating vision boards and watching documentaries on Netflix.
ILO Happenings
Upcoming Events
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May 21 – Hike, Bike, & BBQ – ILO Annual Family Gathering
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June 11 – Bowling at Bowlero (ILO Community Group SAs)
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June 13 – Parent Webinar, What is ILO?
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June 27 – All Family Meeting at Maedi’s
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July 28 – Bike to the Beach Fundraiser
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Full Activity Calendar for ILO Self-Advocates
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June 13th Parent Webinar
What is ILO? Independent Living Options for Those with IDDIDD
- Do you have a loved one who is a young adult with any type of special needs – autism, Down syndrome, or intellectual/developmental disabilities and still living at home?
- Are you interested in sustainable independent living for your loved one in a supportive community?
- Are you concerned about your viability as a caregiver as you age, or in the event something happens to you?
- Do you live in the DC or Montgomery County area?
READY! SET! Bike to the Beach!!
Find out how you and your family can take part in this very fun
fundraising event – EVEN if you don’t bike.
Read our Letter to ILO Families
We are looking for riders!
It’s TRUE! All ILO Fees Can Be Paid Using Self-Directed Funds
Your loved one can join ILO and be part of a Community POD where they have social connections through vibrant activities; in addition, access to the community builder who creates peer to peer relationships and a life coach who can help them grow in their independent living skills. All ILO Fees (training, assessment, community builder, life coaching & case management) can be paid with one’s self-directed budget. Learn more HERE.
Can We Assist YOU?
During this ‘new normal’ ILO is here to help YOUR family and SELF-ADVOCATE in every way possible.
- Overwhelmed and don’t know where to go for assistance?
- Lost your support (day programs, etc.), and need alternatives?
- Running out of ideas for dealing with social isolation?
ILO is here to help! Please reach out to me directly: Maedi Tanham Carney, ILO Executive Director at maedi@ilonow.org.
Join the ILO Community Group
Community Group Self-Advocates join us for lots of fun programs and activities in 2023 and meet other self-advocates living on their own.
Current Events
Game Night
Bowling
*Non-participating ILO families must join the ILO Community Group and must sign a waiver before participation.
Go to https://www.ilonow.org/ilo-community-group/ for more info or to join.
We’ve just earned our 2023 Gold Seal
with @CandidDotOrg!
We are excited to share the work our nonprofit does through our #NonprofitProfile.
We Need Your Help Now!
Will You Help Support ILO?
The services that we provide to our self-advocates are largely funded by fundraising events, and by donations. Please consider a donation to help us continue providing support!
The CARE Act permits eligible individual taxpayers who do not itemize deductions to take an above-the-line deduction of up to $300 for qualified charitable contributions made during such taxable year, except for contributions to a non-operating private foundation or to a donor advised fund.
