Progress Center

Non-Apparent / Hidden Disabilities Support Group
2026-12-28 16:00 - 17:00, 2027-01-25 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | 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.

Job Readiness Support Group
2026-12-29 12:00 - 13:00, 2027-01-05 12:00 - 13:00, 2027-01-12 12:00 - 13:00, 2027-01-19 12:00 - 13:00, 2027-01-26 12:00 - 13:00, 2027-02-02 12:00 - 13:00 | 7521 Madison Street Forest Park, IL 60130, 7521 Madison Street Forest Park, IL 60130, Forest Park, IL, 60130, United States
Join Progress Center’s Job Readiness Support Group. This group of job seekers meets in person at our Forest Park office and over Zoom every Tuesday at noon.
Email or call Arlinda Wallace at awallace@progresscil.org or 708-209-1500 for more information and the Zoom link.

Resident Solidarity Group
2026-12-31 15:00 - 16:00, 2027-01-07 15:00 - 16:00, 2027-01-14 15:00 - 16:00, 2027-01-21 15:00 - 16:00, 2027-01-28 15:00 - 16:00 | Zoom
Resident Solidarity Group
All current and former nursing-home residents and other institution residents along with any allies are welcome.
The purpose of these meetings is to provide a safe space in which you can come together with friends, residents from other nursing homes and organizers to discuss your lives, current experiences and strategies for action to solve problems you may be experiencing to improve your lives. Some meetings include presentations.
For the Zoom link or the Dial-In phone number, or if you have suggestions for future presentation topics which would be useful to residents, please contact Clark Craig at ccraig@progresscil.org or 708-209-1500.

Art Forging Autonomy Support Group
2027-01-01 14:00 - 16:00, 2027-01-08 14:00 - 16:00, 2027-01-15 14:00 - 16:00, 2027-01-22 14:00 - 16:00, 2027-01-29 14:00 - 16:00 | 7521 Madison Street Forest Park, IL 60130, 7521 Madison Street Forest Park, IL 60130, Forest Park, IL, 60130, United States
Artists with disabilities and independent living allies of all expressions, interests, and experience are welcome to join together at our peer support art group, every Friday, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at 7521 Madison Street in Forest Park at the Progress Center large meeting room for fellowship, freedom of expression, independent living, lots of family friendly fun with music/drawing/dancing/postering and acting scenes of our favorite shows from stages + big silver screens + little silver screens, fearless poetry, fancy crafts, and solidarity forever. Let’s all get together and brainstorm our best work ever at Progress Center!

Community Check-In Group
2027-01-01 16:00 - 17:00, 2027-01-08 16:00 - 17:00, 2027-01-15 16:00 - 17:00, 2027-01-22 16:00 - 17:00, 2027-01-29 16:00 - 17:00 | Zoom
Join our Community Check-In Group, where you can meet and connect with others with disabilities who share similar interests and experiences.
The group provides an opportunity to:

Build new friendships and expand your social network.
Discuss disability-related issues, resources, and current events.
Learn about programs and services available in the community.
Help plan and participate in group outings and recreational activities.
Share experiences and support one another in an inclusive and welcoming environment.

Whether you’re looking to meet new people, stay informed, or simply enjoy spending time with others, we invite you to join us. Everyone is welcome!
This group meets every Friday at 4:00 pm over Zoom. For more the Zoom link, email or call Art Johnson at ajohnson@progresscil.org or 708-209-1500.

Family Caregivers Support Group
2027-01-11 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.

Healthcare Advocacy Group
2027-01-14 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.

Latonya Reeves Freedom Act Working Group
2027-01-14 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.

Transportation Advocacy Group
2027-01-20 13:00 - 14:00 | 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.

Membership and Outreach Meeting
2027-01-20 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.

Dynamic People With Disabilities Support Group
2027-01-26 13:00 - 15:00 | Progress Center’s Blue Island office
The Dynamic People With Disabilities Support Group meets monthly on the 4th Tuesday from 1:00 – 3:00 pm in the Progress Center Blue Island office. Progress Center is on the third floor within Moraine Valley Community College at 12940 Western Avenue, Blue Island, IL 60406. You can participate in person or on Zoom. Please email Kim Liddell at kliddell@progresscil.org or call (708) 388-5011 extension 200.
This group is open to anyone with a disability, however, this group is comprised of blind consumers.

Home Service Support Group
2027-01-29 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
Home Service Support Group
This group is a great opportunity to hear from other people that use Personal Assistant services. Discuss and learn how to hire and maintain your PA(s), issues and successes.
This group meets on the LAST FRIDAY of every month (4th or 5th Friday).
Contact Art Johnson for more information and the Zoom link at ajohnson@progresscil.org.
