Centers for Independence

05/04/2026

Tonight's the night! We'd love to see you at our galactic BluTender event at Blu, the Pfister Hotel's swanky 23rd floor cocktail lounge, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Every drink you enjoy helps support CFI's essential services—and we promise they're out of this world!

Everyone is welcome, and RSVPs are encouraged. Let us know you're coming at development@cfihope.org. If you want to avoid parking downtown, CFI's free shuttle service will run between our parking lot (2020 W. Wells St.) and The Pfister Hotel from 5:15-7:30 p.m.

⭐ Don't miss our Blutender this Monday!

Join us at The Pfister Hotel for an out-of-this-world happy hour where every drink supports CFI services. Strike a pose at our themed photo ops while sipping galactic cocktails and mocktails mixed by our guest bartenders: CFI board members Morgan Tilleman and Jordan Boehm.

Feeling lucky? Guests will also have a chance to win four front-row Brewers tickets with parking, generously donated by Midwest Insurance Group. ⚾✨

Enjoy tasty hors d'oeuvres while you sip on a Jedi Strawberry Mule, Midichlorian Martini or a Sith Sour (NA options available). If you need a ride across the galaxy, we’ve got you covered with free shuttle service to and from The Pfister from 5:15–7:30 p.m.

🔗 Learn more: https://cfihope.org/news/join-cfi-at-the-pfister-for-a-may-the-fourth-blutender-happy-hour/

05/01/2026

Between preparing meals, meeting nutrition standards, managing food allergies and serving with a smile, our Food & Nutrition Services team truly has a lot on their plate.

Today is School Lunch Hero Day, and we’re proud to celebrate the nutrition professionals who help fuel student learning every day. During the school year, our team prepares more than 25,500 meals daily for over 100 schools, child care sites and community programs.

That adds up to:
🥛 4 million half pints of milk
🍔 138,000 beef burger patties
🍌 160,000 bananas
🥕 78,500 pounds of baby carrots
🍊 137,000 oranges
🥬 32,000 pounds each of lettuce and broccoli

Thank you to our Food & Nutrition Services team and all nutrition professionals for the care, dedication and heart you bring to our schools every day.

04/29/2026

⭐ Don't miss our Blutender this Monday!

Join us at The Pfister Hotel for an out-of-this-world happy hour where every drink supports CFI services. Strike a pose at our themed photo ops while sipping galactic cocktails and mocktails mixed by our guest bartenders: CFI board members Morgan Tilleman and Jordan Boehm.

Feeling lucky? Guests will also have a chance to win four front-row Brewers tickets with parking, generously donated by Midwest Insurance Group. ⚾✨

Enjoy tasty hors d'oeuvres while you sip on a Jedi Strawberry Mule, Midichlorian Martini or a Sith Sour (NA options available). If you need a ride across the galaxy, we’ve got you covered with free shuttle service to and from The Pfister from 5:15–7:30 p.m.

🔗 Learn more: https://cfihope.org/news/join-cfi-at-the-pfister-for-a-may-the-fourth-blutender-happy-hour/

04/29/2026

People with autism are creative, resilient, intelligent and teach us something new every day. We're honored to support the autism community through care, connection and advocacy.

As April winds down, visit our website for tips you can use to promote understanding and inclusion of Autism Acceptance Month all year long.

Acceptance starts with understanding, and grows when we listen and learn.

🔗 https://cfihope.org/news/april-is-autism-acceptance-month/

04/24/2026

We're getting closer to celebrating May the Fourth with you! ⭐

Join us for happy hour at Blu, The Pfister Hotel's 23rd floor cocktail lounge, for an out-of-this-world evening full of fun and connection. Sip on galactic drinks made by guest bartenders (CFI board members turned Jedi mixologists), strike a pose at our themed photo ops and enjoy great conversation — all in support of CFI's mission.

Need a ride across the galaxy? We've got you covered with a free shuttle service to and from The Pfister Hotel. This event is free to the public. RSVPs are encouraged but not required. Email development@cfihope.org if you can make it.

May the Fourth be with you — we can't wait to celebrate!

04/11/2026

⭐May the fourth be with you…at BluTender!

Join us for a night of fun and impact during CFI’s Blutender at The Pfister Hotel's swanky cocktail lounge, Blu.

We’re leaning into the May the 4th theme (Star Wars Day) with fun photo opportunities and a selection of galactic cocktails and mocktails made by special guest bartenders.

More details coming soon. Mark your calendar and stay tuned!

04/06/2026

CFI recently had the privilege of sending a team to Madison, WI for Disability Advocacy Day, organized by the Survival Coalition. Their mission to promote full community inclusion for people with disabilities aligns closely with our own work and values.

Our team joined advocates from across the state to speak up for individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and the clients and families we serve every day. We supported the Coalition’s efforts to increase resources, address the impact of Medicaid cuts, and highlight the importance of strong community based services.

Throughout the day, we attended a statewide briefing, joined the rally at the Capitol and met with legislators in both the Senate and Assembly to discuss key issues.

We also shared information about CFI’s essential programs, including our Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) services and Pediatric Specialty Care, which provides specialized support for children with complex medical needs.

We’re proud to be out in the community advocating for meaningful change and raising awareness about the vital services CFI provides across Wisconsin.

https://cfihope.org/news/cfi-joins-disability-advocacy-day-at-the-capitol/

04/01/2026

We were honored to welcome Wisconsin Senator Dora Drake to CFI for an important conversation about the issues impacting people across our state.

Together, we share a commitment to creating equitable access and opportunity for all Wisconsinites — urban, rural, and everywhere in between — especially when it comes to critical behavioral health services and supports that help people with disabilities live independently.

As a former social worker, Senator Drake brings firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by the individuals and families we serve. We are grateful for her support and for the opportunity to advocate on behalf of our community.
Thank you, Senator Drake, for taking the time to listen, learn and stand with us in this work.

03/17/2026

We’re thrilled to announce that Heidi Chada has been named CFI’s new President and CEO.

Since joining CFI in 2008, Heidi has been a driving force behind many of our programs and a steadfast supporter of our community. Her energy, enthusiasm and inspiring vision for serving people with disabilities and behavioral health needs make this next chapter especially exciting.

Please join us in congratulating Heidi as she steps into this new leadership role. The future feels brighter than ever with her at the helm!

Read the full announcement:https://cfihope.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Chada-Appointed-President-and-CEO-1.pdf

03/14/2026

Exciting news! We’ve reopened our Bay View Campus with refreshed, flexible spaces made possible in part by a grant from the We Energies Foundation! We’re grateful for this support and for everyone who helped bring this project back to LIFE, serving people with developmental and intellectual disabilities and brain injuries. Together, we’re creating brighter futures. 💙

01/29/2026

Looking for your next opportunity? We’re looking for a participant support liaison and registered nurses to join our team!

At CFI, you can build a rewarding career while making a meaningful impact every day.

Explore our open positions and find your fit: https://bit.ly/4qHwTS

01/28/2026

Join us this weekend at Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center's Community Inclusion Expo!

We're excited to be part of an event that celebrates inclusion and strengthens our community. Come say hi, explore resources and enjoy a day designed for everyone.

Learn more: https://www.jccmilwaukee.org/event/community-inclusion-expo/