A Word From our Director...

SCCTD Should Be Applauded

St. Clair County Transit District (SCCTD) is taking a step towards a community that is inclusive of all people of all ages with disabilities, while saving on costs for the state, and providing for more efficient operations. They should be applauded for understanding the needs of the disability community, not condemned.

SCCTD is offering free fares to those with disabilities of any age. Many with disabilities ride paratransit which is $4.90 round trip. Can you imagine paying about $5 each ti me you had to run an errand on a fixed inco me ? Many with disabilities can barely afford their monthly expenses. Free fare reduces these financial barriers and helps them to get around more easily and become part of their own communities.

I would argue that in the long run this plan will save the state money. Offering free fares will decrease costs for the county by cutting down the number of paratransit rides and will help increase ridership of public transportation. There is a great program offered by Metro that provides free travel training to help those with disabilities effectively use the system, which will also help increase ridership.

Also, lack of affordable, available transportation causes many with disabilities to live in institutions or supported housing, because they have no way to get around. Furthermore, Illinois spends thousands of dollars a month per person institutionalizing those who with the help of community supports, such as transportation, could live in their own ho me s and cost taxpayers less money.

Sincerely, 

Erica S. Edwards, Executive Director

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Mission

To empower persons with disabilities to live independently and to promote accessibility and inclusion in all areas of life.

LINC, Inc. (Living Independently Now Center) has entered its 18th year serving the tri-county area. The agency was founded in 1989 to serve individuals with disabilities throughout the St. Clair, Monroe and Randolph Counties. Our mission and vision over the past 18 years have remained our top priority.

Centers for Independent Living (CIL) are a consumer-driven, community-based, nonresidential, not-for-profit corporation that provides services to persons with all types of disabilities. CIL's seek to create an environment whereby persons with disabilities can realize their potential and develop a sense of independence. They support a person's rights to self-direction and control in all areas of life through:

• Information and Referral
• Advocacy
• Peer Counseling
• Training of Independent Living Skills
• Community Education

CIL's are proud of their philosophy of self-determination and personal choice. They focus on strengths and talents, and promote inclusion in all areas of life. A CIL also serves as a strong advocacy voice on a wide range of national, state and local issues for persons with disabilities. They work to assure physical and programmatic access to housing, employment, transportation, communities, recreational facilities, and health and social services.

To learn more about the Independent Living Movement and the history of CIL's visit http://www.ilusa.com/links/ilcenters.htm.

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The BOARD OF DIRECTORS is composed of up to 15 individuals representing a cross section of the community. They are men and women of varying ages, disabilities, races, vocational interests and work experience. The majority of our Board are people with disabilities.

It is the Board's responsibility to secure executive leadership, establish policy, approve the budget, obtain resources and oversee the management of the center. Directors are not paid for their time, but perform their duties as a community service.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President John Prather,  East St. Louis Housing Authority
O'Fallon, Illinois

Vice-President Jim Morgan, Alternative Transportation Service (ATS),
Mascoutah, Illinois

Treasurer Thomas Smith, Monroe-Randolph Bi-County Health Dept.
Glen Carbon, Illinois

Secretary  Dr. Patricia Freed, St. Louis University,
Belleville, Illinois

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Daniel Crockett, Swansea Police Department,
Swansea, Illinois

Virginia Fischer, St. Louis Lighthouse for the Blind-SAFB,
Collinsville, Illinois

Robyn Lewis, Belleville East High School,
Glen Carbon, Illinois

Paul Hangsleben, O'Fallon High School,
Mascoutah, Illinois

Anisa Rucker, Southern Illinois Visiting Nurses Association,
Lebanon, Illinois

Gordon Bush, St. Clair County Tax Assessor
Fairview Heights, Illinois

Mariann Ziegler, Assistant Director of Special Services, SWIC
Belleville, Illinois

Billy Gale Walker, Community Volunteer
Cahokia, Illinois

Dan Allsup, Allsup Director of Communications
Belleville, Illinois

Wealthie Simmons, Comprehensive Mental Health Ctr.
Cahokia, Illinois

James M. Riess, Holland Construction
Swansea, Illinois

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Our staff consists of professionals with significant experience as well as specialized skills in working with individuals who have disabilities. Additionally, the majority of our staff are persons with disabilities.

Erica Edwards
Executive Director

Lynn Hatfield
Director of Consumer Services

Anita Overturf
Director of Outreach & Marketing

Certified Recovery Support Specialist

Jon Douglas
Independent Living Advocate

Tamara Stancil
Personal Assistant Coordinator

Marilyn Hughes
Resource Management Specialist

Tim Kesterson
Assistive & Information Technology Specialist

Christy Ondo
Administrative Assistant

Libby Bernth
Deaf & Hard of Hearing Advocate

Sandra Payan
Community Reintegration Advocate

Certified Recovery Support Specialist

Vicky Few
Youth and Family Advocate

Violette J.J. Nast
Independent Living Advocate

Rose Johnson
Receptionist

Doris Oliver
Receptionist

To contact any of the above staff members, email info@lincinc.org and please remember to note which staff member the email should be brought attention to, or contact them at the LINC office during normal business hours at
(618) 235-9988

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