Blue Cap

Blue Cap supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to enjoy their lives to the fullest. Founded in 1967 as a school program in Blue Island, it now provides day, residential and home-based services to adults across Chicago's South Side and more than 30 south suburban communities.

Every service starts with a Person-Centered Plan built around each person's needs, dreams and goals. Life Enrichment, Blue Cap's community day program, offers education, job training, recreation, volunteer and employment opportunities through a "Blended Day," so someone might spend the morning volunteering and the afternoon on a favorite activity. Community Integrated Living provides supportive homes in the community, with staff help for daily living and taking part in neighborhood life. Home-Based Services pairs families of children and adults living at home with a service facilitator who helps them access Medicaid waiver, medical, social and educational services. Blue Cap also runs a food pantry at its Broadway campus.

People seeking services start by enrolling in Illinois' PUNS database through an Independent Service Coordination agency; Blue Cap's team answers questions by phone or email and tailors a recommendation to each person after a full assessment.

The community keeps Blue Cap going. Volunteers help in the food pantry on Tuesdays, teach a class or share a hobby, and staff fundraisers such as Tag Days, the Golf Outing, the Rose Walk and the annual Blue Cap Auction. Companies can host a paid Volunteer Day, families can join the Blue Cap Family & Friends Association, and donors can place a commemorative brick in the Celebration Garden.