Blue Cap

01/16/2026

Happy 59th Anniversary, Blue Cap! 💙

On this day in 1967, families and educators came together to create Blue Cap, building a brighter future for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities—before education for every child was guaranteed by law.

We are so proud to recognize the three members of Blue Cap’s very first class who are still with us: John Bronson, Peter S., and John H. who continue to thrive at Blue Cap.

As part of our anniversary celebration, we’re honored to share "A Moment with John Bronson", a video interview with John, now 72 years old, reflecting on his experience and the lasting sense of belonging found at Blue Cap.

As we reflect on our history, we honor our trailblazing founders and thank every member of our staff, every donor and volunteer—near and far—and every neighbor who has walked beside us along the way.

Your kindness, generosity, and belief in our mission continue to be felt every single day, and we are deeply grateful for each of you.

Today we celebrate 59 years of your love and compassion.

Thank you so much.

We invite you to spend a moment with John and hear his story.
🎬 🎥 📽️ ▶️💙 🎉

01/07/2026

Congratulations to all of Blue Cap's 2025 Employees of the Year! We cannot thank our wonderful staff enough for their hard work and dedication throughout the year.
#2025

01/06/2026

🎉 Happy Retirement, Kathleen! 🎉

After more than 20 years of dedicated service, we celebrate Kathleen Adams, who officially retired following her final overnight shift on Sunday, January 4, 2026.

Kathleen began her journey with Blue Cap on September 26, 2005, and throughout her career, she served with compassion, patience, and unwavering commitment as a Direct Support Professional in our Residential Program.

Kathleen was recently honored with a Breakfast Retirement Party, surrounded by the individuals she supported so wholeheartedly over the years—a fitting tribute to someone who truly made her work about the people she served.

Thank you, Kathleen, for the care, stability, and kindness you brought to every shift and every home. 💙

Wishing you a retirement filled with adventure, restful joy, and everything you’ve earned.

💬 Please join us in congratulating Kathleen and wishing her well in the comments below!

01/05/2026

12/23/2025

Good news to share!🌟💙🛤️🚂

We were again grateful to welcome The OmniTRAX and Chicago Rail Link Team to Blue Cap this holiday season.

They stopped by with a gift-wrapped $10,000 donation, continuing a years-long tradition of generous support. This contribution strengthens the programs and services the people we serve rely on each and every day.

Individuals we serve were able to unwrap their gift together and share their thanks in person.

Thank you, OmniTRAX and Chicago Rail Link, for always thinking of our community and for your continued friendship with Blue Cap. 🌟🩵

12/20/2025

This week, the individuals we support took part in Holiday Spirit Week, wrapping it up today by decorating graham cracker houses and cookies they made themselves. 💙🍪🏠

Yesterday kicked off our first annual Winter Games, sponsored by the Blue Cap Family & Friends Association. Participants designed their own Holiday shirts leading up to game day—some with lights, some with bells, and all of them amazing.

The Winter Games featured four Minute to Win It–style challenges:
• Reindeer Shuffle: fastest to move cotton balls to another plate using reindeer hands
• Bows and More Bows: get as many bows as possible into a bowl while blindfolded, using only a spatula
• Reindeer Toss: toss rings to see who can get the most onto the reindeer hat
• Ornament Stack: stack cups into a tower while balancing an ornament on the top cup

Catering from Bartollini’s was provided as part of the sponsorship.

A big thank you to the Recreation Therapy Team and to all of our staff and volunteers who helped serve lunch and dessert and supported activities throughout the week.

Thank you to the Blue Cap Family & Friends Association for sponsoring the Winter Games and providing catering, helping make Holiday Spirit Week possible.

Leave a comment and let the individuals we support know what a wonderful job they did decorating. 💙

12/18/2025

We are so grateful to the F & A M Masonic Riders for continuing their holiday tradition of generosity by donating warm hats, gloves and socks to Blue Cap this week.

Your thoughtfulness year after year means so much to our community, and we are truly thankful for your friendship and appreciate your ongoing support. 🧤🧦❄️☃️

12/16/2025

⚡ Energy Tip Tuesday | December 16, 2025 ⚡

Instead of turning up the heat, D’Shawn suggests wearing warmer clothing indoors to stay comfortable while using less energy.

He also recommends installing a smart thermostat, which can automatically adjust your home’s temperature, learn your daily routine, and lower the heat when you’re away or asleep—helping reduce wasted energy.

D’Shawn shares these tips as a ComEd Energy Force Ambassador through Blue Cap’s Employment Program.

We invite our followers to share this post, as D’Shawn looks to grow his reach in 2026!

12/12/2025

Honoring outstanding volunteer service at the Blue Cap Food Pantry.🩵💙🩵💙🩵💙🩵

Individuals we support were recently recognized with Certificates of Achievement for their volunteer service at the Blue Cap Food Pantry, honoring the compassion, dedication, and commitment they bring to supporting neighbors in need.

Through their consistent service, they demonstrate what it means to be engaged citizens—showing responsibility, generosity, and a genuine commitment to their neighborhood.

The Blue Cap Food Pantry is led by Yvette Shead, Food Pantry Coordinator, whose leadership helps make this program possible week after week.

Blue Cap Volunteers Honored:
Back row (left to right): William, John, Michelle, Rodney
Front row (left to right): Haileigh, Tameka, Kieran, Annie, Darran

The Blue Cap Food Pantry operates in partnership with the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

📍 2155 Broadway Street, Blue Island, IL 60406
🗓️Tuesdays | 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
📞 708-389-6578
🌐 www.blue-cap.org

💬 Join us in the comments to congratulate and thank these volunteers for their dedication and service. 👏👏👏👏

According to the Greater Chicago Food Depository, more than one-third of households in the Chicagoland area cannot afford the basic cost of living, and about 1 in 4 children in Cook County experience food insecurity.

Interested in helping your neighborhood and volunteering at the Blue Cap Food Pantry?

Please call 708-389-6578 or email Yvette Shead at Yvette.Shead@blue-cap.org.

12/12/2025

Thank you Union Avenue!

12/10/2025

This past Saturday, the Romin' Chariots Car Club held their annual Hotrod Holiday Hoedown Food/Toy Drive at Eagles Bowling Lanes, 2427 Grove St., a tradition they have carried on for many years on behalf of Blue Cap.

A simple “match my donation” moment grew into more than $1,800 raised to support our work. Guests also donated food, toiletries, dignity items, paper products, and gifts for children in need, all of which will directly benefit our Food Pantry and local families.

We were also grateful to welcome Union Avenue, who made the trip all the way from Bloomington to perform and support Blue Cap at this year’s Hoedown.

Thank you to the Romin’ Chariots, Union Avenue, Eagles Bowling Lanes, and every neighbor who contributed. Your continued commitment to Blue Cap means more than we can say.

YOU. ARE. AMAZING. HUMANS.

Thank you. Thank you so much!

12/05/2025

✨Celebrating the Remarkable Career of Pat Thies✨

Today, Blue Cap proudly celebrates the retirement of our former Executive Director, Pat Thies, whose dedication has shaped our agency for more than four decades.

Pat first joined Blue Cap in April 1984 as a Residential Coordinator, helping open our very first residential home. Over the next 21 years, she served in key roles—including Director of Residential, Quality Assurance Coordinator, and Director of Day Services—always staying closely connected to the people we support.

After returning to Blue Cap in August 2016, Pat stepped into the role of Executive Director and continued to lead with compassion, steadiness, and a deep belief in the potential of every person who walks through our doors. She officially retired on December 5, 2025, leaving behind a legacy defined by service, integrity, and heart.

This week, we were honored to celebrate Pat in two meaningful ways:
🍰 A Retirement Luncheon with the individuals she has supported throughout her career—something that meant the world to her—along with her family and friends.
🥂 An evening gathering Natural Law Cocktail Club, where staff and friends came together to share memories, gratitude, and cheers to her new adventures.

As we honor Pat’s extraordinary contributions, we also warmly welcome Jill Hart as Blue Cap’s new Executive Director. Jill has worked closely with Pat for years and shares her deep commitment to the people and mission of Blue Cap. We look forward to this next chapter under her leadership.

Pat, thank you for everything—
for leading by example,
for believing in the people we serve,
and for helping build the foundation Blue Cap continues to stand on today.

We are so grateful for your 40+ years of impact.
Enjoy your well-earned retirement. 💙

We invite you to share your memories, kind words, and thanks for Pat below. 👏👏👏👏👏👏