Parents Alliance Employment Project

09/01/2025

🇺🇸 Happy Labor Day! 🇺🇸

Today, we celebrate the contributions of workers everywhere—and especially the incredible individuals in our community who show that inclusion and opportunity make the workforce stronger. 💪✨

At Parents Alliance Employment Project, we’re proud to support people with disabilities in finding meaningful employment and achieving their career goals. Together, we’re building a more inclusive workforce, one job at a time. 💼💙

Wishing everyone a safe and relaxing Labor Day! 🌟

08/29/2025

🌟 Starting the year by strengthening our minds!

Our interns are learning how to manage stress, ease anxiety, and practice self-care with the Mighty Minds Toolkit—a resource created by PAEP to help individuals with disabilities build resilience, confidence, and healthy habits. 💛

Today’s lesson focused on strengthening the mind and exploring Spoon Theory, a powerful way to understand and manage daily energy. 💪🧠

08/28/2025

🙌 Hands-on training makes all the difference!

This past year, our students had the chance to practice essential tasks in a simulated workplace before moving into paid training in the community. The result? 💼 100% of these students achieved gainful employment!

We are so proud of their achievements and so thankful to the businesses who made this success possible. 💛

👉 Want to be part of this impact? Reach out to learn how your business can partner with us!

08/27/2025

✨ Shoutout to the amazing cafeteria staff at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital! ✨

They have always been huge supporters of SEARCH – in fact, they’re the only department that hosts multiple interns every rotation. 💪 With so many dedicated mentors, our interns gain valuable, transferable skills in dishwashing, trayline, cashiering, and even barista work. ☕🍴

Their advocacy doesn’t stop there – they recently displayed the Parents Alliance Employment Project window decal right at their entrance, showing every visitor their commitment to supporting workers with disabilities. 💙

We are so grateful for their partnership and their unwavering support of inclusive employment! 👏

08/27/2025

🌟 Job Readiness Workshop for Neurodiverse Individuals! 🌟

Are you looking to boost your confidence for job interviews? Join us for a supportive, hands-on workshop:

📅 Friday, October 24th, 2025
🕘 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
📍 Wheaton Public Library, 225 N Cross St, Wheaton, IL

✨ What you’ll gain:
✔️ Practice in multiple mock interviews
✔️ Strategies to highlight your strengths
✔️ Tips for handling interview anxiety
✔️ Optional resume review to help you stand out

This workshop is proudly hosted in partnership with People's Resource Center and Wheaton Public Library—working together to empower job seekers in our community. 💼

Build skills. Gain confidence. Get ready to succeed!

Register or learn more by emailing Kiersten Lira at Klira@parents-alliance.org or click: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040F45ABAB22A5FF2-57403290-jobreadiness

08/26/2025

We are honored to be featured in the August issue of Downers Grove Living and Westmont Living! 💙

For over 40 years, Parents Alliance Employment Project has been dedicated to connecting individuals with disabilities to meaningful employment opportunities. Being recognized for the work we do in building an inclusive workforce is such a special moment for our team and the amazing community partners who make it possible.

A big thank you to Downers Grove Living Magazine and Westmont Living Magazine for highlighting our story and mission. 💛

Together, we’re building a stronger, more inclusive community—one success story at a time!

✨ COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT ✨

We are so proud to feature the Parents Alliance Employment Project (PAEP) in our August issue.

For over 40 years, this team has been creating life-changing connections between individuals with disabilities and meaningful employment opportunities. 🤝

It’s stories like these that show the true heart of our communities. 💙 Grab the latest issue of and to read more about how PAEP is building a more inclusive workforce, one successful partnership at a time!

Let’s show them some community love in the comments! 👇

#60515 #60516 #60559

08/26/2025

🎉 First day done! The Project SEARCH Class of 2026 officially kicked off their journey at Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital today!

Our interns started the morning with a mix of nerves and excitement, but after getting their badges, learning about the hospital, and even enjoying a walk together, they ended the day feeling ready and confident. 💪✨

We are so proud of them already and can’t wait to see everything they’ll achieve this year. 💛

Let the adventure begin! 🌟

08/25/2025

Join us at the FREE Disabilities Resource & Job Placement Expo—a great opportunity to connect with organizations like Parents Alliance Employment Project (PAEP) and many others offering services, therapy, legal resources, and more!

📅 Thursday, September 18, 2025
🕘 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Fountain View Rec Center, Carol Stream Park District (910 N. Gary Ave.)

Hosted by State Senator Seth Lewis, State Representative Amy Grant & State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro

Come see us at the Expo! 💼✨

08/22/2025

💙 Feel Good Friday! 💙

We couldn’t be prouder of our IBA students! From learning new skills during their internships to now stepping into paid jobs, they’re proving that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. Every smile, every thank-you from a customer, and every milestone achieved is a reminder of why this program matters so much.

A huge shoutout to our incredible business partners for believing in our students and creating welcoming spaces where they can succeed. You’re helping dreams come true! 🌟🙌

08/21/2025

🚨 SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY 🚨

On October 15th, more than 300 guests will gather at the Hyatt Lodge in Oak Brook for Be Inspired to Hire — a powerful evening honoring businesses that create real opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

💡 Why it matters:
Every sponsorship tells a story — a young adult landing their very first job, a business discovering an incredible employee, and a community growing stronger through inclusion.

🌟 As a sponsor, you’ll receive:
✅ Visibility in front of key community leaders & decision-makers
✅ Exclusive benefits like VIP seating, award presentations, & promotional features
✅ Recognition as a true leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion

📅 Sponsorship deadline: October 1, 2025
💌 Contact Kristen: ksheffield@parents-alliance.org
| 2525 Cabot Drive, Suite 302, Lisle, IL 60532

✨ Don’t just support inclusion — be the reason it happens.

08/20/2025

✨ We love hearing from our clients and families about their experiences with PAEP! ✨

Has PAEP made a difference for you or your child? 💙
We’d love for you to share how our services have supported your journey. Your story could inspire others!

08/19/2025

📣 PAEP Parent Forum: Your Voice, Your Impact 💬

Are you a current or past PAEP parent or guardian? We want to hear from YOU!

Join us for our first Parent Forum to share your experiences, provide feedback, and get more involved in shaping the future of PAEP. 💙

🗓 Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Location: PAEP Office – 2525 Cabot Drive, Suite 205, Lisle, IL

✅ Connect with other families
✅ Share ideas and feedback
✅ Help us grow and improve!

📲 RSVP now: signupgenius.com/go/9040F45ABAB22A5FF2-57438237-paep

We hope to see you there! 💬