February 2026 Newsletter!

February 6th, 2026

This year, we are filled with joy as we celebrate 59 years of Blue Cap. Founded in 1967, Blue Cap was born from the determination of families and educators who came together to imagine something better, creating opportunities and community for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities at a time when education for every child was not yet guaranteed by law.

We are especially proud to honor three members of Blue Cap’s very first class who are still part of our community today: John Bronson, Peter S., and John H. Their journeys and the lives they continue to build here beautifully reflect the heart of Blue Cap.

As part of this anniversary celebration, we are honored to share “A Moment with John Bronson,” a video interview with John, now 72, as he reflects on his life at Blue Cap and the deep, lasting sense of belonging he has found here.



As we look back on how far we’ve come, we honor our trailblazing founders and extend our heartfelt thanks to every staff member, donor, volunteer — near and far — and every neighbor who has walked alongside us over the years.

Your kindness, generosity, and belief in our mission are felt every single day. We are profoundly grateful for each and every one of you.

Good Sheperd Center

Strong Children-Strong 


Communities Conference

Sat. 2/28

8:00am-4:00pm

Moraine Valley Community College

9000 College Parkway, Building M, Palos Hills, IL 60465

City Hall of Blue Island Visit

Tuesday 3/10

2434 Vermont St, Blue Island, IL 60406

Village Hall of Calumet Park Visit

Thursday 3/12

2409 S Throop St, Calumet Park, IL 60827

Staying Top of Our Field

Our Qualified Intellectual Disability Professionals (QIDPs) and Recreational Therapist attended the QIDP Leadership Conference via Zoom. The conference focused on leadership and best practices for QIDPs and included the breakout session “Improving CIE Outcomes: The Role of SWTCIE,” presented by the SWTCIE team.

CIE (Competitive Integrated Employment) is where work is performed full-time or part-time in a typical workplace where an individual is paid at least minimum wage (and at a rate comparable to coworkers without disabilities), receives equivalent benefits, works alongside employees without disabilities, and has similar opportunities for advancement.

The session showcased how Illinois is expanding competitive, community-based employment opportunities for people with disabilities through the SWTCIE Illinois project and the work of the Institute for Rehabilitation and Employment Research (IIRER), reinforcing strategies that support meaningful Community Integrated Employment statewide.