Using a team concept, CTC seeks to partner with local businesses and civic organizations to create customized employment opportunities for special needs adults. We believe that with the right job and proper supports, everyone can work, regardless of the type or level of their disability. Employment services will revolve around a two-part discovery process: reaching out to area businesses to assess their employment needs and interviewing / observing job-seekers to identify their strengths, skills and interests. We will be seeking paid positions that will be a win-win, benefiting both the employer and the employee.

In order to promote positive social interactions, Connect to Community will plan and facilitate a variety of client-driven activities. Whether it’s a recurring program such as a bunco club or movie group or a special event like a Cubs game or train trip, our goal is to fully integrate our clients into the community in whatever manner they choose.

With the understanding that knowledge is power, Connect to Community will partner with local school districts to sponsor educational seminars designed to provide parents and families with a variety of transition-related information. We will also host a series of informational tours highlighting creative adult programming and employment options both in our area and in surrounding communities. Finally, CTC will serve as a resource and support system for families as they plan for and adjust to life after age 22.

Advocacy is central to Connect to Community, woven into every aspect of our work. It empowers individuals with knowledge, resources, and confidence, ensuring families and participants understand their rights and have access to tools that enrich their lives.

From raising awareness of impactful legislation to driving social reform, our advocacy extends beyond individual support, striving for systemic change and a more inclusive world for those we serve.