Progress Center

St. Patrick's Day Parade
2026-03-07 11:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Forest Park, IL
Forest Park’s St. Patrick’s Parade
Progress Center Invites You to Join Us!

Walk or Roll with Progress Center
Saturday, March 7

Before the parade, we will be doing outreach. Hot drinks and snacks will be provided at Progress Center at 7521 Madison Street.
We will be going to the parade starting point at 12:30. Meet at our office at 7521 Madison Street between 11:30 and 12:30 to be in the parade. The parade is scheduled from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
After the parade, we will be gathering for snacks and independent living themed movies at Progress Center at 7521 Madison Street.

Call 708-209-1500 ext. 118 or email dkaras@progresscil.org for more information and to let us know you’ll be joining.

Blue Island Disability Committee meeting
2026-03-10 13:00 - 14:00 | Progress Center’s Blue Island office
Call Progress Center’s Community Organizer Manuel Gonzalez at 708-209-1500 ext. 201 or email mgonzalez@progresscil.org with questions or for more information.

Transportation Advocacy Group
2026-03-11 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-08 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-05-13 10:00 - 11:00 | Progress Center’s Blue Island office
Transportation Advocacy Group
Time: 10:00 am on the Second Wednesday of every month
Place: Progress Center Blue Island office and Zoom
Contact Manuel Gonzalez at 708-209-1500 ext. 201 or mgonzalez@progresscil.org for more information and the Zoom link.

Latonya Reeves Freedom Act Working Group
2026-03-12 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-04-09 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-05-14 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-06-11 14:00 - 15:00 | 7521 Madison Street Forest Park, IL 60130, 7521 Madison Street Forest Park, IL 60130, Forest Park, IL, 60130, United States
Latonya Reeves Freedom Act Working Group
Time: 2:00 pm on the second Thursday of every month
Place: Progress Center Main Office in Forest Park and Zoom
Contact Community Organizer Jonathan Barton at 708-209-1500 ext.122 or jbarton@progresscil.org for more information and the Zoom link.

Shop-In
2026-03-18 12:00 - 14:00 | IL
Right before our March Membership & Outreach meeting, Progress Center will have a Shop-In. The Shop-In will take place at Old School Tavern at 201 Des Plaines Ave, Forest Park, IL 60130.
Shop-Ins are opportunities to show businesses the buying power and solidarity of the disability community, as well as check out accessibility of the location.
We will meet at Progress Center at 12:00 noon, and we will walk and roll to the restaurant, which is two blocks, approximately a quarter of a mile from Progress Center. Anyone who prefers to go directly to the restaurant can meet the group at 12:30 for lunch. We will leave around 2:00 pm to be at Progress Center for our hybrid M&O meeting at 2:30 to 4pm.
Call or email Demetra for more information at 705-209-1500 ext. 118 or dkaras@progresscil.org.

Membership and Outreach meeting
2026-03-18 14:30 - 16:00, 2026-04-15 14:30 - 16:00 | 7521 Madison Street Forest Park, IL 60130, 7521 Madison Street Forest Park, IL 60130, Forest Park, IL, 60130, United States
Join Progress Center for our monthly M&O Committee meeting at our Forest Park office or over Zoom.
Call or email Demetra for more information at 705-209-1500 ext. 118 or dkaras@progresscil.org.

Healthcare Advocacy Group
2026-03-24 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-04-28 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-05-26 13:00 - 14:00 | 7521 Madison Street Forest Park, IL 60130, 7521 Madison Street Forest Park, IL 60130, Forest Park, IL, 60130, United States
Healthcare Advocacy Group
Time: 1:00 pm on the Fourth Tuesday of every month
Place: Progress Center Main Office in Forest Park and Zoom
Contact Clark Craig at 708-209-1500 ext. 114 or ccraig@progresscil.org for more information and the Zoom link.

Family Caregivers' Support Group
2026-04-13 16:00 - 17:00 | 7521 Madison Street Forest Park, IL 60130, 7521 Madison Street Forest Park, IL 60130, Forest Park, IL, 60130, United States
Family Caregivers Support Group
The group is for caregivers of people with disabilities or others needing and receiving care from close relatives as a child, spouse, or parent. The intention is to foster an environment where people can be with others experiencing a similar situation to discuss topics and offer each other encouragement. Family caregivers are often in need of others who understand their position and support decisions made for their family, especially when faced with pressure to choose a nursing home.
Join others with similar family situations.
Meets every 2nd Monday of the month at 4:00pm.
First group meets on April 13.
The support group will meet in-person at Progress Center in Forest Park and over Zoom (hybrid).
For more information, directions to our office or the Zoom link, call Demetra at Progress Center at 708-209-1500 ext. 118 or email dkaras@progresscil.org.

Voter Registrar Training
2026-04-21 11:00 - 12:00 | 7521 Madison Street Forest Park, IL 60130, 7521 Madison Street Forest Park, IL 60130, Forest Park, IL, 60130, United States
Become a Deputy Voter Registrar
Progress Center is hosting a Deputy Voter Registrar training.
Deputy Voter Registrars are volunteers who help register new voters, update voter information, and promote voter participation in their communities.
You must be registered to vote in Illinois to complete the training.

Date: Tuesday, April 21st
Time: 11:00 am – noon
Place: Progress Center main office
7521 Madison Street
Forest Park, IL 60130

For more information and to sign up, call or email 708-209-1500 ext. 118 or dkaras@progresscil.org.

Non-Apparent / Hidden Disabilities Support Group
2026-04-27 16:00 - 17:00 | 7521 Madison Street Forest Park, IL 60130, 7521 Madison Street Forest Park, IL 60130, Forest Park, IL, 60130, United States
Non-Apparent / Hidden Disabilities Support Group
The group is for people with hidden, invisible, or nonapparent disabilities, even dynamic disabilities (fluctuating, episodic, sometimes called “not always” disabilities). These are physical, mental, or neurological conditions not obvious from a person’s appearance. Examples include chronic pain, diabetes, learning differences like dyslexia, autism, mental health conditions like depression, and neurological conditions like migraine, vertigo, and multiple chemical sensitivity.
People with hidden disabilities are often overlooked, trivialized, marginalized, isolated, and discriminated against, even at times by people with apparent, sometimes referred to as “real”, disabilities. Disability status is more often denied and support is delayed. Accommodations may be considered unnecessary and withheld. People are often faced with a “you look fine” attitude of skepticism and accusations of faking.
Come share compassion with peers.
Meets every 4th Monday of the month at 4:00pm.
First group meets on April 27.

The support groups will meet in-person at Progress Center in Forest Park and over Zoom (hybrid).
For more information, directions to our office or the Zoom link, call Demetra at Progress Center at 708-209-1500 ext. 118 or email dkaras@progresscil.org.

Waterfall Park Grand Opening
2026-05-08 10:30 - 12:00 | Blue Island, IL
Join Progress Center to open and celebrate “Waterfall Park” in Blue Island, newly remodeled and ACCESSIBLE. Attend the Ribbon Cutting and Press Conference as we join the City of Blue Island, the Blue Island Disability Committee, and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.
WHERE: Sidestream Elevated Pool Aeration (SEPA) Station #3, 2250 Fulton St. in Blue Island, Ill. 60406
WHEN: Friday, May 8, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.

Family Caregivers Support Group
2026-05-11 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-06-08 16:00 - 17:00 | 7521 Madison Street Forest Park, IL 60130, 7521 Madison Street Forest Park, IL 60130, Forest Park, IL, 60130, United States
Family Caregivers Support Group
The group is for caregivers of people with disabilities or others needing and receiving care from close relatives as a child, spouse, or parent. The intention is to foster an environment where people can be with others experiencing a similar situation to discuss topics and offer each other encouragement. Family caregivers are often in need of others who understand their position and support decisions made for their family, especially when faced with pressure to choose a nursing home.
Join others with similar family situations.
Meets every 2nd Monday of the month at 4:00pm.
The support group will meet in-person at Progress Center in Forest Park and over Zoom (hybrid).
For more information, directions to our office or the Zoom link, call Demetra at Progress Center at 708-209-1500 ext. 118 or email dkaras@progresscil.org.

Webinar on Safe Spaces featuring Progress Center
2026-05-15 10:00 - 11:30 | IL
What makes people feel safe, seen, and supported at work?Join us for Part 3 of CCDPH’s literacy webinar series on May 15 to learn how organizations are building environments where people feel like they truly belong. Hear from AgeOptions and Progress Center staff and consumer as they share real examples of what works and why it matters. Friday, May 15 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Virtual Open to allRegister: https://ow.ly/sNwE50YVi86

Membership an Outreach Meeting
2026-05-20 14:30 - 16:00 | 7521 Madison Street Forest Park, IL 60130, 7521 Madison Street Forest Park, IL 60130, Forest Park, IL, 60130, United States
Join PCIL’s monthly M&O Committee meeting at our Forest Park office or over Zoom.
Call or email Demetra for more information or the Zoom link at 705-209-1500 ext. 118 or dkaras@progresscil.org.

Non-Apparent / Hidden Disabilities Support Group
2026-05-22 15:00 - 16:00 | 7521 Madison Street Forest Park, IL 60130, 7521 Madison Street Forest Park, IL 60130, Forest Park, IL, 60130, United States
Non-Apparent / Hidden Disabilities Support Group
* Because of the Memorial Day holiday, this month the group will meet on Friday, May 22 at 3:00. *
The group is for people with hidden, invisible, or nonapparent disabilities, even dynamic disabilities (fluctuating, episodic, sometimes called “not always” disabilities). These are physical, mental, or neurological conditions not obvious from a person’s appearance. Examples include chronic pain, diabetes, learning differences like dyslexia, autism, mental health conditions like depression, and neurological conditions like migraine, vertigo, and multiple chemical sensitivity.
People with hidden disabilities are often overlooked, trivialized, marginalized, isolated, and discriminated against, even at times by people with apparent, sometimes referred to as “real”, disabilities. Disability status is more often denied and support is delayed. Accommodations may be considered unnecessary and withheld. People are often faced with a “you look fine” attitude of skepticism and accusations of faking.
Come share compassion with peers.
Meets every 4th Monday of the month at 4:00pm. * Because of the Memorial Day holiday, this month the group will meet on Friday, May 22 at 3:00. *

The support groups will meet in-person at Progress Center in Forest Park and over Zoom (hybrid).
For more information, directions to our office or the Zoom link, call Demetra at Progress Center at 708-209-1500 ext. 118 or email dkaras@progresscil.org.

Shop-In at Russell's
2026-06-04 12:30 - 14:00 | IL
Progress Center is hosting a Shop-In at Russell’s Barbeque in Elmwood Park on Thursday, June 4. The address is 1621 North Thatcher Avenue, Elmwood Park, Illinois 60707.
Shop-Ins are opportunities to show businesses the buying power and solidarity of the disability community, as well as to check out accessibility of the location.
We will meet at Russell’s at 12:30 for lunch. Lunch shop-ins usually last about an hour and a half, but please stay as little or long as you like.

Healthcare Advocacy Group - new date and time
2026-06-11 12:30 - 13:30 | 7521 Madison Street Forest Park, IL 60130, 7521 Madison Street Forest Park, IL 60130, Forest Park, IL, 60130, United States
Healthcare Advocacy Group
Time: 12:30 pm on the Second Thursday of every month
Place: Progress Center Main Office in Forest Park and Zoom
Contact Clark Craig at 708-209-1500 ext. 114 or ccraig@progresscil.org for more information and the Zoom link.

Progress Center Annual Meeting
2026-06-20 11:00 - 15:00 | Cicero Community Center, Cicero, IL
Progress Center for Independent Living 38th Annual Meeting
Join Progress Center staff, board members, and community members for the 2026 Annual Meeting. The meeting features news and updates, reports and presentations from partners and allies, and a vote on Progress Center Board candidates, along with a community meal, information tables, and entertainment.
Date: Saturday, June 20th
Location: Cicero Community Center
2250 South 49th Avenue, Cicero, IL 60804
Times:
11:00am to 1:00 pm
Check-in, Exhibitor Hall, and Lunch
1:00pm to 3:00pm
• Meeting and Board of Directors Election
• Speakers on the Power of Voting, ILPs (Individualized Learning Plans), and the DeafBlind community
• Special Recognitions
ASL interpreters, Spanish language translation, and Personal Assistants will be provided.
A free parking garage is adjacent to the Cicero Community Center.
(entrance to parking garage is on 50th St. between 22nd Place and 23rd St.)
Paratransit fares of $3.25 each way will be reimbursed.
RSVP to 708-209-1500 or email dkaras@progresscil.org by June 8th.

Progress Center for Independent Living 38ª Reunión Anual
Únase al personal de Progress Center, miembros de la junta directiva y miembros de la comunidad para la Reunión Anual 2026. La reunión incluirá noticias y actualizaciones, informes y presentaciones de socios y aliados, así como la votación de candidatos para la Junta Directiva de Progress Center, además de una comida comunitaria, mesas informativas y entretenimiento.
Fecha: Sábado 20 de junio Lugar: Centro Comunitario de Cicero 2250 South 49th Avenue, Cicero, IL 60804
Horarios: 11:00 a.m. a 1:00 p.m. Registro, área de expositores y almuerzo
1:00 p.m. a 3:00 p.m. Reunión y elección de la Junta Directiva Conferencistas sobre el poder del voto, los ILPs (Planes Individualizados de Aprendizaje) y la comunidad Sordo-Ciega Reconocimientos especiales
Se proporcionarán intérpretes de ASL (lengua de señas), traducción al español y asistentes personales.
Habrá estacionamiento gratuito en un garaje adyacente al Centro Comunitario de Cicero (la entrada al garaje está en la calle 50, entre la calle 22 Place y la calle 23).
Las tarifas de paratránsito de $3.25 por trayecto serán reembolsadas.
Confirme su asistencia (RSVP) al 708-209-1500 o por correo electrónico a dkaras@progresscil.org antes del 8 de junio.

Non-Apparent / Hidden Disabilities Support Group
2026-06-22 16:00 - 17:00 | 7521 Madison Street Forest Park, IL 60130, 7521 Madison Street Forest Park, IL 60130, Forest Park, IL, 60130, United States
Non-Apparent / Hidden Disabilities Support Group
The group is for people with hidden, invisible, or nonapparent disabilities, even dynamic disabilities (fluctuating, episodic, sometimes called “not always” disabilities). These are physical, mental, or neurological conditions not obvious from a person’s appearance. Examples include chronic pain, diabetes, learning differences like dyslexia, autism, mental health conditions like depression, and neurological conditions like migraine, vertigo, and multiple chemical sensitivity.
People with hidden disabilities are often overlooked, trivialized, marginalized, isolated, and discriminated against, even at times by people with apparent, sometimes referred to as “real”, disabilities. Disability status is more often denied and support is delayed. Accommodations may be considered unnecessary and withheld. People are often faced with a “you look fine” attitude of skepticism and accusations of faking.
Come share compassion with peers.
Meets every 4th Monday of the month at 4:00pm.
The support groups will meet in-person at Progress Center in Forest Park and over Zoom (hybrid).
For more information, directions to our office or the Zoom link, call Demetra at Progress Center at 708-209-1500 ext. 118 or email dkaras@progresscil.org.

FRIDA KAHLO DAY
2026-07-11 11:00 - 15:00 | 7521 Madison Street Forest Park, IL 60130, 7521 Madison Street Forest Park, IL 60130, Forest Park, IL, 60130, United States
Join Progress Center for a canvassing event / art appreciation day in honor of the life, legacy, self-liberation, and love for her family, community, country, and world of the timeless artist, disability rights advocate, feminist, painter, teacher, fashion designer, health advocate, gardener, animals and nature advocate, and globally respected freedom organizer FRIDA KAHLO. WE celebrate her one hundred and seventeenth birthday this July (the 6th) on Saturday July 11th, from 11am to 3pm.
This Disability Pride Month, as we reflect on Frida’s remarkable capacity to overcome the difficult barriers of an inaccessible world, we will make powerful observations of her dedication to self-sufficiency , solidarity, positive mindfulness, hard work, strong belief in her skills, we will celebrate together, and also we will emphasize the many important reflections to be shared on how she became an iconic example of an ordinary human being who achieved greatness through growing to be as independent as possible through her brilliant original art, her deep love of spiritually and culturally vibrant , uplifting music, her genuine unity with all human beings who strived for autonomy from provincialism, bias, and division, and the still often overlooked and unknown secrets of her many healthy recipes that provided so much necessary strength for Frida to persevere during the challenging times in her life. We are all profoundly excited about brainstorming to plan this day with a strong spirit of unity and purpose: Progress Center for Independent Living’s first ever FRIDA FESTIVAL!!!
For more information, contact Jonathan Barton at 708-209-1500 or jbarton@progresscil.org.

Disability Pride Parade
2026-07-25 11:00 - 12:00 | IL
Join Progress Center at the Disability Pride Parade downtown Chicago. Walk or roll with us during Disability Pride Month
Email dkaras@progresscil.org or call 708-209-1500 ext. 118 for more information.
