Our History
As we work hard every day to serve over 200 individuals with disabilities who seek our assistance each year, we rely on amazing and dedicated staff to make our employment outcomes a successful reality!
Founder of Parents Alliance Employment Project, Marjorie Lee with her son, Kevin Lee
The Fight for Integration
Back in 1982, a group of parents bonded over a mission aimed for their developmentally disabled children. With no inclusion in the public school system or community, the parents joined forces to mainstream their young adults into the schools and workplaces, removing them from sheltered workshops. Staffed solely of parent volunteers, Parents Alliance Employment Project was born emphasizing integrated work with supports into businesses.
The Rising Success in Workplace Inclusion
With support from the community and rising success in workplace inclusion, PAEP began to grow into an accredited state provider for people with disabilities. PAEP began focusing on schools’ special education programs and adults with disabilities living in the community who were unaware of such services that can help them open doors to a working future.
The Growing Future
Today, Parents Alliance Employment Project serves not only DuPage county but over three surrounding counties helping people with disabilities find competitive employment. With 3 youth training programs that provide education, daily living, and vocational training and adult services that assist indirect employment support, PAEP has grown in the last 38 years to one of the best well known Supported Employment Providers in the county offering individuals with disabilities career counseling, job training and preparation, job development, job placement, job coaching, support, and follow up services.
The Impact
As a result of PAEP’s dedication to its mission over 200 individuals are assisted every year to help find meaningful employment in the community. Employers in the community gain qualified, loyal employees, increasing diversity in the workplace.
One of the original parents involved with the startup of Parents Alliance Employment Project, Sue Novicki with her son, Robbie Novicki
Lisa Menichino Brings Home Gold for Team USA
Lisa Menichino, aunt of our own Assistant Director Kiersten Lira, had the honor of traveling to Austria for the 2017 Special Olympics World Games. She returned home with a gold medal in Cross Country for Team USA – congratulations!
