PURSUIT adult day program expands to Hanover Park
Hanover Park, IL: In 2017, two of the largest service providers for individuals with disabilities in the area, Clearbrook and Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA), will expand its PURSUIT Adult Day Program into the Hanover Park community.
NWSRA recently completed its Comprehensive Strategic Plan process, and through its Needs Assessment, the community responded overwhelmingly that additional services are needed for adults with disabilities who have transitioned out of high school. The current PURSUIT program, hosted at the Rolling Meadows Community Center, has received much fanfare from the community, and currently has a waiting list that highlights the success of program while making the need for additional services evident. Through the expansion of the collaborative PURSUIT Adult Day Program, Clearbrook and NWSRA look forward to providing innovative programming to more adults who require services.
NWSRA is a partnership of 17 member Park Districts in the Northwest suburbs, including Western suburban park districts such as Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg, South Barrington, Palatine, Inverness, Streamwood, Bartlett and Hanover Park. Upon review of the Needs Assessment in the NWSRA Comprehensive Strategic Plan and through various discussions, the Hanover Park Park District recognized the need for the PURSUIT 2 Adult Day Program, and found facility space to be utilized for the program.
Public school districts in Illinois must cut off their services to individuals with disabilities at the age of 22, leaving many families in desperate need of services with limited financial options. Through the collaboration between the agencies, all costs related to the PURSUIT program, including the facility, staff, and supplies are fully funded and sustainable for years to come. In addition, the average cost to the participant is much lower in comparison to other similar services throughout the area- approximately $13,000/year for services 5 days a week. The program is approved by the Department of Human Services (DHS) and participants can use Medicaid Waiver funding to help cover costs.
Currently, Clearbrook, NWSRA and the Hanover Park Park District are working to ensure accessibility of the Hanover Park Community Center, as well as remodeling the program space to accommodate needs. The program will begin intake of applications and performing assessments in Spring 2017, and the program will officially begin operations in Summer 2017. Clearbrook President Carl LaMell stated "The need for PURSUIT to expand into the western suburbs is really critical, and we look forward to serving the needs of residents throughout this area."
This program serves adults with disabilities who have transitioned out of high school and are in need of services. The existing program, held in Rolling Meadows, provides state-certified staff that lead a variety of educational, social and recreational activities within the program. The PURSUIT Adult Day Program is structured around four core elements: Recreation & Leisure, Skills & Self Advocacy, Community Integration and Health & Wellness. The success of this collaboration illustrates the potential of two agencies toward combining resources and talents to address the specific needs of young adults who require services after high school. The program provides unique experiences for its participants through collaboration with local businesses and community organizations.
The current program maintains its own community garden, volunteers at senior centers and other locations, assists in fundraising efforts and so much more. Program participants have provided over 860 hours of volunteerism at events including Meals on Wheels, Ronald McDonald House charity work, sorting donations and packing suppers with Journeys from PADS to HOPE, various fundraising events and more. Diane Ross, mother of PURSUIT participant Lindsey Ross, stated "What's best about the PURSUIT program is that Lindsey gets to come here and make new friends and try new activities. I know that she's in a safe place with excellent caregivers."
The program also partners with other organizations to host events like dances, boat trips, cooking days, magic shows and more. PURSUIT has also invited several specialty instructors to teach classes including cooking, computer skills, personal training, soccer, Spanish, ice skating, swimming, professional wrestling, private investigation, dog training and music. In addition, the program has attracted much attention from corporate volunteers and organizations. Volunteers from Zurich NA, Omron, Schneider Electric, UPS and other companies have donated their time and energy to the program.
Through collaborative partnership, this program will serve the needs of adults with disabilities for years to come. For more information on the PURSUIT Adult Day Program, please visit www.nwsra.org/pursuit or contact Liz Thomas at 847-392-2848, ext. 227 or email lizt@nwsra.org.
About Clearbrook:
Today, Clearbrook serves over 7,000 children and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities in over 160 communities throughout Chicago and the suburbs. Clearbrook is committed to being a leader in creating innovative opportunities, services and supports for people with disabilities. With a staff of 900+ and more than 50 locations across Chicagoland, Clearbrook reports that 92 percent of every dollar raised goes directly into their programs and services.
About NWSRA:
NWSRA has enriched the lives of children and adults with disabilities as a partnership of 17 northwest suburban Park Districts by providing outstanding recreational opportunities for over 40 years. NWSRA holds the distinction of Distinguished Accredited Agency from the Illinois Park and Recreation Association, and won the National Recreation and Park Association Excellence in Inclusion Award for national leadership in diversity and inclusion initiatives. If you are interested to learn more about NWSRA's programs and success stories, please visit our website: www.nwsra.org, or contact Brian Selders at (847) 392-2848.