November 24, 2021
Breese, IL – Former Mayor of Breese, Charlie Hilmes, recently joined the Board of Directors at Community Link.
Mr. Hilmes has served the Breese community for 50 years. In 1972, coincidentally the year Community Link was created, Mr. Hilmes began teaching history, government and reading literature for Breese District 12 and St. Dominic Grade School. Charlie had a distinguished 37-year career in education and also served on the Breese City Council from 1987 until 2009. Charlie was elected Mayor of Breese in 2009 and managed the police, public works, utilities, and parks of the growing community until his retirement in 2021. He previously served as co-chair of the Breese Sesquicentennial and continues to serve his community as a member of the Breese Jaycees and Breese Optimists.
John Huelskamp, Community Link Executive Director stated, “We look forward to having such a community-minded individual like Charlie Hilmes on our Board of Directors! Charlie’s experience, knowledge and love of Breese and the Clinton County area will be very impactful for a community-based organization like Community Link.”
Community Link, a non-profit organization and proud United Way member agency, is dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities through a person-centered approach that promotes self-directed living choices and community integration opportunities. The mission of Community Link is to challenge, teach and inspire both participants and community, linking them in ways that enhance their lives.