Walk for Avenues raises money for developmentally disabled

Hundreds gathered Saturday for a community celebration of independence and to participate in the second annual Walking for Avenues at Maine South High School in Park Ridge. Walking for Avenues, hosted by Avenues to Independence, a Park Ridge-based nonprofit serving adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Building on the momentum of their inaugural fundraising walk in 2025, Avenues set a goal of raising $100,000 this year in support of services that help their clients lead independent, fulfilling lives. Vice President of Development Bob McNamara said Avenues to Independence serves over 230 individuals, with 55 living in residential homes – the organization providing a range of services from community housing, opportunities for employment, art enrichment, and more. “An event like this one brings the larger community together to interact with the people we serve, with our clients and their families, in a show of support that creates a greater bond and understanding,” McNamara said. Walking for Avenues featured a two-mile route along with a shorter route option to ensure accessibility for all ages and abilities. This community-centric event brought together Avenues’ clients, their families, staff, donors, volunteers, and neighbors and culminated in a post-walk celebration featuring music, activities, and refreshments. Kathy Slezak of Wilmette says her brother has lived in an Avenues residential home for the past 3 years. “He loves being part of the community there, having a job, and receiving a paycheck,” Slezak said. According to McNamara, Walking the Avenues is based on a peer-to-peer fundraising model, encouraging families and supporters to form teams, share their stories, and rally participation from friends and colleagues. Therese Villano of Park Ridge says her younger sister is an Avenues resident and also involved in the work program. “My sister is safe and well-cared for and so happy– it’s wonderful to see how proud she is of her newfound independence,” Villano said. “Funds raised help create opportunities for the adults we serve, whether that’s finding meaningful work, building friendships, or simply having the freedom to make their own choices,” Stephen Kray, CEO of Avenues to Independence, said. Kray says the population of people with developmental and intellectual disabilities is high and they are underserved with not enough residential support to meet demand. In Illinois alone, there are 16,000 people on waiting lists for residential services, making the services provided by Avenues to Independence vital to meeting that need. Saturday’s Walking for Avenues event raised a total of $96,556. According to their website, Avenues provides personalized residential, vocational, and community-based programs. With locations in Park Ridge, Des Plaines, Wheeling, and Chicago, Avenues supports individuals with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other developmental disabilities and is committed to long-term care, community integration, and disability advocacy. “Those who are developmentally disabled desire to have the same independence and quality of life that we all take for granted,” Kray said. Gina Grillo is a freelancer for Pioneer Press.