Rep. Osterman tours Anixter Center residences

CHICAGO (Nov. 29, 2001) – Rogers Park clients and staff of Anixter Center on Nov. 21 got an early chance to meet the person likely to be their next state representative.

State Rep. Harry Osterman (D-17) toured four Anixter Center residences, meeting constituents whom would be – pending next November’s election – in his redrawn district in 2002. Rep. Osterman, accompanied by Anixter Center board member and Illinois Campaign for Political Reform director Cynthia Canary, visited Wallen, Jarvis, Hoyne and the residence at 6610 N. Clark.

“I think the work that Anixter Center does is incredibly important,” Rep. Osterman said. “And for me, it’s great to see how well they are working within the community – in this very diverse community – having their residents who have disabilities living amongst the rest of the people of the Rogers Park area and working well and being productive citizens.”

Lynne Miller, director of residential services, Marykay Castrogiovanni and Jackie Thomas, assistant directors of residential services, and Andy Mylniczenko, director of physical facilities, also toured the locations with Rep. Osterman, describing how the buildings operate and relating budgetary information. Managers, including Evelyn Okocha, Randy Walker and David Zamojski, explained how the buildings suit clients’ needs.

Rep. Osterman met Ron Cluck, a Client Government Action Committee member and a resident at 6610 N. Clark . Rep. Osterman said the tour left an impression.

“Anixter Center is tailor-making its facilities towards the needs of its clients, which I think is very important,” Rep. Osterman said.

Government relations coordinator Joel Kurzman said the tour was a success. He hopes to arrange similar events in the future. “The tour was a great opportunity to showcase our residential services, which legislators rarely get to see firsthand,” Kurzman said. “Representative Osterman also was able to meet and speak with clients who rarely get to meet elected officials.”

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The mission of the Lester and Rosalie Anixter Center is to assist people with disabilities to live and work successfully in the community. Anixter Center is a leading provider of high-quality vocational, residential and educational options, substance abuse prevention and treatment, and health care. Anixter Center is an advocate for the rights of people with disabilities to be full and equal members of the community.