As the COVID-19 virus continues to rapidly spread throughout the country, people with developmental and intellectual disabilities are more vulnerable in times of crisis. Below is a list of Chicago-area organizations that support people disabilities, accompanied by ways you can assist them during this time.

Center for Enriched Living
You can support Center for Enriched Living’s efforts to combat social isolation and keep members connected by contributing financially.

For those not in a position to donate, Center for Enriched Living is also seeking pen-pals for residents during social distancing. To become a pen-pal, simply visit Center for Enriched Living’s website and select a member to whom you’d like to send a letter, card, or picture.

Clearbook
Although Clearbook can no longer accommodate in-person volunteering at this time, the organization is seeking donations during this trying time.

Clearbrook’s Community Integrated Living Arrangement program is seeking: :large drawing paper, colored markers and pencils, egg dying kits, spring crafts, Wiis or other gaming systems, small Lego sets, jigsaw puzzles of 500 pieces or less, and board games. To donate any of these items, contact Dave Boggs at dboggs@clearbrook.org or (847) 385-5010.

Clearbrook’s Immediate Care Facility program is seeking: markers, large crayons, paint, paint brushes, canvases, construction paper, googly eyes, pom poms, glue, card marking supplies, stickers, and fake flowers. To donate any of these items, contact Jessica Smart at jsmart@clearbrook.org or (847) 385-5379.

All Clearbrook staff members also requires fabric gowns to wear while on the premises. These gowns should feature a simple pattern, a tie closure, and elastic at the ends of sleeves. Those interested in donating fabric or sewing gowns should contact Bobbi Drews at bdrews@clearbrook.org or (847) 385-5019.

Little City
Little City has approximately 200 staff members on the frontlines making sure that our residents are cared for in these unprecedented times. Unfortunately, Little City had to cancel their annual gala–their biggest fundraiser of the year. They have also had to postponed other fundraisers until later in the fall.

They request those that can offer financial support visit littlecity.org/waystohelp to donate.

Misericordia
Misericordia has requested volunteers to both supply sewing materials and create face masks to be used by Misericordia staff.

Two different types of masks are needed:

  • “Normal” face masks, which are made of cloth that covers nose and mouth and wraps under the chin.
  • “Filtered” face masks, which are normal face masks with a pocket to insert a filter.

Click here for instructions on how to sew a “normal” face mask; click here for instructions on how to sew a “filtered” face mask.

Mail completed masks to Misericordia Home – 6300 North Ridge Ave., Chicago, IL 60660 or deliver them to the special receptacle just inside the outside door at the Thome Ave. reception area.

For more information or questions contact the MFA Chairs at mfachairs19@gmail.com or 773-599-9889.