New Community Center For Adults With Intellectual, Development Disabilities Opens In Rolling Meadows

ROLLING MEADOWS, IL — A new center for local residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities is now open. The center, located at 1545 Hicks Road, is intended to integrate disabled people into the community.

Clearbrook, a non-profit that will run the facility, hosted a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and open house at the location Thursday. The center will offer day program services.

"We're transitioning to a model centered around smaller locations and more individualized programming for those we serve," Jessica Smart, Clearbrook CEO, said. "In this new model, they learn life skills to foster more independence, form meaningful connections, and experience a sense of belonging —something many of us may often take for granted."

Clearbrook is one of the largest non-profit organizations offering these services in the state of Illinois. It provides a variety of opportunities for people with IDD to interact with peers and the community-at-large within structured settings with services that are a blend of instruction, intervention, activities, and experiences.

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Clearbrook boasts a staff of more than 900 employees and 80 locations across Chicagoland.

Clearbrook staff were joined by Rolling Meadows Mayor Lara Sanoica, members of the village board, as well as local business leaders, Clearbrook clients and family, and the community, at the ceremony.

Clearbrook said the new facility includes a meditation room, exercise equipment, an arts and crafts studio, as well as a lounge for watching movies and playing games and workshop space to practice activities like folding laundry and counting money.