PAEP fundraiser honors six companies excelling at hiring, nurturing people with disabilities

Six local companies were honored at the annual Parents Alliance Employment Project (PAEP ) fundraiser on Oct. 9 at The Hyatt Lodge in Oak Brook. Buck Services, DayOne Pact, the Hanover Park District, the Hodgkins Public Library, MOD Pizza, and NFI Industries earned awards for championing PAEP’s mission of “improving the quality of life for people with disabilities through individualized employment services.” Last year, PAEP celebrated 115 job placements.

More than 325 attended the event that also spotlighted several special needs employees who are flourishing in the work force, including Erika Barren-Tucker. Erika worked with her PAEP staff employment specialist Kathy Konczak to explore workplace options. Capitalizing on Erika’s creative abilities, she was linked with the Hodgkins Public Library.

Tim Prendergast, executive director, Hodgkins Public Library, said, “As an industry that is facing challenges in onboarding qualified candidates, working with PAEP has been a great partnership. Nearly one year later, Erika is doing very well in her role.”

Keynote speaker Katie O’Neill shared how PAEP helped her “gain confidence and embrace life,” including earning her certified nursing assistant license. She said, “Fitting in is overrated. It’s okay to make mistakes; but it’s not okay to stop trying or stop dreaming.” She added with a smile: “People with disabilities are just people. And we make life more fun!”

Funds raised will be used to support specific programs that build work skills, to assist individuals with disabilities prepare for competitive employment opportunities.

Joining the evening’s effort included local dignitaries: the Honorable Mia McPherson, DuPage County Circuit Court Judge; Candice Adams, DuPage County Circuit Court Clerk; and DuPage County Board Members Greg Schwarze (District 6), Kari Galassi (District 3), and Paula Deacon Garcia (District 2).

PAEP is a grassroots organization that launched more than 40 years ago by a group of parents looking to combine employment and inclusion opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Staff members assist individuals to plan, prepare, and gain meaningful employment. PAEP partners with local employers to provide recruitment assistance and qualified employees with disabilities, to meet their hiring needs.

For more information, call (630) 440-2283, or visit the website at www.parents-alliance.org.