Avenues to Independence

Avenues to Independence Helping Chicagoland adults with disabilities live the lives they choose with dignity and independence. Join us!

We partner with the community to support individuals in achieving their goals through housing, job programs, and daily life skills. Avenues to Independence empowers adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live the lives they choose with dignity and independence. Since 1953, we’ve worked to put aside old ideas about what individuals with disabilities can achieve. Founded by a gro

up of Chicago-area parents who envisioned a brighter future for their children, Avenues has grown into a nonprofit that serves more than 200 adults each year through customized residential, vocational, and community living programs. From our program sites in Park Ridge, Des Plaines, Wheeling, and Chicago, Avenues provides critical services for individuals with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and other developmental disabilities. Whether it’s supported employment, art classes, life-skills training, or a place to call home, our programs meet people where they are and support their goals for the future. What sets Avenues apart is our belief in long-term support and deep community involvement. Many of our cients have been with us for decades, and we’re proud of the close-knit relationships we’ve built with clients, families, staff, and volunteers. We’re also a leading voice in disability advocacy, working to protect and advance the rights of individuals with disabilities in Illinois and beyond. With the help of generous donors, volunteers, and community partners, we’re building a more inclusive world, and helping our clients chart their own path forward.

What does independence look like?For Paul, it’s something as simple as taking a drive through the community, choosing wh...
06/16/2026

What does independence look like?

For Paul, it’s something as simple as taking a drive through the community, choosing where to go, visiting local stores, and connecting with the people around him.

While many of us make these everyday choices without a second thought, for the individuals we serve, those moments are made possible through the support of dedicated staff like Nikito and the generosity of people like you.

This summer, we're celebrating the power of choice and the freedom to live life on your own terms.

Your support helps provide the transportation, personalized care, and opportunities that allow individuals like Paul to stay connected, build relationships, and experience the dignity of independence.

Join us in making these everyday choices possible. 💙

Donate to our Summer Appeal today 👇

Walk Day is almost here! Here's what to expect! See you out there tomorrow! 👟 🔗 Register: 📍Maine South High School | 11...
06/12/2026

Walk Day is almost here!

Here's what to expect!

See you out there tomorrow! 👟

🔗 Register:

📍Maine South High School | 1111 S Dee Rd, Park Ridge, IL 60068
(South parking lot by the tennis courts)

Registration: 9:00am - 10:15am
Walk begins: 10:30am
Post Party: 11:00am - 1:00pm

Last week, Avenues was honored to be the beneficiary of the Sunset Ridge Country Club 18-Hole League. It was a beautiful...
06/12/2026

Last week, Avenues was honored to be the beneficiary of the Sunset Ridge Country Club 18-Hole League. It was a beautiful day on the course, bringing the community together in support of Avenues and the individuals we serve.🏌️‍♂️⛳💚

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who participated. Your generosity helps empower individuals with disabilities to live with independence and dignity.

A special thank you to Vicki for organizing this wonderful event and choosing Avenues as its beneficiary.💙

We are so thankful for a community that believes in and supports our mission!

Got questions about Walk Day? We've got you covered! 🎉 Here's everything you need to know for Saturday. We can't wait to...
06/11/2026

Got questions about Walk Day? We've got you covered! 🎉

Here's everything you need to know for Saturday. We can't wait to see you there! 👟

🔗 Register:
📍Maine South High School | 1111 S Dee Rd, Park Ridge, IL 60068
Registration: 9:00am - 10:15am
Walk begins: 10:30am
Post Party: 11:00am - 1:00pm

🚶 The race is ON — Walking for Avenues leaderboard update!Our top teams are still holding strong, but the gap is closing...
06/09/2026

🚶 The race is ON — Walking for Avenues leaderboard update!

Our top teams are still holding strong, but the gap is closing. Any team could take the lead by end of week.

Every step, every share, every dollar counts — and because of YOU, we're closing in on our $100,000 goal.

⏳ The clock is ticking. Can your team make a move up the leaderboard?

There's still time to fundraise and share. Let's see who finishes on top!

Register today👉https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/2026AvenuesWalk

06/05/2026

It's and we are feeling extra grateful for our volunteers this week! 💙

We were blown away last weekend by the amazing volunteers who came out for a spring clean-up at Amundsen House!🌷🏡🪏

They got right to work, and the before-and-afters speak for themselves. The transformation was incredible!

Thank you to everyone who dedicates their time to making our homes feel truly like home.

Want to get involved? Visit our POINT page for upcoming volunteer opportunities

06/04/2026

Walking for Avenues is just NINE DAYS AWAY! 🎉

We’re getting closer to our $100,000 goal to support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities—and we need your help to get us across the finish line!

Want to join in on the fun? It’s not too late to register and start a fundraising team. We hope to see you on June 13th! 💙

Sign-up/Donate👉

06/02/2026

Growing with purpose means honoring our commitment to the individuals we serve, the staff who support them, and the community that surrounds us all. 💙

Some of these numbers reflect goals brought to life. Others reflect relationships built over seven decades. Together, they tell the story of an organization rooted in shared vision, and a community that grows stronger together.

These are our values in action.

Read the full 2026 Impact Report. 👉https://avenuestoindependence.org/who/annual_reports/

06/01/2026

We're just under two months out from the Avenues Annual Gorman Golf Classic — and we couldn't be more excited. ⛳

A day filled with community, celebration, and friendly competition, all in support of Avenues to Independence and the incredible individuals we serve.

Watching last year's highlights has us counting down the days. We hope you'll join us and make this year even more memorable.

🏌️‍♂️💙 Register today and tee off for a great cause

💙🧀At Avenues, we value turning our clients’ interests into meaningful experiences. After hearing excitement about a vi...
05/29/2026

💙🧀

At Avenues, we value turning our clients’ interests into meaningful experiences. After hearing excitement about a visit to Mars Cheese Castle, our staff made it happen!

It was a day filled with fun, good food, and great memories. We’re so grateful for a team that goes the extra mile to create opportunities our clients truly enjoy. 💫

Address

515 Busse Highway
Park Ridge, IL
60068

Telephone

+18472920870

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Avenues to Independence posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Avenues to Independence:

Shortcuts

Share

Category