Illinois FreedomQuest '09

Why Tell The Story About Freedom Quest '09? Here's Why...

2009-05-29T05:57:00.000-07:00

Give people a fact or an idea and you enlighten their minds; tell them a story and you touch their souls.
~Hasidic proverb

Freedom Quest Springfield Rally at the Capitol ~ May 21, 2009

2009-05-27T08:44:00.000-07:00

Freedom Quest Springfield Rally at the Capitol ~ May 21, 2009

2009-05-27T08:35:00.001-07:00

Freedom Quest Springfield Rally at the Capitol ~ May 21, 2009

2009-05-27T08:33:00.001-07:00

Freedom Quest Springfield Rally at the Capitol ~ May 21, 2009

2009-05-27T08:28:00.000-07:00

Freedom Quest Alton Rally ~ May 20, 2009

2009-05-27T07:55:00.000-07:00

Freedom Quest Alton Rally ~ May 20, 2009

2009-05-27T07:36:00.000-07:00

It was a warm and sunny afternoon when the Freedom Quest Southern Route Riders pulled into Impact Center for Independent Living for the Freedom Quest Alton Rally! Banners were waving, signs were displayed, and music played while the Freedom Quest participants greeted old friends and welcomed new ones.

The Rally moved inside for the program which included:

Cathy Contarino, Executive Director of Impact
Sarash Castle, Campaign for Real Choice/Freedom Quest '09 Planning Team
Lori F., self-advocate from Granite City
Margie W., self-advocate from Granite City
Beverly B., self-advocate from Alton
Barb W., self-advocate from Alton
Tom Hoechst, Mayor of Alton
Open Mic where self-advocates shared their stories of dreams and hope

Amy Walker, Illinois Voices Systems Change Activist/Freedom Quest '09 Planning Team member, led the participants in singing "We Are The Champions" by Queen as well as "We Will Rock You" by Queen with oringal lyrics by Amy:

WE WILL ROCK YOU!
Originally by Queen, with modified lyrics by Amy Walker

System, you are big, make a big noise, working in the state
Gonna make some big plans someday—
All that waiting list space—a big disgrace!
Making us wait all over the place.

Singing
WE WILL, WE WILL ROCK YOU!
WE WILL, WE WILL ROCK YOU!

System, you’re a big one, hard one, working in the state
Gonna make us comply someday—
All that institution space, a big disgrace,
Nine big warehouses all over the place!

Singing
WE WILL, WE WILL ROCK YOU!
WE WILL, WE WILL ROCK YOU!

System, you’re an old one, poor one,
Pleading with our eyes,
Will you give us some peace someday?
No community space, a big disgrace,
But we all have our voices, and we have a PLACE!

Singing
WE WILL, WE WILL ROCK YOU!
WE WILL, WE WILL ROCK YOU!

WE WILL, WE WILL ROCK YOU!
WE WILL, WE WILL ROCK YOU!

WE WILL, WE WILL ROCK YOU!
WE WILL, WE WILL ROCK YOU!

WE WILL, WE WILL ROCK YOU!
WE WILL, WE WILL ROCK YOU!

Freedom Quest Decatur Rally ~ May 20, 2009

2009-05-27T07:18:00.001-07:00

At 4:30 pm on May 20th, the Freedom Quest North East Route Riders arrived at Central Park in Decatur. We were greeted with cheers from a crowd of people who were waiting for us. We joined them for an out door event under beautiful skies.

Dreux Lewandowski and Molly Chapman from Macon Resources, Inc. welcomed everyone and then Brian D., self-advocate from Zion, opened the Rally with an inspiring speech.
Several people spoke from their hearts about their lives and what is important to them.

The riders were then treated with dinner at Macon Ice Cream and More before they left for Springfield.

Brian D., self-advocate from Zion, speaks in Decatur about Illinois services for people with developmental disabilities

Freedom Quest Pontiac Rally ~ May 20. 2009

2009-05-27T07:10:00.000-07:00

In Pontiac, the riders were provided a nice lunch at a local church and then back outside for a wonderful Rally. The event included:

Opening by Shirley Paceley, Illinois Voices and Freedom Quest ’09 Planning Team Member

Original music—“Let’s ride to Freedom” written by Karen Donovan (who also played the guitar!) from Futures Unlimited and Nathan played the keyboards with vocals by Michael.

Brian B., self-advocate from Futures Unlimited, read a letter he had written his legislator…ten years ago and the issues are the same today. Brian said that change would come now because the self-advocates are speaking up!

Speeches by Rena, Brenda and Rudy (self-advocates) as well as an Open Mic were all inspiring.

A quiz show about the DD system of services in Illinois was next, then Lester Pritchard, Campaign for Real Choice and Freedom Quest 09 Planning Team Member, gave a speech.

The Ride for Freedom Music happened again, by popular demand

The Balloon Release release was the closing activity, capping off an awesome rally!

Freedom Quest Joliet Rally ~ May 19, 2009

2009-05-27T07:02:00.001-07:00

Sonia R., self-advocate from Joliet, receives the Lighthouse award.

Freedom Quest North East riders arriving at the Joliet airport.

Freedom Quest Bloomington Rally ~ May 20, 2009

2009-05-27T06:50:00.000-07:00

Freedom Quest Bloomington Rally ~ May 20, 2009

2009-05-27T06:23:00.000-07:00

Freedom Quest Bloomington Rally ~ May 20, 2009

2009-05-27T06:19:00.000-07:00

Freedom Quest Decatur Rally ~ May 20, 2009

2009-05-27T06:16:00.000-07:00

John and Theresa, self-advocates from Decatur, speak about what is important to them.

Pictures from Freedom Quest Joliet Rally ~ May 19, 2009

2009-05-27T06:09:00.000-07:00

Pictures from Freedom Quest Peoria Rally ~ May 20, 2009

2009-05-26T11:59:00.000-07:00

Pictures from Freedom Quest Peoria Rally ~ May 20, 2009

2009-05-26T11:51:00.000-07:00

Freedom Quest Joliet Rally ~ May 19, 2009

2009-05-26T08:03:00.001-07:00

Mary Tisdale was the speaker from the Center for Independant Living.

Sonia R., self-advocate from Joliet, received the Lighthouse Award for her leadership and teaching of Spanish classes at 2 different locations within the Community Service Department of Cornerstone Services.

Halo Entertainment received the Dream Maker's Award for donating their recording studio, as well as their time and expertise in making a client's dream come true.

After Terry Ber, Vocational Manager presented Halo Entertainment the award she was surprised to be the next recipient of the same award for all the dreams she was instrumental in helping to come true.

Self advocates worked on quilt squares for an advocacy quilt, and made their own "I am a Voter" pin to wear.

Ron R., self-advocate from Joliet, who's dream was to make his own CD had a table to display and sell his dream come true.

Sonia R. headed up a table sharing about the Alliance, a statewide initiative, allowing self advocates to sign up or be added to the mailing list.

Self-advocates led everyone in an inspiring song "This is America" written to the melody of "God Bless America" with original lyrics by Terry Ber:

This is America!

This is America! We should be free!
To Live our lives........ with respect and
without labels......walk with dignity!

In the housing ....of our choosing!
With supports and....all we need!
Close state ops! Illinois!
Cut PUNS waiting lists!
Illinois should be....much better than this!

This is America.......but sometimes it seems
being 51st........... and staff leaving
all our freedoms live just in our dreams!

Politicians.......... please remember
we are voters.......and we’ll fight
'til equality appears
and we see the light!
This is America! and we know our rights!

Politicians........please remember
we are voters........and we'll fight!
Please shape up! Illinois!
cut PUNS waiting lists!
Illinois should be......much better than this!

Terry Ber © 2009

Freedom Quest Pontiac Rally ~ May 20, 2009

2009-05-26T06:25:00.000-07:00

The Freedom Quest Pontiac Rally included an original song created by Karen Donovan of Futures Unlimited:

RIDE FOR FREEDOM
WE ARE HERE
WE ARE ONE
LOOK OUT SPRINGFIELD HERE WE COME
GET ON THE BUS
LET’S RIDE FOR FREEDOM

CHORUS:
LET’S RIDE FOR FREEDOM
LET’S RIDE FOR FREEDOM
GET ON THE BUS
LET’S RIDE FOR FREEDOM

REPEAT CHORUS

GRAB YOUR COAT
GRAB YOUR HAT
YOU KNOW SPRINGFIELD’S WHERE IT’S AT
GET ON THE BUS
LET’S RIDE FOR FREEDOM

CHORUS 2X

WE’RE GONNA SPEAK UP, GONNA SPEAK OUT
WE’RE GONNA TELL EM WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT
GET ON THE BUS
LET’S RIDE FOR FREEDOM

CHORUS 2X

Karen Donovan © 2009

Scenes from Freedom Quest Joliet Rally ~ May 19, 2009

2009-05-26T06:21:00.000-07:00

Freedom Quest Zion Rally at Northpoint Resources, Inc. ~ May 19, 2009

2009-05-26T05:32:00.000-07:00

The Freedom Quest North East Route riders spent a couple hours at NorthPointe Resources, Inc. in Zion, Illinois on Tuesday, May 19th. The riders joined many others for a Rally in the parking lot. The speakers included:

Karl Kopp - CEO/President NorthPointe
Darryl Swank - Chairman Board of Directors NorthPointe
Patrick Coles - Nothpointe Council President
Brian Dixon - Self Advocate Illinois
Donna Morask - Family Member
Lester Pritchard—Founder, Campaign for Real Choice in Illinois

Northpointe graciously provided pizza, salad, cookies and drinks to the riders before we continued our journey across the state.

Freedom Quest's Pause for a Cause in Waukegan ~ May 19, 2009

2009-05-25T17:09:00.000-07:00

Freedom Quest's Pause for a Cause in Waukegan ~ May 19, 2009

2009-05-25T16:59:00.000-07:00

The North East route began with “Pause for a Cause” at the Waukegan City Hall. About 60 people gathered and at 10:00 am everyone froze for 2 minutes…then we began chants about freedom for people with developmental disabilities in Illinois. The mayor, chief of police and other city staff stopped by to discuss the issues with the riders.

Robert G. Sabonjian, Mayor of Waukegan, speaks with self-advocates at Freedom Qeust's Pause for a Cause.

Sharon F., self-advocate from Decatur, holds a sign with an important message for the onlookers at Waukegan City Hall.

Lester Pritchard Speaks at the Freedom Quest Zion Rally ~ 5.19.09!

2009-05-25T16:56:00.000-07:00

News Video and Story from Freedom Quest Peoria Rally!

2009-05-25T16:52:00.000-07:00

Reported by: Iris Pérez - WMBD/WYZZ
Wednesday, May 20, 2009 @06:11pm CST

PEORIA - People diagnosed with disabilities are on a freedom ride to break the chains of social labels.

People like Theresa Sies, who was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, and lived in a nursing home for nine and a half years.

Outside of Peoria’s AmericInn Sies hugs her mentor, “Linda” with tears of joy streaming from her eyes because she is free from the bondage she says she experienced at the nursing home.

“I was beaten, abused, gave me meds that made me dopey, because every things a line, they don't listen to what we have,” recalled Sies.

Sies says doctors told her she would never live a full life

“They told me I would never ever be able to go to school, be able to be functioning on my own, I would be disabled all my life…now I'm going to school, got a job, I can do all things on my own. I'm an advocate for people.”

Which is why she and her supporters are on a quest to Springfield, IL to call for the right to pursue happiness as they see fit.

“The reason we're going to Springfield is because that's where the legislatures work and we're taking the message to them that people deserve freedom and an opportunity to live the lives they choose,” Jen Knapp.

So as the group makes a pit stop for lunch they slap fives, and share ideas about what they want for others seeking freedom from institutional discrimination.

“Everybody deserves a chance to be out in the world doing like what we're doing working and making money,” said rider “Alicia.”

A dream Sies says she cherishes and wants others who are considered disabled to experience, too.

“I have a home and that means so much to me, I never got to have my own stuff, and that means so much to me. I got my rings back, I get to have a boyfriend, that means so much to me!”

Freedom Quest is expecting to meet in Springfield on the 21st. From there the group will join other Freedom Quest riders in the Capitol Building Rotunda.

Check out the New Video by logging on to
http://centralillinoisproud.com/content/fulltext/?cid=60161.

News Video Stories on Freedom Quest Rally In Decatur on WAND TV and WCIA 3 TV!

2009-05-22T08:05:00.000-07:00

WAND TV and WCIA 3 TV covered the Freedom Quest Rally in Decatur on May 20, 2009. Check out the videos by logging on to

http://www.wandtv.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?ClipID1=3783398&h1=Freedom%20Quest%20Rally%20pushes%20for%20disabled%20rights&vt1=v&at1=News&d1=106100&LaunchPageAdTag=Search%20Results&activePane=info&rnd=7167031.

http://illinoishomepage.net/content/fulltext/?cid=86281

Pictures from the Illinois Freedom Quest '09 Rally at the Capital ~ May 21, 2009

2009-05-22T07:55:00.000-07:00

Please check out the link below for some of the many photos Serafin and Associates took at the Capital during the Rally!

http://picasaweb.google.com/lifemywayil/05212009FreedomQuest2009#slideshow/5338647315667030610

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

2009-05-21T04:42:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Rob Stroud from the Journal Gazette Times-Courier for covering the Charleston Freedom Quest Rally. You can find Rob's article by logging on to www.jg-tc.com/articles/2009/05/21/news/doc4a14c6b8ae566646936844.txt.

We Got Us A Convoy!

2009-05-20T18:31:00.001-07:00

As our journey took us from Charleston to Alton, the song "Convoy" by CW McCall came on the radio. As we pulled off of the interstate for a much needed pit stop, the song was ending and I looked in my rear-view mirror to see this...our own Freedom Quest convoy!

"Cause we gotta little ol' convoy, rockin' through the night
Yeah we gotta little ol' convoy, ain't she a beautiful sight?
Come on an' join our convoy, ain't nothin' gonna git in our way..."

A beautiful sight, indeed.

As We Left the Charleston Rally to Caravan to the Alton Rally...

2009-05-20T18:26:00.000-07:00

the lyrics to "We Shall Overcome", sung so beautifully by the Giver of Song Choir from HRC in Paris, Illinois, hung in the soft, sweet air...

We shall overcome
We shall overcome
We shall overcome some day

Oh, deep in my heart
I do believe
We shall overcome some day

We'll walk hand in hand
We'll walk hand in hand
We'll walk hand in hand some day

Oh, deep in my heart
I do believe
We shall overcome some day

We shall all be free
We shall all be free
We shall all be free some day

Oh, deep in my heart
I do believe
We shall overcome some day

We are not afraid
We are not afraid
We are not afraid some day

Oh, deep in my heart
I do believe
We shall overcome some day

We are not alone
We are not alone
We are not alone some day

Oh, deep in my heart
I do believe
We shall overcome some day

The whole wide world around
The whole wide world around
The whole wide world around some day

Oh, deep in my heart
I do believe
We shall overcome some day

We shall overcome
We shall overcome
We shall overcome some day

Oh, deep in my heart
I do believe
We shall overcome some day

Hats Off to Mike Brown, Charleston Rally Coordinator!

2009-05-20T18:25:00.001-07:00

More Scenes from the Charleston Rally

2009-05-20T18:23:00.001-07:00

Jackie H. and Kim E. Sing The National Anthem at the Charleston Rally

2009-05-20T18:20:00.001-07:00

Giver of Song Choir Performs at Freedom Quest Charleston Rally

2009-05-20T18:19:00.001-07:00

Giver of Song Choir from Human Resources Center in Paris, Illinois, performs "We Shall Overcome".

A Proclamation by the Mayor of the City of Charleston proclaiming Wednesday, May 20, 2009, as Freedom Quest '09 Day!

2009-05-20T18:10:00.000-07:00

Ron Stoner, CTF's Vocational Marketing Director, reads the proclamation to rally participants:

WHEREAS on May 19-21, 2009, people with disabilities and their supporters will ride in a caravan throughout the State of Illinois to call for their freedom and equal opportunity to live independent lives; and

WHEREAS the Campaign for Real Choice, Illinois Voices, Charleston Transitional Facility, CCAR Industries, Graywood Enterprises, and Developmental Foundations have joined the movement to decrease the waiting list, decrease the number of state-operated institutions, increase community-support systems, and create a service system in Illinois that is truly person-centered; and

WHEREAS the City of Charleston recognizes that local agencies and developmentally disabled individuals served by those agencies are vital economic components of this community - generating approximately $30 million in funding, and providing several hundered local jobs as well as leadership in the community; and

WHEREAS community-based services for individuals with developmental disabilities provide an effective and efficient use of state and federal funding - so vital in today's economic climate;

NOW THEREFORE, I, John Inyart, Mayor of the City of Charleston, do hereby proclaim Wednesday, May 20, 2009, as FREEDOM QUEST '09 DAY.

Scenes from the Charleston Rally

2009-05-20T18:05:00.000-07:00

Motherload, a bluegrass string band from Charleston, gets everyone's toes a-tappin'as they play "Get Together, Love is But a Song We Sing" and "God Bless the Grass", a song about overcoming the odds and getting what you need and deserve. What a great way to begin the Charleston Rally!

Freedom Quest Charleston Rally

2009-05-20T17:59:00.000-07:00

The Freedom Quest Charleson Rally Planning Team would like to thank the following groups/individuals who made the rally a great success for the 250 participants who attended:

Illinois Voices
Campaign for Real Choice/Sarah Castle
Freedom Quest '09 Planning Team
Human Resources Center (HRC) in Paris, Illinois
Giver of Song Choir from HRC
Motherlode musical group from Charleston, IL
President Abraham Lincoln (as portrayed by Mr. McClerren
CCAR Industries
Everyone at Charleston Transitional Facilities (CTF)
Amy Walker
Jackie H. and Kim E., self-advocates
Pizza Hut
Papa John's Pizza
Gateway Liquor
City of Charleston
Uptown Merchants
But most of all, the Charleston Rally Planning Team would like to thank the individuals that are affected by the lack of funding and services in Illinois, and who deserve much more!

Freedom Quest '09 Charleston Rally!

2009-05-20T17:51:00.000-07:00

The Freedom Quest Rally in Charleston was full of great speeches, wonderful music, an inspiring proclamation from the city of Charleston, and even a visit and speech from President Abraham Lincoln himself. As you can see from the pictures, President Lincoln looks like he hasn't aged in years! Happy 200th birthday Mr. President!

Freedom Quest '09 Northwestern Route Rallies a Huge Success!

2009-05-20T06:24:00.000-07:00

Rock Island - "What freedom means to me" was the theme of the event in Rock Island. About 150 people with disabilities and their supporters attended the event that included speeches from self-advocates from the Speak Out group, the Rock Island Mayor, Congressman Hare's staff, and area disbility services providers. Don Healy, a professor at the local university, ended the event by leading the whole group in a chant of, "Yes We Can!" "Yes They Should!" "Yes They'd Better!" We will take that message with us to Springfield!

LaSalle-Peru - There was a party in Peru yesterday! When the caravan arrived we joined 250 people who were cheering and holding signs with messages about freedom and choice. During the event, there was a skit showing the differences between institutions and the community, speakers, and beautiful songs from the Friendship Choir.

Brian Krans, a reporter from Quad-Cities Online, attended the Rock Island Rally and wrote an article that you can find online at www.qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=440341.

Freedom Quest '09 Murphysboro Rally Article in the Southern Illinoisan!

2009-05-20T05:07:00.000-07:00

Scott Fitzgerald from the Southern Illinoisan newspaper wrote an article on the Freedom Quest '09 Murphysboro Rally ~ you can check out the article by logging on to www.southernillinoisan.com/articles/2009/05/20/local/28989572.txt.

The Southern Route Participants Enjoy a Wonderful Meal!

2009-05-19T19:06:00.001-07:00

After arriving in Mattoon, Illinois, in preparation for the Freedom Quest Rally in Charleston, Illinois, the southern route participants rested a bit before going out to eat a wonderful meal. It was a unanimous vote...Cody's is a great place to eat!!!

Ravell McDonald and Sarah Castle Speak at the Mt. Vernon Rally

2009-05-19T19:03:00.000-07:00

Freedom Quest '09 Southern Route Rally in Mt. Vernon

2009-05-19T18:50:00.001-07:00

The Freedom Quest '09 Rally in Mt. Vernon included participants receiving "money" that represented services in Illinois. Some participants received "money" representing personal choices in a home/community based program while others received "money" representing no choices in an institutional bias program. Participants with choices received a full plate of yummy food served quickly and with a smile while those with no choices got whatever "staff" felt like they should have, regardless of if they wanted it or not or wanted more or not. Some participants even had to go begging to get more food to eat, much to the dismay of the "staff"!

Craig H., self-advocate from Mt. Vernon, won a t-shirt for his guess of 2,400 pennies in the jar!

The Mt. Vernon Rally was planned by Opportunities for Access Center for Independent Living (CIL). Speakers included:

Mike Egbert from Opportunities for Access
Shelly Lawler from Southern Illinois Case Coordination Services
Ravell McDonald, self-advocate from Robinson, Illinois
Amy Walker, Illinois Voices' Systems Change Activist/Freedom Quest '09 Planning Team member/self-advocate
Sarah Castle, Freedom Quest '09 Planning Team member/Campaign for Real Choice organizer

2009-05-19T18:33:00.000-07:00

WSIL TV, the Southern Illinois News Source was at the Murphysboro Rally!!! Check out the news spot by logging on to http://www.wsiltv.com/p/videos.php?videoID=4439&newsID=7489&type=top&vidType=smMov.

The Southern Illinoisan was also at the rally. Check their website at http://www.southernillinoisan.com for the Freedom Quest '09 article.

2009-05-19T18:32:00.000-07:00

Amy and Dane, self-advocates from Alton, Illinois, take some time out for a picture at the Murphysboro Rally.

2009-05-19T18:30:00.000-07:00

Amy Walker, Illinois Voices' Systems Change Activist/Freedom Quest Planning Team member/self-avocate speaks at the Murphysboro Rally.

2009-05-19T18:28:00.000-07:00

Kathy Baumann, START's Executive Director, welcomes participants to Freedom Quest's Murphysboro Rally.

2009-05-19T18:24:00.000-07:00

Freedom Quest '09 Event Schedule ~ Murphysboro Rally

2009-05-19T18:11:00.000-07:00

Welcoming Remarks ~ Kathy Baumann, START's Executive Director

"Star Spangled Banner" (on electric guitar) ~ Don Rehmer

Amy Walker, Illinois Voices' Systems Change Activist/

Freedom Quest '09 Planning Team/self-advocate

Ann Yaunches, Southern Illinois Case Coordination Services (SICCS)

Doug Pelka, self-advocate

"This Little Light of Mine" (on electric guitar and acoustic guitar) ~ Grant Harp and Don Rehmer

"This Land is Your Land" (on electric guitar and acoustic guitar) ~ Grant Harp and Don Rehmer

Willie M., self-advocate from START, won a Freedom Quest '09 t-shirt by having the closest guess on the amount of pennies in the jar. The jar of pennies represented the number of people with disabilities waiting for services in southern Illinois. Willie's guess was 2,008.

2009-05-19T15:38:00.000-07:00

The Murphysboro team waits to help rally participants sign the Freedom Quest banner.

2009-05-19T15:32:00.000-07:00

Rally participants register at the Murphysboro event and sign a banner that will be taken to the rally at the capitol in Springfield.

Freedom Quest '09 has begun!

2009-05-19T15:05:00.001-07:00

The southern route riders have arrived in Mattoon, Illinois, after wonderful rallies in Murphysboro and Mt. Vernon. We are tired yet excited, and are ready to come together for a meal and reflect on the day's activities. We will post more about the two rallies as well as some pictures so stay tuned!

Welcome!

2009-03-09T13:51:00.000-07:00

Welcome to FreedomQuest'09! Information on FreedomQuest will be available soon. Until then, please learn more information about FreedomQuest '09 by visiting www.realchoiceinillinois.