Parents Alliance Employment Project

02/14/2026

💖 Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at Parents Alliance Employment Project! 💖

Today, we celebrate love in all its forms — the kindness, the compassion, and the strong community we continue to build together. Thank you for being part of our mission and for helping us spread opportunity and inclusion every single day.

Wishing you a day filled with joy, kindness, and love! 🌹✨

02/13/2026

Exciting news over here at Project SEARCH at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital! 🎉

After launching our job development phase in January, several of our interns have already secured interview opportunities! Each interview provides essential experience, builds confidence, and brings them one step closer to competitive, inclusive employment.

Please join us in wishing our interns the best of luck as they continue on their journey toward securing their dream jobs! 👏✨

02/12/2026

Happy Work Anniversary, Maggie! 🎉
Celebrating 2 years with PAEP and the incredible impact you make every day. 💙

02/12/2026

Happy Work Anniversary, Ellen! 🎉
Celebrating 2 years with PAEP and the incredible impact you make every day. 💙

02/11/2026

✨ Job Development Has Officially Begun at Project SEARCH Huntley! ✨

Following our family Job Development meetings — where we reviewed what job development truly means (actively searching for competitive employment), discussed expectations around inclusive and competitive employment, and emphasized the importance of keeping an open mind — the Project SEARCH Class of 2025 at Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital is officially on the job hunt!

Throughout this process, interns meet weekly to strengthen and build essential employment skills. These sessions include:
✔️ Mock interviews
✔️ Resume development
✔️ Vocational preference exploration
✔️ Following up on applications
✔️ Attending interviews with support

We are incredibly proud of the growth, determination, and professionalism this class continues to demonstrate.

👏 Good luck, interns — stay confident, stay motivated, and keep pushing forward!

02/09/2026

🎉 Meet Cole! 🎉

Back in 2020–2021, Cole joined one of our out-of-school programs and completed an internship at SWD Inc. Little did he know that internship would turn into permanent employment! 🙌

Cole’s dedication and hard work during his internship—and beyond—have continued to shine as he’s grown into a valued member of the SWD Inc. team. We’re thrilled to celebrate 5 years of employment with Cole at SWD Inc.! 🥳

A huge thank you to SWD Inc. for being such an inclusive employer and an incredible supporter of PAEP. Keep shining, Cole! 🌟

02/06/2026

✨ Inspiring Voices, Powerful Messages ✨

A couple of weeks ago, we were grateful to welcome Michelle Westmaas for an inspiring presentation on “Being the Director of Your Own Life.”

Michelle encouraged individuals with disabilities to take ownership of their own stories, recognize their strengths, and connect their interests to future employment opportunities. She reminded everyone to follow their dreams, not let others “burst your bubble,” and to surround themselves with people who support their goals.

She also emphasized the importance of assuming competence, keeping doors open, and stepping outside of your comfort zone.

Thank you, Michelle, for sharing your time, insight, and encouragement with our students. Your message to believe in yourself and be the director of your own life truly made an impact!

02/05/2026

✨ Spotlight on Leadership & Inclusion! ✨

Chloe Suter, Lead Skills Trainer at Project SEARCH Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, recently presented at Ken Hedley’s Monthly Leadership Meeting at Central DuPage Hospital.

Chloe shared valuable insights about Project SEARCH, highlighting how the program empowers young adults with disabilities to build critical skills, grow confidence, and successfully transition into the workforce.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with CDH’s leadership and strengthen our shared commitment to inclusion, education, and employment success.

02/03/2026

✨ Reminder: 2026 IBA Virtual Open House is TOMORROW! ✨

Interested in learning more about our Inspired by Ability (IBA) program and the opportunities it offers young adults with disabilities? Join us tomorrow for our Virtual Open House!

🗓 February 4, 2026
⏰ 12:00 PM
💻 Via Zoom

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81984336582

Meeting ID: 819 8433 6582

Learn about the program, ask questions, and see if IBA could be the right fit for you or someone you support.

📍 In-person open houses coming in March & April—more details soon!

02/02/2026

It’s that exciting time of year again at Project SEARCH Delnor—Job Development season! 🎉💼

In the new year, our interns dive into the experience of searching for jobs in their community. Project SEARCH staff meet with interns one-on-one to determine the best fit, practice interview skills, polish resumes, and apply for available positions.

It’s incredible to watch our interns put all the workplace experience they’ve gained here at Delnor to use as they take this next big step. 🌟

Wish our interns luck on this amazing journey—we couldn’t be more proud! 👏✨

02/01/2026

This Black History Month, we honor the incredible achievements, resilience, and contributions of Black individuals throughout history.

We celebrate the leaders, innovators, advocates, and trailblazers whose impact continues to shape our communities and inspire future generations.

This month—and every month—we recognize and uplift Black voices, history, and excellence. ✨✊🏾

01/30/2026