Legislators Garrett, Hamor, Nekritz and Schoenberg gather for open house and forum at National Lekotek Center in Evanston

EVANSTON (February 20, 2003) — Four state legislators visited the Evanston headquarters of the National Lekotek Center for an open house and legislative overview on Wednesday, February 12. Those attending were Sen. Susan Garrett (D-29), Sen. Jeffrey Schoenberg (D-9), Rep. Julie Hamos (D-18) and Rep. Elaine Nekritz (D-57). The legislators were introduced to Lekotek’s services, and they met with several parents and children who participate in Lekotek programs. With Illinois facing its worst budget shortfall in recent memory, the event highlighted the valuable contribution made by human services organizations such as Lekotek.

Lekotek is a national network of 43 affiliates in 11 states that uses interactive play experiences, and the learning that results, to promote the inclusion of children with special needs into family and community life. Lekotek became a division of Anixter Center, one of the Chicago area’s largest providers of services for people with disabilities, in December 2002.

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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.