Joy Piccolo O'Connell helps celebrate program for disabled
Joy Piccolo O'Connell is best known as the widow of Chicago Bears running back Brian Piccolo.
To the members of Partners in Learning, however, O'Connell is a board member at Clearbrook, which is dedicated to helping children and adults with developmental disabilities. She also has a sister with cerebral palsy and a father who works at Clearbrook.
O'Connell was among the attendees Sunday at Maggiano's Little Italy in Schaumburg to benefit Partners in Adult Learning, a partnership formed by Clearbrook, the Northwest Special Recreation Association, Community Alternatives Unlimited and the families of young adults 18 years and older with developmental disabilities and physical challenges who have graduated out of the school system.
Hoffman Estates resident Paul Jochim, a PAL parent and a member of the PAL board of directors, said it was the 12th annual fundraiser for the program, which is offered at the Arlington Heights-based Clearbrook. The program runs five days a week and includes transportation.
"When you have a young adult that is severely disabled, they need extra assistance," Jochim. "The PAL program provides this for them."
Clearbrook President Carl La Mell said 11 people participate in the program.
"It's basically one-on-one. No other program has that. Basically, they are doing volunteer opportunities outside, they are doing recreational activities, they are doing current events. They are just interacting with each other, just trying to make their lives a little more self-productive and interesting."
La Mell said the PAL program costs more than $25,000 annually. The state provides about half of that, he said. He said without the program, clients would either be at home or in a program with less individual attention.
O'Connell's sister, Carol, also attended the fundraiser. O'Connell said Carol has benefited from Clearbrook's services.
"It has been great for Carol," O'Connell said, saying Clearbrook has given Carol a chance to "live another kind of a life, other than living sheltered at home with mom and dad.
"When I found Clearbrook many, many years ago, I could see there was a light at the end of the tunnel."
O'Connell said Carol's activities have included working at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library. She also enjoys stuffing envelopes.
"She likes to feel like there is a reason for her to be there. She likes to be involved."