October 10, 2023
Contact: Mark Langan
630-628-7174
MLangan@RayGraham.org

Ray Graham Association Awards State Representative Terra Costa Howard with the Monarch Affect Award for Her Commitment to Illinoisans with Disabilities 

LISLE, Illinois—Ray Graham Association (RGA), a nonprofit that empowers people with disabilities, proudly announces State Representative Terra Costa Howard of the 42nd District as one of this year’s esteemed recipients of the Monarch Affect Award. RGA President & CEO Kim Zoeller will present this recognition during the annual Appreciation and Achievement Awards luncheon.

The Monarch Affect Award honors individuals and organizations significantly affecting RGA’s mission to empower people with disabilities to reach, grow, and achieve. RGA is grateful for Representative Costa-Howard’s extraordinary partnership, influential leadership, and unwavering advocacy for Illinoisans with disabilities.

“From the outset of her term, Representative Costa-Howard displayed a deep-rooted commitment to her constituents with physical and developmental disabilities,” says President & CEO Kim Zoeller. “Her proactive visit to an RGA home, connecting firsthand with the people who live and work there, was greatly appreciated within our community.”

As a pivotal Human Services Appropriations Committee member, Representative Costa-Howard has been championing bills that improve services and secure critical funding for the disability community while endorsing fair wages for their direct support professionals throughout the state.

Upon the allocation of funds by Illinois’ Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DECO) for community infrastructure enhancements, Representative Costa-Howard prioritized and secured resources for RGA, enabling us to upgrade and adapt our homes for enhanced disability accessibility. With her invaluable support, RGA has strengthened its commitment and capacity to support and advance the lives of DuPage residents with disabilities.

About Ray Graham Association

Founded in 1950, Ray Graham Association serves nearly 2,000 people with disabilities and employs about 350 people. Ray Graham enriches lives by empowering those we support and those who care for them to reach, grow, and achieve. Since 1997, the Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL) has accredited Ray Graham Association for our leadership’s vision of dignity, opportunity, and community for all people. 88% of every dollar donated to Ray Graham Association goes directly to people with disabilities. Learn more at RayGraham.org.

If you would like more information about RGA, please contact Chief Development Officer Mark Langan at 630-628-7174 or MLangan@RayGraham.org.