REACH
REACH Day Program
A Year-Round Program for Adults Ages 18+
Designed to empower adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in building meaningful lives filled with connection, growth, and purpose within community.
REACH members spend much of their time out in the world, building relationships, developing skills, and exploring new experiences. Through partnerships with different organizations members participate in a wide variety of opportunities from volunteerism and skill-building to recreation and social connection. No two days – or people – are the same. That’s why CEL’s member-directed approach ensures each person is actively engaged in experiences that matter to them.
Program Details
Working closely with staff, members help shape monthly activities and excursions based on their interests.
REACH runs Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Members may enroll from one to five days per week, with additional options available to extend the day if needed.
Enrollment requires a commitment of 6 to 12 months, with a minimum starting commitment of six months. Support ratios include 6:1 and 3:1, and 1:1.
Are you new and interested in joining REACH, please fill out the Member Interest Form.Â
What Makes REACH Different?
A program built around an individual, not a one-size-fits-all system.
Community connected
Choice-driven experiences
Individualized support
Dedicated, creative staff
REACH for Success Plan
Flexible and responsive
Thoughtfully designed environment
Whole-person support
Working closely with staff, members help shape monthly activities and excursions based on their interests.
Experiences may include:
Relationship Building & Social Connections
Volunteer Opportunities
Current Events & Group Discussions
Culinary & Life Skills
Creative Expression & the Arts
Community Exploration
REACH Community Partnerships
Cultivate Belonging with CEL
For many individuals with disabilities, true connection and community are hard to find, which is exactly why CEL is so important!
At CEL, these opportunities are cultivated every day through shared experiences, interdependent relationships, and the understanding that disability is a natural part of human diversity.
From programs for teens, adults, and seniors with developmental disabilities, to inclusive education curricula in schools across the country, CEL is building a culture of inclusion at every stage of life.
REACH Success Stories
Michelle feels safe and nurtured at CEL. She’s learned new skills, made friends, and her confidence for trying new things has changed a lot. It’s amazing.
I make my own choices at CEL. My voice is heard and respected.
CEL staff persisted in finding accommodating ways that Dan would feel connected and included.
People at CEL care about our sons and they know that. The structure, friendships, and inclusion are big parts of their lives.
I feel satisfied when I volunteer in the community because I know I have done a good thing.
I like working on goals with staff. They appreciate that I want to get better and stronger, and they help me.
REACH FOR SUCCESS
Meet the REACH Team!
Cole Thompson
What is your favorite thing (or memory) about CEL?
My favorite thing about CEL is that I am given the opportunity each day to enrich the lives of our members while having fun and experiencing different activities in the community.
What is a fun fact about YOU?
One fun fact about me is that I was born and raised in Idaho.
Nicole Appleby
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
My favorite thing about CEL is interacting with members and getting to learn something new about them each day. I love to see our members excel in classes and enjoy themselves.
What is a fun fact about YOU?
A fun fact about me is that I was a preemie baby! I was born in December, but was due in March.
Email Nicole
847.315.9938
Maggie Liston
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
One of my favorite things about CEL is the welcoming atmosphere and the sense of community you experience as you walk through the door!
What is a fun fact about YOU?
I love being a part of community theatre productions – whether it’s acting, stage managing, or assistant directing! It makes me feel like I am a part of something bigger than myself.
Email Maggie
847.474.1899
Cassidy Bird-Sutfin
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
CEL always makes you feel at home. At The Center you can truly see that everyone loves to be here. My favorite thing about CEL is watching all the members enjoy their time learning and growing each day.
What is a fun fact about YOU?
I absolutely love to travel whether it’s by a car, plane or even boat – I’ll be there!! My favorite places I’ve been so far are Panama, cruise to Bahamas and New York City.
Email Cassidy
847.948.7001
Emerson Alban
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
The members and staff both bring a smile to my face every day. It’s a fantastic environment I get to be a part of.
What is a fun fact about YOU?
I love to travel with my family, and I’ve been to 10 countries!
Emry Childers
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
My favorite thing about CEL is getting to know and connecting with our members every day. I love that I feel comfortable being my authentic self here and that I get to help create a safe, welcoming, and fun environment for our members.
What is a fun fact about YOU?
I’m currently attending the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where I study painting and sculpture. I’m working toward my master’s in art therapy.
Email Emry
847.948.7001
Meghan Cleary
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
The neurodivergent-friendly environment made me feel welcomed and comfortable being myself. Spending time with the members makes every day a fun adventure!
What is a fun fact about YOU?
I serve on the board of Elgin Pride and formed the softball team for the organization. Call me Coach Meg!
Email Meghan
847.948.7001
Alastair Jeremiah “AJ” Colcol
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
My favorite thing about CEL is the members that I get to spend time with and see smile every day! I really enjoy seeing everyone have fun and succeed.
What is a fun fact about YOU?
I used to be a part of a hip-hop dance crew.
Email AJ
847.948.7001
Aaron Espinoza
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
My favorite thing about CEL is getting to help out the members while also enjoying fun activities with them!
What is a fun fact about YOU?
A fun fact about me is that I was in the Navy for 10 years, and during my time of service, I got to visit nine different countries!
Email Aaron
847.948.7001
Karen James
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
I enjoy building relationships and creating memories with the members.
What is a fun fact about YOU?
I’ve lived on three different continents.
Email Karen
847.948.7001
Joshua Nelson
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
My favorite thing about CEL is making connections and friendships with all the members.
What is a fun fact about YOU?
I coach high school football.
Email Joshua
847.948.7001
Heidi Rosselli
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
I’m truly happy to be a part of the CEL team. The staff and members are very welcoming. It’s such a great environment. I enjoy interacting with staff and members each day. It’s always so exciting to see what projects we will be working on indoors and really like the outdoor adventures we go on as well.
What is a fun fact about YOU?
My first day of employment at CEL and my birthday fell on the same day. What an exciting day that was. I love spending time with my family. I enjoy going on long walks. Summer and Fall is my favorite time of the year. I like to spend as much time as possible outside during those months since the weather is so nice. Like trying out new recipes too.
Email Heidi
847.948.7001
Bud Selvey
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
I have enjoyed how welcoming all the staff are and how supportive they are of all the members and other staff. I’m also amazed at all the different activities provided to the members.
What is a fun fact about YOU?
I like to go to northern Wisconsin to enjoy fishing and outdoor activities in the Northwoods with family and friends.
Email Bud
847.948.7001
Ryder Schmitz
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
My favorite things about CEL are all the cool places we get to go, the activities we participate in, and the people we get to engage with—staff and members alike!
What is a fun fact about YOU?
One fun fact about me is that I have a very large collection of trading cards! I love games such as Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, and many more. In my free time, I try to go to as many trading card conventions and tournaments as possible!
Email Ryder
847.948.7001
Liz Stejskal
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
I truly enjoy being a part of CEL. I enjoy working with all the employees and members. I love watching our members learn, socialize and grow and being a part of that makes me feel good about what I do.
What is a fun fact about YOU?
I enjoy being with my husband and three kids.
When I’m not busy working or running around with my own family I enjoy going out with friends. I also have a great love for music. During my free time you can catch me going to a concert or listening to music while going on a long run!
Email Lizzie
847.948.7001
Judy Valladares
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
My favorite thing about CEL is the random funny moments the members create that you just can’t plan for.
What is a fun fact about YOU?
A fun fact about me is that my previous job was on the set of Gotham, where I got to meet some of the actors and watch some of the filming.
Email Judy
847.948.7001
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The first thing you’ll need to do is complete a Member Interest Form, then we reach out to schedule an orientation to get to know you, discuss availability, and estimate wait list times.
After you’ve completed your new member orientation and a space is available, we will arrange a meeting with a REACH Program Supervisor to discuss the trial and assessment process to determine if REACH is a good fit.
If you are already a current CEL member and are interested in joining REACH, please contact the REACH team to discuss next steps. You can reach out to REACH Program Manager Cole at 847.405.3003 or [email protected]. You may also contact Cassara May at 847.315.0074 or [email protected], Maria Stamatis at 847.582.0076 or [email protected], or speak with a program supervisor for more information.
Adults 18+ with intellectual and developmental disabilities looking for continued learning, community engagement, and meaningful daily experiences.
Prospective members receive one complimentary trial day where they can participate in REACH program activities. Upon completion, the prospective member will begin an assessment period (either 2-3 days/week for 2 weeks or 1 day/week for 1 month).
During this time, the Program Team will utilize an assessment tool called the I-CAN to determine the prospective member’s level of support and define their ratio in the REACH program. Once the assessment period concludes, the Program Team will meet with the family to review the assessment results and discuss the next steps.
Once a member officially joins the REACH program, a REACH for Success (R4S) plan will be developed. The R4S plan contains highlights from the year, experiences they had, and future dreams. We also discuss what they want to achieve in the coming year and review/revise the plan on an annual basis.
Members arrive at 10 am and meet in the lounge to review their schedule for the day; a posted daily schedule is available, as well as the option for personalized member schedules. Members go to their activity for the day, which includes attending a class at CEL or heading out into the community for a half-day or full-day excursion. Members are required to bring their lunch each day, unless notified otherwise through email, and either eat at CEL or out in the community. The program offers an array of activity options to choose from and monthly activity calendars are filled out by members with support from our instructors to best ensure an opportunity for members to choose and further develop their own interests. Members are picked up at 3 pm and a supervisor is always available to chat about a member’s day.
No, but we’re happy to share transportation resources. We do provide transportation to and from our daily excursions.
Waitlists vary throughout the year. Families should participate in CEL programs and complete quarterly interest surveys to ensure a smooth transition into REACH.
We recommend beginning up to two years before transition from school to allow time to join the waitlist, build familiarity, and stay engaged with CEL programs.
Please reach out to our Community Engagement Team for more information. You can contact Cassara May at 847.315.0074 or [email protected], or Maria Stamatis at 847.582.0076 or [email protected].
Yes – many members also attend Catalyst, find jobs with Employment Opportunities, and have fun in Social/Recreational programs too!
We strive to accommodate the needs of our members and will do our best to meet requests. Please let us know if you have food allergies or are on a restrictive diet.
If you are running late to drop off in the morning or pick up in the afternoon, please contact one of the REACH Program Supervisors. You can call, text, or email. The contact information will be shared with you when you register for the program. If you are later than 15 minutes when picking up the member, you will be charged $25 for the first 15 minutes and then an additional $25 for each 15-minute increment that you are late. This will go into effect after the 3rd time in a month that there is a late pickup past 15 minutes, for the member.
The cost of the REACH program is based on the number of days attended and the member-to-staff ratio. REACH is a tuition-based model with scheduled program closures factored into the rates. For full details on our fees, please view the REACH Day Program Fees here.
REACH is designed to provide a variety of activities and experiences including arts, fitness, and recreational excursions. REACH members are generally out in the community about 70% of the time they are in the program. They go to museums, volunteer, dine at restaurants, etc. The main focus of REACH is to build friendships, engage in new experiences, learn to make informed choices, and have fun!
While Catalyst members will spend time in the community, the focus will be on introducing the members to the available resources that one might use, such as the bank, library, or grocery store. The main focus of Catalyst is to work on enhancing a member’s independence in life skills-money management, housekeeping, meal planning and preparation, problem solving, community resources, etc. This will prepare members to meet their goals and live more independently at CEL, in the community, and at home.
You belong at CEL!
Programs are centered on YOU! Choose from a wide range of social, recreational, and educational enrichment programs available seven days a week. Check out our program guide and learn how to get started today!
Enrich lives today!
Your donation will transform and enrich the lives of our members with intellectual and developmental disabilities.