Clearbrook Receives Outpouring of Support from Community
Causing a wave of fear and uncertainty, a drastic disruption of daily life, and critical shortages of medical supplies, food, hospital beds, etc., COVID-19 has impacted the lives of everyone regardless of a diagnosis.
At Clearbrook, this means Community Day Services have been temporarily shut down, major fundraising events canceled, and an unprecedented need for extra precautions to ensure staff and those in their care remain safe and healthy.
Clearbrook, a nonprofit based in Arlington Heights, Illinois, is essential to the lives of others. The organization serves over 8,000 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in 160 communities, 15 counties, and 60 locations in Illinois. They provide personalized vocational, home-based, community day, residential, and clinical services across a range of disabilities, from birth to end of life.
With Community Day Services temporarily closed, Clearbrook is still caring for 400 plus individuals in residential homes. Like most of us, the individuals in Clearbrook's care are struggling with the new normal. They're fighting to understand social distancing, not being able to go to work, see loved ones, or go about their usual daily routine.
Clearbrook's staff, especially the direct support professionals who are working in the homes with this at risk population, have done a phenomenal job caring for the individuals, keeping them safe and healthy. The nonprofit has also received tremendous support from the community.
"Families of individuals have really stepped up, from donating a grill so the residents could BBQ on a nice day to delivering care packages, and everything in between. We've also received a truly amazing amount of generosity from local businesses in the area." Clearbrook's President and CEO Tony Di Vittorio said.
Clearbrook would like to thank Testa Produce, Inc., for their donations of fresh produce and other groceries, RTC for their donation of masks, Copper Fiddle Distillery and Andigo for their respective donations of hand sanitizer, Anytime Fitness (Schaumburg) for their large grocery donation, Starbucks (Euclid and Salt Creek Lane) for their substantial donation of milk, and all of the restaurants who have donated meals to staff and homes.
"COVID-19 has shaken all of us. It's put a strain on our resources and impacted our entire organization. The support from families and those in the community truly show the good in the people around us, giving everyone something positive to focus on." Di Vittorio said.
The nonprofit, who faces a critical shortage of PPE, cleaning supplies, etc., has received donations of homemade masks, cleaning supplies, toilet paper and more.
All those that have donated are what makes Clearbrook strong in light of the pandemic. Their unwavering support has made facing these challenging times easier. If you would like to help, here are ways you can do so:
• Share a positive message on their social media (Facebook: @Clearbrook, Twitter: @Clearbrook1, Instagram: @Clearbrook_il).
• Make a donation at Clearbrook.org/Donate.
• Donate supplies. Clearbrook is still in need of masks and other supplies. Contact Bobbi at bdrews@clearbrook.org.
• Dine to Donate on April 28, at Rep's Place. Order pickup and mention "Clearbrook." 10% of the proceeds will be given back to Clearbrook. Call (224) 347-2916 to place your order.
Together, we will get through this. Together, we are Clearbrook strong.
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