St. Coletta’s Thankful for Friendship with Community Partners

Tinley Park, IL – This Thanksgiving, St. Coletta’s had so much to be thankful for, including the generosity and support of the surrounding community. Throughout the year over 20 churches, numerous local businesses, families and friends have shown their support for St. Coletta’s. Thanksgiving is a time to remember and thank these individuals. Their support comes in the form of event sponsors and attendees, generous donations, both big and small, and even providing activities for residents to spend their time.

One resident shared that they were most thankful for their home, and for the Direct Support Service Professionals that cook meals and bring him, and his house mates, to events. “We went to a basketball game!” he exclaimed.

Other residents were thankful for a place to spend the holiday. On Thursday, November 28th, St. Coletta’s residential participants who were not able to go home for the Thanksgiving holiday were warmly welcomed, along with their staff, to All Saints Lutheran Church in Orland Park where they celebrated with a service and then gave thanks for their 30-year friendship with a Thanksgiving meal.

Pastor Don Borling states, “We think of St. Coletta’s as family, and it brings us such joy to be able to provide this Thanksgiving meal for them. We are thankful for their kindness, and their spirit, that brings us all together to make us better people. We are so thankful for what St. Coletta’s provides for the community.”

Through Senator Hastings office, each residential home was given a turkey to enjoy at Thanksgiving dinner. Paquito Yu, a St. Coletta’s residential aide for the last 30 years, enjoys cooking for the residential participants that he takes care of. “I love cooking for my guys every year. We enjoy great food together and give thanks for all that we have.”

Before the holiday break, on Wednesday, November 27th, students and staff at the Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy School came together to celebrate what they were thankful for with their own holiday feast. A Thanksgiving meal along with dessert was prepared by the St. Coletta’s culinary staff and students. When asked what they were thankful for, many students responded with “my family” and “my teachers.”

St. Coletta's of Illinois, celebrating its 70th year, provides services to over 250 adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities through educational, vocational, and residential programming. To learn more about St. Coletta's of Illinois Foundation, please contact the Foundation Office at 708-342-5200 or visit our website at www.stcolettail.org.