Park Lawn Releases FY2026 Community Impact & Annual Report

OAK LAWN, IL — Park Lawn has released its FY2026 Community Impact & Annual Report, offering a comprehensive look at the organization's achievements, growth, and the lives transformed through its services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The report highlights another remarkable year of impact, made possible through the dedication of employees, volunteers, donors, families, and community partners who share Park Lawn's mission of helping people with disabilities thrive.

Among the report's highlights:

• More than 570 individuals served annually across Park Lawn programs.
• 33,580 hours spent in the community through Community Day Services.
• A 97% participant renewal rate, reflecting the quality and value of Park Lawn's services.
• More than 1,120 volunteer hours donated by community members.
• More than $1.3 million generated through philanthropy and fundraising to support programs and future growth.
• Continued investments in residential services, transportation, facilities, and accessibility improvements, including construction of new ADA-compliant entrances at the Oak Lawn campus.

The report also reflects a historic year for the organization as longtime Executive Director Frank Portada retired after more than four decades of service, while Denise Rau assumed leadership as Park Lawn's next Executive Director, continuing the organization's commitment to innovation and person-centered supports.

Readers will also find inspiring stories like Jason's journey back to independence after suffering a stroke, demonstrating the life-changing impact compassionate residential care can have for individuals and their families. The report showcases Park Lawn's expanding community partnerships, workforce development, volunteerism, advocacy efforts, and long-term strategic vision.

"Every page of this report reflects the incredible impact that happens when a community comes together," said Mark Dynia, Marketing & Community Relations Manager for Park Lawn. "Behind every statistic is a person discovering greater independence, building relationships, finding employment, or experiencing new opportunities. We hope our community takes a few moments to see what we've accomplished together."

The annual report also provides a transparent overview of Park Lawn's financial stewardship, recognizing the generosity of hundreds of individual donors, corporate sponsors, foundations, and community organizations whose support continues to strengthen services throughout the Chicago Southland.

Founded in 1955, Park Lawn serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through community day services, residential programs, employment supports, home-based services, and specialized programming designed to promote dignity, independence, and inclusion.

The complete FY2026 Community Impact & Annual Report is available online at:

https://www.parklawn.com/_files/ugd/ea2708_9afd06df61014a978b33e7fa0348f2ed.pdf

For more information about Park Lawn, volunteering opportunities, or ways to support its mission, visit www.parklawn.com.