Avenues Success Stories

Avenues to Independence supports adults with autism, cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome and other physical, intellectual and/or developmental disabilities so that they may live, work and learn in the most independent settings possible. Here are few examples of great client success stories.

Nora P. – "I want to work."

“Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor hail shall keep the postmen from their rounds,” as the saying goes, but it’s also true for Nora Prindiville. Nora, a volunteer worker at Avenues Thrift Shoppe, didn’t want to miss work when her parents were on vacation and couldn’t drive her to the store. Determined not to miss work, Nora walked over a mile – in the pouring rain - to the Thrift Shoppe.

I Want To Work »

Kevin Brazeau – Multi-Tasking Talent at Work Center

Every Thursday at the work center Kevin Brazeau works as receptionist in the front office; answering the phone, greeting visitors and checking for incoming messages on the computer. But every day during lunchtime and breaks, he also runs the store for the workers - doling out refreshments, collecting money, giving change and keeping track of the store inventor y. Plus he keeps tabs of the store inventory.

Multi-Tasking at the Work Center »

Double the pleasure and double the fun! That’s what Avenues gets from having not one but two members of the Dziedzic family in our work and residential programs. Meet siblings DeeDee and Jenny Dziedzic. DeeDee has been part of the Avenues family for 30 years, and lives at Herbst Family House in Park Ridge. Jenny became part of the Avenues family in 1998, and lives in one of our Niles townhomes. Despite living in different suburbs, Avenues staff members take them to visit each other, and a favorite pastime is having dinner together, playing games and watching movies.

The Dynamic Dziedzic Duo »

“I was scared,” said Avenues’ Workcenter employee Jeff Romano, when he discussed his call to Governor Quinn’s office. Scared or not, Jeff phoned Springfield to state his objection to the latest 15% cut to organizations serving people with developmental disabilities.

Jeff opposes these cuts, and the talk of future cuts, because they threaten the stability of his job. If the cuts continue, the amount of hours Jeff and his fellow employees work at our Wheeling facility could be reduced. Instead of getting his hours cut, Jeff wishes that he could have more.

Advocacy Jeff Romano's Way »

Nothing is impossible, because I’m possible

These six words mean the world to Thrift Shoppe employee John Kelly. Coined by manager Michael Frustini, John has really taken these words to heart while working at the Thrift Shoppe the last three years.

This mantra has also motivated him to try new things, and he recently joined Toastmasters to improve his public speaking skills.

Nothing Is Impossible »

When PJ Flaherty earned his associates degree from Harper College in 2006, he naturally thought he would find employment, but he soon discovered there weren't many job opportunities for full or even part time work. That changed when Recycling Avenue was born three years ago. Since then, co-founder PJ helped recycle hundreds of used phones, computers, and monitors received from the bins Recycling Avenues has set up at local municipalities.

PJ feels a strong sense of accomplishment in his role of protecting the environment and being productive.

My Opportunity to Give Back »

Laurel's Success Story Video

Lenore's Success Story Video