The mom of a young autistic man has helped to spearhead a new program for disabled youth, even though her son will not be using it.
The struggle for parents of special needs students over the age of 22 is so dire, she had to accept day placements as soon as they became available.
However, Susan Rink is delighted that the new program will be able to help others like her son Garrett.
Following a proposal by parents of Indian Prairie School District 204 students, Riverwalk Adult Day Services found an affordable location to provide Riverwalk Recreational Services: at Grace United Methodist Church.
Ironically it is the first place the nonprofit organization used when it was founded 40 years ago. In September, the church will open its doors to students over age 22 who are no longer supported by the school system.
Nicole Zaccaria is the Open Doors Ministry Coordinator at Grace United and a speech pathologist with District 204. She said: “When Riverwalk started 40 years ago, their first location was at Grace so it’s pretty amazing coming back. We are so glad we are blessed to have the space and God brought us together. We are delighted and thrilled and looking forward to this partnership.”
Services board President Marian Stricker, Betty Long, chair of Grace Methodist Church trustees, and
Jennie Smith-Pariola, Riverwalk board vice president. The organization is launching a new program for younger adult
clients in addition to their existing services for seniors.
Grace United already has a sensory room and provides programs not only for its special needs congregants, but others in the community. The new program will include field trips for bowling and store visits, fellowship, crafts and a drum circle lead by their music director.
“The congregation is excited,” Zaccaria said. “There’s a dire need for help. At least our community has options, but so many families who have nowhere to go.”
For Rink, the new program, which starts next month, marks the end of a campaign that started in October 2022. A group of parents presented evidence of the compelling need for additional services for their children who were transitioning out of district programs.
Nine months later Riverwalk, based at the Rubin Center in downtown Naperville, found what they believe is the perfect site. Although they already support adults with special needs, most are seniors.
Rink, who also has two other children, one who’s Garrett’s twin, said: “A disabled person gets a flat rate SSI [federal Supplemental Security Income] payment of $900 a month for housing and day-to-day medical needs. It is up to parents to provide everything else. It’s almost like having to get day care for my adult son. What 22-year-old wants to hang out with mom?”
Hilary Decent is a freelance journalist who moved to Naperville from England in 2007.
