Glenkirk Direct Support Professional Daniel Bello Earns Statewide IARF Honor

NORTHBROOK, Ill. — Daniel Bello, a direct support professional with Glenkirk in Northbrook, has been named the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities' 2026 Community Care Professional of the Year, recognizing his commitment to supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

IARF President and CEO Josh Evans announced Bello as the statewide honoree Sept. 3 during the 2026 IARF Educational Conference & Expo in East Peoria.

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The annual award recognizes a frontline professional at an IARF member organization who demonstrates quality care, compassion, a person-centered approach and a strong commitment to the individuals and families they serve.

Bello was selected from 20 finalists nominated by community-based providers serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and serious mental illnesses across Illinois.

"Glenkirk is enormously proud that Daniel Bello has been recognized as the IARF 2026 Community Care Professional of the Year," Glenkirk CEO Kim Berenberg said. "Each day, Daniel demonstrates his passion for this work and his commitment to the people he supports."

Berenberg said Bello's empathy, patience, sense of humor, problem-solving abilities and adaptability embody Glenkirk's mission and make him a role model for others throughout the organization.

IARF has presented its Community Care Professional of the Year award during its annual conference since 2017, highlighting the important work performed by frontline professionals throughout Illinois' community-based human services system.

Evans said Bello stood out as an example of the dedication that direct support professionals bring to their work every day.

"On behalf of the entire IARF membership, I congratulate Daniel Bello for receiving this prestigious recognition," Evans said. "Mr. Bello truly exemplifies the spirit of this award, is an incredible ambassador for the entire Glenkirk community, and is a shining star amongst a profession so important to serving and supporting others."

IARF is Illinois' largest trade association representing community-based providers serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and serious mental illnesses. Its member organizations provide services at more than 900 locations across Illinois.

The annual award is intended not only to recognize an outstanding individual professional, but also to highlight the essential role frontline workers play in helping Illinoisans with disabilities live, work and participate in their communities.