information provided by the Office of the Senator
CHICAGO HEIGHTS, Ill. (February 29, 2020) – New Star consumers and staff welcomed Senator Patrick J. Joyce (D-Essex) to the Chicago Heights campus on Monday, February 24, as part of a district-wide listening tour by the senator.
Sen. Joyce toured the facility that offers job training and employment, daily life skills enrichment, and senior care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. New Life also operates 23 residential homes in the south suburbs.
The agency, which serves more than 650 people ranging in age from 5 to 95, has its headquarters in the 40th District.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to visit New Star and see the tremendous work they do,” said Joyce. “By providing the opportunity to learn new skills, find employment, and reach their potential, New Star is providing an important service to the individuals they serve and the community.”
During his visit, Joyce viewed the production facility and life-skills classrooms, and he spoke with individuals and their parents about the need for continued services.
“My entire life, I always wondered about the future for my son and what would happen to him after I was gone,” said Jimmie Pleasant Jr., whose son lives in one of the independent apartments owned by New Star and receives support services from the agency.
“But now that New Star is in his life, now that I know that he is taken care of and served, it is a tremendous relief,” Pleasant said.
Sen. Joyce expressed his support of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s stance on increasing aid and assistance to persons with mental health issues and individuals with disabilities.
“This is a population that deserves to have a voice and people supporting them,” Joyce added.
Related
- New Star shines a light on community integration for people with disabilities (December 2018 article)
