Physical Disabilities
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
CFI Family Featured in Magazine
Jared and Kathleen, along with their daughters Margot and Grace are featured in this July’s Greet Western Springs magazine.
Kathleen recently published a children’s book, “Stinky Mama,” promoting disability awareness and inclusion. Their favorite part of living in Western Springs is the friendly, supportive community, especially for Margot, who has cerebral palsy.
Read all about the Marcell Family’s journey in the July issue of Greet Western Springs Magazine!
Hillgrove Avenue Magazine Article
Feature Article About Working Together Chicago
Nora Dudley begins this article featuring WTC with the Herbst’s story:
In 1987, Justin Herbst was born ten weeks premature, and suffered a severe stroke. This led to a diagnosis of cerebral palsy–spastic quadriplegia, a permanent neuromuscular disorder and the most severe form of CP, limiting the ability to move the limbs, torso and face. Despite his diagnosis, Herbst’s mom Patti believed her son could become independent. A decade later and frustrated by a lack of improvement in the traditional medical therapy model, Herbst’s parents enrolled him in a Canadian program focused on conductive education…
Award-Winning Program Empowers Mothers of Children with Disabilities
Friend of the Center and Pediatric Occupational Therapist, Helen Bourke-Taylor, was recently interviewed on a podcast called “Too Peas in a Podcast” hosted by Mandy Hose and Kate Jones. In it, Helen mentions the Center for Independence and our Executive Director, Patti Herbst! Helen, with the help of Patti and the Center, developed a program called Healthy Mothers Healthy Families, which is the longest-running, most effective program for mothers of children with disabilities in the world.
The award-winning program offers free workshops, a free self-paced website and training for pediatric OTs to better support moms of children with disabilities. Listen to the interview.
“Too Peas in a Podcast” is designed for peas (mothers of children with additional needs) and peafessionals (anyone else who plays a key role in the support systems for children with disabilities, parents and families), the podcast snaps the isolation barriers experienced by peas. The podcast addresses mothers being seen, looking after themselves and a change in practice. Learn more about Healthy Mothers Healthy Families.
Working Together Chicago featured on IAMCP’s blog
Aileen Provan, from the International Association of Microsoft Channel Partners posted an article on the IAMCP blog, May 5. The post features Working Together Chicago, a CFI program, which is a great opportunity for employees looking to be come involved in the IAMCP Diversity and Inclusion program.
Read her article titled: “The Hidden Talent Pool; A D&I story that will give you fresh ideas on how to attract new talent”