Incorporated in 1990, Neighborhood Services began providing support to people with developmental disabilities in August 1991. Neighborhood Services assists associates (individuals with disabilities)to live in very small living arrangements. Because of our commitment to providing personal, individualized support, no more than two associates live in a home. Neighborhood Services provides 24-hour support for most of the individuals we serve, and intermittent support for those who live in their own homes.

A unique feature of Neighborhood Services is our life sharing support model. We hire supportive roommates to move into our associates’ homes and provide the majority of the necessary support. This feature reduces the number of staff who come and go in a household and is intended to create a stable and nurturing environment.

Neighborhood Services provides person centered services with an emphasis on personal choice. Each person we serve has his or her own room and is encouraged to participate in household decisions, such as grocery shopping, household decorations, etc.

We support individuals to take an active role in community life. For example, if the associates wish to attend church, the YMCA, or join their local park district, we arrange support staff and transportation.

Currently, Neighborhood Services assists individuals in northern and near west Cook County and Waukegan. We rent houses and apartments in communities chosen by the individuals, convenient to families, friends, and work. An initiative is underway to assist our associates in purchasing their own homes. At the present time, two individuals are already homeowners.