630.355.6533 Careers Locations Contact

News & Events

News & Events

News

News
A Vocational Legacy

Since 1970 when Little Friends original school program merged with a locally run volunteer group providing work activities for adults, a primary focus of our mission has been to offer adults with disabilities opportunities to help them develop essential life skills and secure meaningful employment. Our current Adult Day Program fosters an environment that promotes independence, creative thought and expression, and personal development related to working with employers and the community. Paid work options provide… Read Full Post

News
Supported Employment Milestone!

Fifty years ago, a young man rode his bike to Jewel and filled out a job application. He was interviewed, hired, and hasn’t looked back!  That 18-year-old was John, an individual served by Little Friends Supported Employment Program who celebrated his golden anniversary at Jewel this May.  As a utility clerk, John bags groceries and collects carts at his community store.  He shares that learning to separate the food was difficult when he first started,… Read Full Post

News
PAES Lab Pays Dividends for Vocational Students

Over the past two years, Little Friends has proudly offered our high school students the opportunity to explore a variety of job tasks and vocational skills using our Practical Assessment Exploration System (PAES) Lab. This Work Development Curriculum assists students with disabilities in learning job and life skills, exploring a variety of work areas, and learning what type of jobs they are good at and enjoy doing.  This underscores Little Friends continued commitment to vocational… Read Full Post

News
ColorBurst Screen Printing Acquired by Premium Custom Products

Over the past 30-plus years, Little Friends, Inc. has operated the ColorBurst screen printing operation out of our Downers Grove facility.  With plans to move our adult day programming to a newer building located in Warrenville later this year, a decision had to be made related to continuing the operation of ColorBurst. Effective May 1, 2023, Premium Custom Products, LLC. (Premium), located in Downers Grove, will be acquiring most of the assets of ColorBurst and… Read Full Post

News
Designation of the Dan Casey Activity Center Announced at Little Friends 46th Benefit Auction

On behalf of the children and adults we serve, their families, and our employees, we would like to thank the over 450 in attendance for their kind support of Little Friends at this year’s 46th Benefit Auction held earlier this month.  When the night ended,  a record amount of donations were generated to help us move forward with new and existing programs for children and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities and autism.  While still being calculated,… Read Full Post

Events

boy on sports field

I love my school

“I love my school because I have great teachers and friends.”

person standing near artwork

I like to socialize and laugh

“I like to socialize and laugh with my friends every day.”

happy person smiling

Little Friends staff are remarkable people

“As parents, we feel truly thankful and blessed for the opportunities that Little Friends has provided and offered.  Little Friends staff are remarkable people who are dedicated to what they do and those they serve.”

girl on swing set smiling

Good times with friends and people who care

“For my son, this has not been just a school but the place where he spends good times with friends and people who care about him.”

person reading

How grateful we are

“How grateful we are to all the angels who work with our son at Little Friends. This is his home.”

smiling boy

Krejci means so much to Us

“Krejci means so much to us because it’s been the one place that has truly helped my child excel and grow; the place that he is not judged or made to feel different but accepted. I am so appreciative of the patience, care, and hard work from all the Krejci staff.”

child sitting on bench

Positive Impact on our Family

“Respite has had such a positive impact on our family. We love that our kids can socialize with other families that share our similarities. It gives me comfort knowing he is in good hands”