Despite rough beginning, Clearbrook stands the test of time

Twenty-five years ago, the Clearbrook Lattof Commons began operating at its current address, 3201 W. Campbell Street in Rolling Meadows.

In order to open, the facility - which serves the needs of children and adults with developmental disabilities - had to receive zoning approval, which it did, but not without opposition from neighbors.

Despite its rough start, Clearbrook became an important part of the community. The facility celebrated its 25 years of existence with a special open house Sunday.

A quarter century later, Clearbrook has 92 beds. Two of its original residents are still there.

Susan Kaufman, the vice president of children and adult clinical services, said Clearbrook serves disabilities that either surfaced at birth or during development, including cerebral palsy, autism, seizure disorders and intellectual disabilities.

The building is split into two wings. It has three halls, each of which has a living area, a dining/kitchen area and a laundry area. Kaufman said the facility also offers 24-hour nursing care. In addition, Clearbrook offers physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.

Clearbrook President Carl La Mell is celebrating his 15th year with the organization.

"It has gotten tighter, tougher. Funding is tough," he said.

It is particularly tough since the residents are funded through public aid.

"The state owes us about $6 million," he said. "That means we wind up paying our vendors late. We wind up borrowing money, which costs more money. We operate pretty lean and mean as it is here. Eighty-five cents of every dollar goes to programs and services."

La Mell credited donors like the Lattofs and the support they provide Clearbrook.

On hand was Charlotte Lattof, whose son Mike, 52, lives in one of Clearbrook's group homes.

"He has a very happy life. He has lived with the same group of six guys for years and years and years," she said.

Lattof said there was no way she could have given her son the kind of life he now enjoys.

"He comes home now, and about half an hour after he is home, he wants to call the group home and see what's going on," she said.

Clearbrook looks at each client and his or her needs and abilities individually, tailoring programs and life routines for them.

The rooms provide living space for two people. One of the rooms even has a record player, since one of the residents is particularly fond of vinyl.

One of the two original residents still living at the Commons is 42-year-old Sammy Chapadjiev.

Sammy's father, Shefket Chapadjiev of Elk Grove Village, said Clearbrook is the best place for his son because it offers round-the-clock care and a big enough area for him to walk around.

"They have pretty good activities all the time. They try to keep them busy," Chapadjiev said.

The residents are out quite frequently on excursions.

"It's even things as simple as a trip to McDonald's, a trip to the store to buy personal items," said Sheila Lullo, vice president of adult services.

Administrator Joe Lawler said the challenges for him include dealing with the changing needs of the residents' medical conditions, but with those challenges come ample rewards.

"I think it's a fun job. You get to really know (the clients)," he said. "Everybody is a little bit different. Working with some long-term staff is nice too, because there are people who come a long way to work here."