Elmhurst's Ray Graham Group Gets International Award

ELMHURST, IL – Recently the DuPage County-based Ray Graham Association (RGA), a leader in advocacy and support for people with mental disabilities, has been awarded the “Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation, with Distinction” by international organization CQL | The Council of Quality and Leadership.

Ray Graham has a location in Elmhurst.

This prestigious recognition places RGA among an elite group – only 2% of organizations in the WORLD hold this distinction. How did RGA attain this? By putting people with disabilities first. Below are just two stories of the impact RGA has had on people’s lives:

MEET KESCHA AND ROBBY: COMMUNITY ADVOCATES WITH DISABILITIES

• Kescha, a resident of Downers Grove who has disabilities, and lives in an RGA group home. Despite a challenging breast cancer diagnosis, Kescha has shown remarkable resilience. With RGA’s support, she has not only survived but thrived, becoming an advocate for healthy living. Kescha has used her experience to educate others, including medical students, about healthy living and disability support. She has organized an Annual Breast Cancer Awareness event, demonstrating the power of community engagement and the positive impact of our work at RGA.
• Robby, a resident of Oak Brook, began his journey with RGA began when he was two years old, starting with therapeutic horseback riding at the RGA Hanson Center. Now 29, Robby has developed social skills, prepared for jobs, and connected with his community through RGA’s Monarch Academy. He volunteers at local parks, the Hanson Center barn, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Meals on Wheels, and the Western DuPage Community Food Pantry. Robby landed his dream job in 2019 at Goodwill. With the support of his RGA Employment Specialist, Robby can balance his work schedule with participation in Monarch Academy, Gateway Special Recreation Association, and Special Olympics swimming.