Archive for September 2025
Center Update!
After 30 incredible years, our Founder and Executive Director, Patti Herbst, will be retiring on November 1, 2025. Please join us in celebrating Patti and learn more about our incoming Executive Director!
A Message from Patti Herbst
Center for Independence Founder & Executive Director
Dear Friends of the Center,
On November 1st, I will retire as the Founder and Executive Director of the Center for Independence. Serving the Center over the past 30 years has been the honor of a lifetime. I’m deeply grateful to the families who have trusted us with their children—we’ve witnessed countless milestones: first steps, first words, first time sitting independently, driving a power wheelchair, graduating, and landing a first job. These moments are the heartbeat of the Center.
Many of you know that my husband, Chuck, and I founded the Center because of our son, Justin. Born 10 weeks early and diagnosed with spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy, Justin changed our lives forever. In those uncertain early days, we were scared of the unknown. We had no roadmap and no role models. But we had hope, and we believed in him.
We built the Center to create that roadmap—for Justin and every child like him. We believed in a future where children with disabilities could be strong, independent, and full of possibilities. We believed in building a place for the community, by the community. Thirty years later, I’m proud to say that’s exactly what we’ve done. The Center is thriving, with a skilled staff, strong leadership, and a vibrant community committed to the “I Can!” spirit that defines our work.
Today, Justin lives independently with the help of personal assistants, has a close circle of friends, works in the community, and enjoys his life. As parents, that’s all we ever hoped for.
To our amazing staff—thank you for the skill, heart, and dedication you bring every day. You have made a difference not just in Justin’s life, but in the lives of so many.
To Chuck—thank you for being the quiet strength behind every success.
To our Board—thank you for your vision, support, and partnership through every season.
To our Donors—thank you for opening doors. Your generosity has changed lives.
I am thrilled to share that Josephine Boggs will become our next Executive Director. For more than 20 years, Josephine has served as an Occupational Therapist and our Clinical Director. She brings deep experience, compassion, and leadership to the role. I have complete confidence in her and know the Center will continue to thrive under her guidance.
While I’m stepping away from day-to-day leadership, I’ll remain closely connected. I’ll continue part-time as Chief Financial Officer for the next two years and will lead our free parent workshops on financial planning, advocacy, and wellness.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Your belief in what’s possible has made all the difference.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Patti Herbst
Founder and Executive Director
A New Chapter, Rooted in Our Mission
Incoming Executive Director, Josephine Boggs, OT
Dear Center Families, Friends, and Donors,
It is with deep pride and humility that I step into the role of Executive Director of the Center for Independence.
For more than 20 years, I’ve served as an Occupational Therapist and Clinical Director at the Center. I’ve had the joy of working alongside extraordinary children, young adults, and families—each one showing what’s possible with support, encouragement, and opportunity.
The Center has always been more than a workplace—it’s a community built on advocacy, empowerment, and the belief that every individual deserves to live a life of purpose and independence. This culture, established by Patti and Chuck Herbst, has shaped my journey and the journeys of so many. I’m honored to carry that legacy forward.
Patti has been more than a mentor—she has created a model of excellence and compassion. Her vision built the Center, and her leadership prepared it for a strong future. I am grateful for her continued guidance and support as she transitions to a new role.
Together with our incredible staff and devoted Board of Directors, I am committed to advancing our mission—providing access to affordable, high-quality therapy and employment services, empowering children and adults with disabilities to live full, independent lives.
To our families, supporters, and partners: thank you for your trust, your commitment, and your shared belief in what we do. I look forward to listening, learning, and leading with heart as we begin this exciting new chapter.
With gratitude,
Josephine A. Boggs
Incoming Executive Director
A Message from the Board of Directors
Honoring Patti Herbst’s Retirement
When the Center for Independence opened nearly 30 years ago, its mission was simple and bold: to empower children with physical disabilities to gain lifelong skills and independence. Today, that mission remains strong—and the organization is thriving.
Over the years, the Center has expanded its reach, adapted to the needs of our community, and launched new programs such as Working Together Chicago, supporting young adults with disabilities as they enter the workforce.
As a parent of a child who has grown up at the Center, I’ve seen the power of this mission firsthand. My son Evan began attending as an infant and has blossomed into a confident, hard-working young adult preparing for college. I know this was made possible because of the Center’s support.
In addition to being a parent, I’ve had the privilege of serving on the Board for nearly 15 years. Through every chapter—growth, challenge, and triumph—the Center has been guided by the extraordinary leadership of Patti Herbst. Her vision, passion, and fierce commitment have built an organization that is financially strong, programmatically innovative, and deeply trusted.
Last year, Patti shared her plans to retire. In preparation, the Board launched a comprehensive succession planning process. We formed an Executive Director Search Committee and partnered with a national human resources firm specializing in nonprofit leadership. After months of thoughtful planning and with full confidence, the committee selected an exceptional internal candidate, Josephine Boggs, our longtime Clinical Director. Josephine has more than two decades of experience at the Center and is deeply respected for her clinical insight, compassion, and leadership. She will officially step into the Executive Director role on November 1st.
On behalf of the Board, I thank Patti for her lifetime of service, her tireless advocacy, and the legacy she leaves. We are grateful she will remain connected to the organization in a new role, continuing to mentor, support, and guide the Center she built.
With deep appreciation,
Clay Kalweit
President, Board of Directors