Lemont Family Organizes Benefit to Purchase Home for Adults with Disabilities

In many ways, 21-year-old Lemont native Jamee Fiedler is just like most other women her age: after years of schooling and living with her parents, she's searching for independence and ways to live on her own.

For Jamee, however, living independently isn't easy.

When she was just 2 years old, Jamee was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, multiple physical disabilities and an intellectual disability. Today she requires a wheel chair to move around and a special device to communicate longer thoughts.

"Jamee has never been defined by her disabilities, but it has been difficult," said Collen Fiedler, Jamee's mother. "We've worked hard to take care of her and give her the most normal life possible."

Jamee is a graduate of Elim Christian School in Palos Heights, a school devoted to educating children and adults with disabilities. She currently lives in a small home in Burbank known as an Intermediate Care Facility with 15 men and women, all of whom have severe disabilities and require 24-hour support.

"A spot became available when Jamee was 20, so we made the decision to move her in," Colleen said. "We wanted her to be able to live as an independent adult, so that was the best thing we could do to help her achieve that."

Jamee's home is owned and operated by Garden Center Services, an agency that supports more than 150 adults with disabilities by providing group living environments, vocational day programs and employment opportunities.

"They go bowling, take trips to the zoo, go to concerts—just like other adults," Colleen said.

The problem, however, is that most community living arrangements should only have between five and eight people, Colleen said, meaning the current facility is overcrowded and underfunded.

In hopes of providing even better care for Jamee, her aunt, Sharon Duncan, suggested that the family organize a fundraiser to help Garden Center Services purchase a new home. The goal is for Jamee to live with just four or five other women, giving them more personalized care and better quality of life.

“I didn't think twice about taking on the project because I know how important this house is for these women," said Duncan, a special education professor at Purdue Calumet who holds a doctorate in disabilities and equity of education. 

The benefit, "Celebrate Me Home," is being organized by Duncan's Lemont-based nonprofit “Abide in Me,” a group that helps individuals with disabilities lead active and engaging lives.

Abide in Me was inspired by Jamee, as well as Duncan’s aunt, Jackie Sheehan, who had Down Syndrome.

“The organization is a labor of love for my family,” Duncan said. “We know what it’s like for individuals with disabilities to struggle, and how important it is for them to be as independent as they can be. Our mission is to help them as much as possible.”

Celebrate Me Home will be held Saturday, Sept. 8, at 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park. So far, the family has raised about $50,000, which they hope to build upon with additional ticket sales, raffles and a silent auction.

Colleen said the family's goal is to raise enough money to fund a down payment, remodeling costs and caretaker salaries so the house can open next spring.

"It's ambitious, but Jamee and those women are worth it," she said.

Colleen said the family won't stop raising money or fighting for Jamee's rights until she is living in the best home possible.

"Jamee is engaging and beautiful and funny, and just as deserving of a great life as any other girl her age," Colleen said. "We want her to have a home where she is safe and loved, and will be taken care of. This home would change her life, and the lives of her friends as well."

Celebrate Me Home

When: 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 8

Where: 115 Bourbon Street (3359 W. 115th St. in Merrionette Park, IL)

Tickets: $30 for adults, $15 for children ages 12 and under; includes dinner, dessert, beer, wine and soda

More information: www.celebratemehomebenefit.com

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