Why we walk: Clearbrook's services essential to those with disabilities, their families

Posted September 24, 2020 6:00 am

By Kim Becker

Terri and Terrance, residents at one of Clearbrook's Community Integrated Living Arrangements, share a laugh after the 2019 event. Courtesy of Clearbrook

As a result of the pandemic, Clearbrook's second annual Step It Up for Clearbrook 5K Run/1 Mile Walk will take place virtually Sept. 26.

Lace up your shoes and join the organization on the sidewalk, treadmill, or trail or wherever you can get out and run or walk.

The cost is $25 to register, which includes a bib and shirt. Medals are available for $7. A Kids Dash option is available for $10.

To register, visit Step.Clearbrook.org.

Clearbrook is home to more than 8,000 children and adults impacted by intellectual/developmental disabilities. Clearbrook provides personalized child, community day, employment, residential, and clinical services at more than 60 locations in 160 communities throughout the Chicago area. It is the largest provider of home-based services in the state.

Clearbrook is essential to the lives of an at-risk population. It is one of the only organizations to deliver services for the intellectually and developmentally disabled in a multifaceted way, covering all ages, issues and levels of severity.

These individuals, some with very complex medical needs, cannot live independently. The nonprofit currently has more than 400 people in its residential care.

Since the pandemic began, Clearbrook has spent $1.3 million on keeping individuals and staff safe, healthy and prepared. Because of this large unbudgeted amount of money, the challenge is even greater for Clearbrook to raise the funds needed to continue its work.

Step It Up for Clearbrook is one of its largest annual fundraising events, bringing together nearly 500 people at the first outing.

Employing more than 900 people, Clearbrook reports that 92% of every dollar raised goes directly into programs and services.

For information, visit www.clearbrook.org.

Today, three people share what Clearbrook means to them and the their family member served by the organization.

‘He has a much fuller life than he would have at home': The Seney Family of St. Charles shares their feelings about Clearbrook to support the Step it Up for Clearbrook walk/run. Read the Seney Family's story.

‘Inspired, humbled by the kindness, dedication of the staff': The Hoeg Family of Park Ridge shares their feelings about Clearbrook to support the Step it Up for Clearbrook walk/run. Read the Hoeg Family's story.

Clearbrook staff is ‘caring, compassionate and committed': The Fiorentino Family of Lake Bluff shares their feelings about Clearbrook to support the Step it Up for Clearbrook walk/run. Read the Fiorentino Family's story.

'Inspired, humbled by the kindness, dedication of the staff'

Clearbrook staff is 'caring, compassionate and committed'

'He has a much fuller life than he would have at home'

Participants of 2019's Step It Up for Clearbrook event had fun walking as a group. Courtesy of Clearbrook

Staff and residents of Clearbrook's Lattof Commons, the nonprofit's largest intermediate care facility, cross the finish line together at the 2019 Step It Up for Clearbrook event. Courtesy of Clearbrook

Step It Up for Clearbrook 5K Run/1 Mile Walk

Who: Clearbrook, a nonprofit that is home to more than 8,000 children and adults impacted by intellectual/developmental disabilities.

When: Saturday, Sept. 26

Cost: $25 to register, which includes a bib and shirt. Medals are available for $7. A Kids Dash option is available for $10.

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