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Autistic students find support in new College of DuPage group
When College of DuPage counselor Dr. Michael Duggan and his colleagues sent letters announcing a new social and support organization to the approximately 120 students who identified themselves as autistic, they had no idea how many people would show up at the first meeting. More than 60 students and parents came out that night in December 2010. Now, the organization — named Autismerica by the students — regularly draws between 50 and 60 people to its monthly meeting.
Hinsdale nonprofit leads a new era of drug prevention
Illinois has seen an increase in young suburban heroin users. National research indicates kids as young as 12 are trying and using heroin. In May, the Robert Crown Center in Hinsdale launched the Reed Hruby Heroin Prevention Project.
Edward Hospital’s phone app reports ER wait times
Edward Hospital is hoping a new mobile phone app will alleviate some of the stress patients frequently associate with a trip to the emergency room. The hospital has launched an iPhone app, which allows users to quickly find wait times at its emergency rooms in Naperville and Plainfield and view information about Edward’s Immediate Care locations in Bolingbrook and Oswego.
Serendipity Resale Shop profits boost programs for developmentally disabled
Businesses on Jefferson Avenue, have come and gone over the years in Naperville. But one constant of the downtown area is found at 12 W. Jefferson Ave. Serendipity Resale Shop, a part of Naperville since 1971, helps fund Little Friends, a Naperville agency that service people with autism and other developmental disabilities.
Lewis University flight instructor makes a difference on ground, too
Not only does Lewis University instructor Natalie Kasak teach up-and-coming pilots at the school where she once learned to fly, she has taken part in both a national flying competition and an effort to make airplanes more “green” by helping to test an experimental lead-free airplane fuel.
Oak Brook manufacturer improves drinking fountain design to reduce waste
Try filling a water bottle at a drinking fountain. It gets awkward. Elkay Manufacturing Co., based in Oak Brook, used this awkwardness as inspiration for a new twist on the old drinking fountain. It created the EZH2O wall-mounted system, which allows users to refill a 16-ounce water bottle in about six seconds — three times faster than traditional drinking fountains — with cold, filtered water.
Wintrust Banks help large, small business thrive
In an industry dominated by mega-banks, how does a community bank find the inspiration and support to thrive? Wintrust Community Banks maintains the relationships the company forms with the communities as well as the focus it has on helping local small businesses and entrepreneurs grow. Their mission: to be the local alternative to the big banks while offering the same technology and financial solutions with a level of customer service and community focus that can only be found at a local community bank.
District 129 teacher inspiring young minds for more than 15 years
The kindergarten photo that hangs above Ann Butcher’s desk includes her answer to the question she was asked at the time: What do you want to be when you grow up? Even at that early of an age, she knew she wanted to become a teacher. And she did. The North Aurora resident is now being honored for helping students to do the same.
Robinson’s serving Aurora for nearly a century
Robinson Auto Repair is located at 2114 W. Galena Blvd. in a modern shopping complex on Aurora’s west side. It has called its current location home since 1996. The building has everything needed to repair and maintain all makes and models of cars.
Jim Becker serving Naperville automotive needs for 40 years
An obvious key to a long-term and successful customer-business owner relationship is seeing the owner each time the customer walks in the door. Jim Becker has been such a familiar face to Naperville residents in need of things automotive for four decades.
LivingWell Cancer Resource Center expanding as needs grow
LivingWell Cancer Resource Center is a community-based, non-profit center that opened in 2005 in Geneva, with the vision of providing wellness, support and educational services for individuals and entire families. “Our footprint expands as the need expands,” said executive director Nancy Vance. The center will open a new facility on May 4.