Parents Alliance Employment Project

05/29/2026

As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, we want to remind everyone that mental health matters every day of the year. 💚

Taking care of yourself, checking in on others, and creating supportive communities can make a lasting difference. Let’s continue to break the stigma, encourage open conversations, and support one another beyond the month of May.

You are never alone. 💚

05/28/2026

Last week, we proudly celebrated the incredible Class of 2026 at Project SEARCH Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital 🎓✨

Our graduation ceremony was a special time to reflect on a year filled with growth, hard work, and unforgettable memories. Interns shared heartfelt speeches about their favorite experiences, internship placements, and the lessons they will carry with them into the future.

We were also honored to hear from guest speaker Wyatt Ducar, former Project SEARCH intern and current employee with Parkhurst Dining, whose journey continues to inspire others pursuing employment and independence.

In addition, we recognized two outstanding mentors from Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital for the encouragement, guidance, and support they provided throughout the year.

Congratulations again to our graduates — we are so proud of all you have accomplished and cannot wait to see where your next chapter takes you! 💙

05/27/2026

🎓 Congratulations to the Project SEARCH Class of 2026 at Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital! 🎉

What an incredible year of learning, growing, building confidence, and forming lasting friendships. Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance have not gone unnoticed, and we are so proud of all that you have accomplished.

As you take the next steps in your journey, know that you have made a lasting impact on everyone around you. We can’t wait to see where the future takes you and all the amazing things you will achieve.

Congratulations, Class of 2026! 💙

05/26/2026

🎓 Congrats to the interns from Project SEARCH at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital Class of 2026! Officially graduating, the group celebrated this incredible milestone last week at Waubonsee Community College. 💙

Friends, family, mentors, and employers gathered together to cheer them on as they walked across the stage and received their certificates. What a perfect way to wrap up another amazing program year filled with growth, hard work, and success!

We are so proud of all you have accomplished and cannot wait to see what’s next for each of you. Way to go, grads! 👏🎉

05/25/2026

🇺🇸 Memorial Day 🇺🇸

Today, we honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their courage, sacrifice, and selflessness will never be forgotten.

We are forever grateful. ❤️🤍💙

05/21/2026

SAVE THE DATE!

Join us on June 25th and support PAEP!

Save the date! ☀️

Join us for the 2026 NGI Summer Social on June 25 from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at The Crawford for an evening of connection, community, and collective impact.

The Next Generation Initiative (NGI) brings together emerging philanthropists to learn, connect, and support critical needs across DuPage County.

This summer, we’re proud to spotlight Parents Alliance Employment Project, which helps people with disabilities prepare for meaningful employment through individualized services and hands-on training. Support from this event will help equip PAEP’s new Learning Lab with adaptive technology and job-readiness tools for neurodiverse job seekers.

Thanks to a generous $2,500 matching challenge from the Edward and Wanda Jordan Family Foundation, every gift can go even further.

The event is free and all are welcome! Register or donate here:
https://www.dupagefoundation.org/event/ngi-summer-social-2026/

Thank you to our generous sponsors:
Catering Partners: BusyButternut and Cinnaholic
Venue Partner: The Crawford
Silver Annual Partners: Duly Health and Care and Kaskov Valuations, Inc
Bronze Annual Partners: Edward Jones-Financial Advisor: Chris Phalon and Kuhn, Heap and Monson

05/21/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Jacky! 🎉

Jacky began the Inspired by Ability program as an intern at Honey Jam Café, where she built valuable workplace skills that prepared her for future employment. Throughout her internship, Jacky grew in independence, confidence, and overall job readiness.

After starting the job development process with the IBA team, Jacky was quickly matched with an amazing opportunity—and she has officially been hired at McDonald’s as a Lobby Attendant! 🍟✨

With her positive personality and constant smile, this role is a perfect fit. Jacky is already learning her daily routine and is excited to continue growing in her new position.

We are incredibly proud of Jacky and all of her hard work and accomplishments! 💛

05/20/2026

🌟 LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER! 🌟
Career Exploration Camp – Summer 2026

Ready to explore your future?

Parents Alliance Employment Project’s Career Exploration Camp is designed for individuals 18+ with disabilities who are ready to discover career pathways, build workplace skills, and gain real-world exposure to different industries.

🗓 June 8 – July 31
⏰ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📅 Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays
📍 Lisle, IL

Participants will explore career options, learn workplace expectations, and build confidence in a supportive, hands-on environment.

📌 Applications are available now — spots are limited!
Eligibility guidelines apply. Contact us today for more information.

05/19/2026

Happy Work Anniversary, Khushbu!
Celebrating 12 years with PAEP and the incredible impact you make every day.

05/18/2026

Meet Xavery! 🎉

Xavery began the Inspired by Ability program as an intern at Good Samaritan Hospital in the Environmental Services (EVS) Department. During his internship, he built valuable transferable skills while showing a strong work ethic, dedication, and a positive attitude every day.

Because of his hard work and commitment, Xavery was offered a part-time position at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in the EVS Department within the Emergency Room!

Xavery continues to grow his skills, learn something new each day, and make a meaningful impact on his team. We are so proud of all he has accomplished! 💙👏