‘You could just see their eyes open up’: a new building, outlook for Clearbrook

Clearbrook, a leading provider of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, showed off its new Day Program Center in Rolling Meadows this week.

The move to the 5,000-square-foot former medical office building at 1545 Hicks Road represents a change in philosophy for Clearbrook.

“We're transitioning to a model centered around smaller locations and more individualized programming for those we serve,” Clearbrook CEO Jessica Smart said. “In this new model, they learn life skills to foster more independence, form meaningful connections and experience a sense of belonging.”

The open house was held Thursday, but the facility opened in May, with Clearbrook investing around $1.5 million in the purchase and renovation. It marks a significant shift from traditional warehouse-style programming to smaller, more integrated community-based services.

The new center includes a meditation room, exercise equipment, an arts and crafts studio, a lounge for movies and games and workshop space for practicing real-world job skills like folding laundry and counting money.

A technology hub features adaptive gaming controllers and computers. The facility also houses the Partners in Adult Learning program, created in collaboration with families to serve individuals with more significant care needs.

The Rolling Meadows facility serves 40-45 individuals daily, many through the Illinois Department of Human Services’ Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA) program serving adults in group homes, family homes and apartments.

The Rolling Meadows site is the first of three planned locations as part of Clearbrook's expansion of community-based services. A second building in Hoffman Estates is currently under construction, and the organization is securing a third site.

In addition, Clearbrook plans to move out of its location at 746 S. Vermont St., Palatine, a warehouse facility where the organization has operated for more than 20 years.

“We see more communication, just overall happiness,” Smart said. “We really believe that our individuals should be integrated in their communities, rather than in a warehouse.”

Developmental Trainer Megan Fenn, who has worked with Clearbrook for six years, praised the new facility.

“The clients definitely have succeeded a lot more here,” she said. “You could just see their eyes open up.”