Employment Services

Little Friends Employment Services Program empowers adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to pursue meaningful, competitive, and integrated careers by cultivating the skills, confidence, and independence needed for long-term success. Through career exploration, experiential learning opportunities, soft skills training, and tailored job coaching, the program supports the development of both industry-specific competencies and essential workplace skills, including communication, problem-solving, and adaptability.

With a strong focus on expanding access to underrepresented sectors, the program actively works to break down barriers and create innovative pathways into diverse industries. Participants are supported in identifying their strengths, interests, and goals while building self-advocacy skills that promote autonomy and informed decision-making. Ongoing, responsive support ensures not only successful job placement, but sustained growth, job retention, and the opportunity to thrive as valued, contributing members of an inclusive workforce and their communities.

For more information, please complete the interest form by clicking the button below:

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Little Friends Employment Services is proud to launch a brand-new Skill‑Building Workshop designed specifically for neurodiverse young adults!

Come build skills. Make friends. Create something amazing! Develop New Steam Skills with Tangible Take-Home Projects in Every Class!

$250 Per 6-Week Session

Mondays & Wednesdays, 5 PM – 6:30 PM

Session 1: March 9 – April 22 (No Class Week of March 30)

Session 2: May 4 – June 10

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP:

https://forms.gle/YZdQ6baVwY5ENuWv9

Gear up with the skills that work! Join Little Friends for a FREE Skills Work Manufacturing Camp this summer to prepare for a job in manufacturing! Create your resume, learn safety norms, and practice communication skills as you learn what is needed to secure a job in the manufacturing sector.
This FREE camp for neurodiverse young adults runs from June 15 to August 7.

JUNE 15 – AUGUST 7

MONDAY – FRIDAY, 9 AM TO NOON

WEEK 1 & 2: Soft Skills Training

WEEK 3 & 4: Safety Skills and OSHA-10 Training

WEEK 5 & 6: Hands-On Training on STEAM

WEEK 7 & 8: Experiential Learning and Hands-On Manufacturing Experience

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP:

https://forms.gle/YZdQ6baVwY5ENuWv9

The goal of the Skill Development Program is to prepare each individual for success in the workforce. We provide personalized assessments, extensive career exploration, and targeted skill development, leading to on-the-job training. Throughout this individual development program, young adults will acquire the skills necessary to secure and maintain meaningful, competitive employment within their communities.

Interested in pursuing a career in supply chain or logistics? Want to work in a manufacturing center or warehouse? Need a confidence boost or competitive edge? Earn an industry-recognized certificate in supply chain logistics. Join our Supply Chain Management Certification program.

Have fun exploring jobs in a safe and enriching virtual environment! During our Virtual Reality Career Exploration workshop, you will jump into experiential learning using VR and participate in career assessments and activities to spark your interest in job areas you never knew were possible.

Get ready to jumpstart your career with our Career Kickoff Workshop! Over the week, we will cover everything from setting career goals and writing a standout resume to crushing interviews and navigating job offers. Whether you are just starting your career or need a refresher, you will gain the tools and confidence to land that dream job!

Supported Employment

The Little Friends Supported Employment Program helps adults with disabilities find jobs in businesses throughout their community and provides training, in the form of job coaching, to assist individuals in learning the skills to become independent at their jobs. Our staff helps individuals identify suitable employment opportunities by considering a range of factors, including interests, skills, past work experience, and available transportation. Each person is then assisted in finding a job that suits their interests and abilities.

Once an individual is hired, staff work closely with employers so that they can comfortably and efficiently train their new hire. Individuals in our Supported Employment Program work in a variety of settings, including restaurants, hotels, retail stores, manufacturing plants, offices, and more.

Career counseling
Job search and application assistance
Job interview preparation
Job coaching and follow up services
Trial job assessments
Vocational advocacy and counseling
Transportation training

The Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) funds these types of services. To obtain a referral to our supported employment program, contact your local DRS office or visit www.dhs.state.il.us/drs. Under the referral source, chose community provider and list our contact information.

Ken’s Krew

Little Friends is proud to represent Ken’s Krew in Chicago’s western collar counties (DuPage, Will, Kane, and Kendall), offering job placement, training, and support for individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities seeking employment in Customer Service positions.

Founded in 1997 by parents of young adults with disabilities, Ken’s Krew shares the belief that every individual deserves the opportunity to enter the workforce, earn a fair wage, and reach their full potential—a mission that aligns with the values of Little Friends. Since its inception, Ken’s Krew has been supported by Home Depot, creating competitive in-store employment opportunities for over 900 young adults.

This partnership allows Little Friends to further assist neurodiverse individuals in our region by providing them with valuable training and employment opportunities.

For additional information, please contact local Little Friends Vocational Coordinator Craig Perryman at cperryman@lilfriends.com 630.355.6533, or Program Director Cassidy Kaput, ckaput@lilfriends.com

Learn more about Ken’s Krew’s mission and program

Recruitment – We network with local school districts, state employment agencies, and other service organizations to identify potential candidates.

Assessment – Through a multi-step screening and assessment process, our vocational coordinators determine whether a candidate is a good fit for one of our employment opportunities.

Training – Our vocational coordinators spend a minimum of 72 hours training each candidate one-on-one and on-site to ensure preparedness and comfortability.

Employment – Upon successful completion of our training, candidates transition into their workplaces and become part-time associates.

Support – Our vocational coordinators monitor the progress of each associate and work closely with store management to provide support throughout.

Eligibility Requirements –The applicant must:

Be at least 18 years old.
Successful completion of diploma/certificate program, and/or transition work program/prior work experience.
Be diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disability (with documentation).
Seizure-free for one year.
Have a desire and ability to work independently.
Have an existing support system.
If required by the employer, submit to drug testing to the extent permitted under federal, state and local law.
Be responsible for transportation to and from the workplace.
Adhere to employer dress code and grooming standards.
Ability to communicate with co-workers and customers.
Time recognition awareness (time punches, breaks, task management)
Adhere to employer policies & procedures (including all safety standards)
Please see additional considerations here