Program for special-needs adults expanding to Northwest suburbs
An agency based in Riverwoods that aims to improve the lives of developmentally disabled people is planning to expand its day program for adults 22 and older to the Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates and Palatine area by next summer.
What's needed to open the doors is a participation commitment from affected families and a financial contribution from the wider community, said Melissa Juarez-Ehlers, director of program services for Center for Enriched Living.
The 48-year-old agency is currently searching for an approximately 3,000- to 4,000-square-foot space to accommodate the program.
The bigger contingency, however, is to find at least 10 people who would fully participate five days a week as well as a contribution of $100,000 to $120,000 beyond what the participants will be paying in fees, Juarez-Ehlers said.
The program would provide skills-training and socialization for developmentally disabled adults beyond when public school districts in Illinois must cut off their own services at the age of 22.
Mike Baker of Schaumburg, a volunteer for Autism Speaks, said the only alternative for an adult eligible for such a program is to stay at home with another family member who would no longer be able to work.
Baker's 18-year-old son Bryan has autism and is currently in the 12th grade.
After he graduates, the school district will provide him adult transition programs until he's 22, but every state must end such services at some age, Baker acknowledges.
Such a program and its potential to provide a vocational skill or volunteer opportunity is really Bryan's best option to stay as engaged with the outside world as he is now in school, Baker said.
The annual cost of the program is about $18,000.
This is akin to the tuition for a junior college, and for families with a developmentally disabled member it can be a lifelong expense, Juarez-Ehlers said.
The agency has already met with Hoffman Estates Mayor Bill McLeod and will talk with both he and Hanover Township officials again on Nov. 8 in its search for a site.
The location must have at least two handicapped-accessible restrooms, ample parking and a place in front to drop off and pick up clients, Juarez-Ehlers said.
"They do great work, and we'd love to have them," McLeod said.
Those interested in donating money, nominating a location or registering a family member can contact her at Melissa@CenterForEnrichedLiving.org or (847) 315-9913.