Parents Alliance Employment Project

07/28/2025

🎉 That’s a wrap on our Packing emPowerment Camp! Over the past 6 weeks, our 10 incredible campers explored the ins and outs of manufacturing and had the opportunity to tour and learn from six amazing employer partners: The Timken Company, DeepCoat, Plano powered by Pure Fishing, SWD Inc., MTH Pumps, and TOX. 💪🏭

These companies partnered with PAEP to provide hands-on experiences that empowered young adults with disabilities to build real-world skills and envision their future in the workforce. 👏🌟

Huge thanks to SparkForce, The FMA Foundation, IMEC Illinois, and the Kane County Government Manufacturing Grant Program for supporting this impactful camp and helping us create meaningful pathways to employment. 💼🙌

07/25/2025

🌟 Meet Tyler!

After completing his job skills training in May, Tyler has been working hard in custodial maintenance at Lombard Park District . During his internship at SpringHill Suites, he built the skills and confidence needed to succeed on the job. We’re so proud of all he’s accomplished—keep up the great work, Tyler! 👏💼

Thank you, Lombard Park District, for being an inclusive employer! 💙

07/25/2025

We’re so proud of Aireis, a Project SEARCH graduate who’s thriving at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital in the Supply Chain department! 💙

After completing an internship in this department, Aireis was hired during the job development process. Since then, he’s sharpened his skills using a pallet jack and learned how to order supply items with confidence. 🏥📦

💬 Aireis’s advice for job seekers:
“Find something that is a good fit and suits you. Find a job you can enjoy and you’ll be great at it. It’s good to work at any job, but it’s even better to feel joy and happiness while working too.”

👏 Congratulations, Aireis, and thank you for sharing your inspiring journey!

07/24/2025

🎉 Happy Team Thursday! Before we kick off the new 2025–2026 school year, the Project SEARCH Huntley team wants to say hello and introduce themselves! 👋

🧠 Lead Employability Instructor Shannon starts each day with classroom instruction, covering essential topics like self-advocacy, interview prep, job readiness skills, and more to prepare interns for success.

💼 Employment Specialists Vicki and Maggie support interns during their internships—visiting departments, helping with new tasks, and coaching them along the way. Once interns are employed, Vicki and Maggie also help them transition into their new roles with confidence and independence!

We’re so proud of this dedicated team and can’t wait to meet the incoming class! 💙

07/24/2025

🚀 Our Packing emPowerment Camp participants wrapped up their final tour last week with an incredible visit to the Deep Coat facility! Huge thanks to the amazing Deep Coat team for sharing their expertise and giving our campers a behind-the-scenes look at how innovation meets manufacturing. 🔧✨

Deep Coat is one of six outstanding partners working with PAEP to provide hands-on experiences that help young adults with disabilities build skills and envision their future in the workforce. 🏭👏

Special thanks to SparkForce, The FMA Foundation, IMEC Illinois, and the Kane County Manufacturing Grant Program for making this camp possible and helping us build real pathways to employment. 💼🌟

07/23/2025

At Parents Alliance Employment Project, we believe everyone deserves the chance to work and thrive. 💼💙

We support individuals with disabilities in finding meaningful employment in their communities — one job at a time!

👉 Learn more: https://www.parents-alliance.org/page/home

07/22/2025

07/21/2025

🎉 Congrats to Andrea! 🎉

Andrea was a dedicated participant in the 2024-2025 IBA program. She entered with a strong passion for working with animals and completed two impressive internships at the Humane Society and Pet Supplies Plus.

Although Andrea faced challenges in her job search—especially with limited one-on-one animal care experience—she never gave up. Her resilience and positive attitude kept her focused and open to new paths.

With her bubbly personality and drive to help others, Andrea shifted her sights to retail and landed a role as a Selling Floor Associate at Burlington! She’s thriving in her new position and loving every minute of it.

Way to go, Andrea! We’re so proud of you! 👏✨

07/18/2025

✨ ✨

Parents Alliance is counting down the days until our Be Inspired to Hire event on October 15th! 🎉

Check out these amazing moments from last year’s celebration, where we honored incredible business partners who are championing diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Our event is all about recognizing those who open doors, create opportunities, and believe that everyone deserves a chance to shine. 🌟

📅 Save the Date – October 15th!

We can’t wait to see you there and celebrate the power of inclusive employment together!

07/17/2025

🌟 Inspired by Ability — Unlocking Potential Through Partnerships! 💼✨

Our Inspired by Ability program has been running since 2018, serving over 120 students and continuing to make an incredible impact!

✅ So far this year, 19 students have secured jobs across a variety of industries, with just 2 still searching for the right fit.

Our program’s success comes from providing real-life training experiences directly within businesses, helping participants build practical skills and confidence that lead to meaningful employment.

But our mission goes beyond simply placing individuals in jobs—we’re committed to ensuring they keep those jobs long-term and thrive in their careers.

This progress wouldn’t be possible without the support of so many amazing businesses across diverse fields. Thanks to partnerships in warehousing, manufacturing, hospitality, libraries, park districts, retail, and many more, our participants gain the hands-on experience they need to succeed.

Together, we’re proving that talent and determination pave the way for success—and creating workplaces where everyone belongs.

07/16/2025

Two words that best describe Allyson are “motivated” and “determined.” Despite being Deaf, Allyson never let her disability limit her goals.

She joined the Project SEARCH Delnor program in September 2019 with limited work experience and completed internships in the Dock and Central Supply Department.

During job development, Allyson expressed a strong interest in working for Amazon, UPS, or FedEx. Her strong work ethic and willingness to do physical labor made her an ideal candidate.

She applied to FedEx, was hired on the spot, and joined a Deaf team—something that brought her tremendous joy and a true sense of community.

Originally hired part-time as a package handler, Allyson was quickly promoted to full-time with benefits.

✨ FedEx has been an outstanding employer for Allyson, embracing inclusivity and ensuring she has the support and accommodations needed to thrive. They’ve provided a workplace where communication access, teamwork, and career growth are priorities. FedEx’s commitment to building diverse and inclusive teams has made a meaningful difference in Allyson’s life and career.

We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments and grateful for employers like FedEx who recognize the talents and potential of individuals with disabilities.

07/15/2025

🎉 We’re thrilled to welcome the new class of Project SEARCH at Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital!

The departments are excited and ready to embrace these talented young adults as part of the team. 💼✨

They’re about to begin an inspiring journey—filled with learning, growth, and hands-on experience in a supportive, inclusive environment.

Let the adventure begin! 🚀