Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Hart.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Blue Cap’s mission is to serve as a catalyst for children and adults with intellectual disabilities to be educated, have quality life experiences, be respected and be a valued member of their community.
Blue Cap has provided individualized supports to people with intellectual disabilities for 51 years in Blue Island. We are a non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the educational, therapeutic, vocational and residential needs of people of all ages. Over the span of 51 years, Blue Cap has continued to grow, develop and constantly change to meet individual needs.
Blue Cap is in Blue Island, Illinois, which is a community located on the south side of Chicago. Our programs extend far beyond the physical location of Blue Island. We support nearly 200 people who reside in a major part of the south side of Chicago and over 30 suburban communities.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Funding is always an issue when providing supports and services for people with intellectual disabilities, especially in the State of Illinois where ongoing budget issues plague the state.
Blue Cap is committed to being aptly prepared for situations which may arise and affect daily operations and the people receiving our supports and services. The Executive Director, Administrators and Board of Directors constantly monitor the challenges posed in providing services for people with disabilities while relying on funding from the State of Illinois.
Please tell us about Blue Cap.
Blue Cap offers programs and services for both children and adults through five programs and one billing service. Our supports and services are tailored to meet individualized needs throughout life.
• Home-Based Program
This Program offers supports and services to participants of all ages living in their family home. A Personal Support Worker offers case management, employment services, among other supports, which help people achieve personal goals.
• Life Enrichment Program
The program provides Employment Services, assisting people in gaining and retaining community employment, with or without a job coach provided Blue Cap, depending on need. It also provides young adult transition, community inclusion, volunteerism, musical arts, art expression, computer training, exercise, and health and wellness. All Life Enrichment Programs have a blended approach.
• Community Residential Program
Includes nine 24-hour homes and intermittent support for people who live at home with a parent or guardian.
• Senior Day Program
Offers older people the opportunity to retain current life skills while embracing their golden years in a familiar setting.
• Adult Day Training Program
Offers people with more critical total-care needs a day program which addresses goals of developing or improving self-care, communication, and life skill activities.
• Early Intervention Billing and Record Keeping Service
This service allows therapists the time to focus wholly on their caseload of infants and toddlers, birth to 3, while Blue Cap conducts their billing and keeps all records.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2155 Broadway
Blue Island, IL 60406 - Website: www.blue-cap.org
- Phone: 708-389-6578 Ext. 108
- Email: jillh@blue-cap.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Blue-Cap-280504638629133
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
