April 2026 Newsletter!


A HUGE THANK YOU TO THE CITY OF BLUE ISLAND AND VILLAGE OF CALUMET PARK FOR HOSTING BLUE CAP FOR

I/DD AWARENESS MONTH


Spring Sale Preview Night with Plant Bingo

(Third Party Fundraiser for Blue Cap)

Thursday April 9th

Three Sisters Antique Mall

13042 Western Avenue Blue Island, IL 60406

6pm-8pm


Administrative Professionals Day

Wednesday April 22nd


City of Blue Island

Community Clean Up

Saturday April 25th

York Street and Western Avenue

8am-11am


Congrats to Ed on bringing home the trophy for his entry in the

Romin' Chariots Car Club's

Winter Blues Model Car Show.

Help us spread the word about Blue Cap.

Give us a follow on Facebook and/or Instagram, like our posts and share with your friends and family. Every little bit of support helps us reach more people and make a bigger impact in our community.

A Home Filled with Heart: The Blue Cap Residential Experience

Last week, we had the joy of spending an evening with the incredible women at York House, and honestly, we didn’t want to leave.

Antionette welcomed us in and walked us through what a typical evening looks like. From preparing lunch and tackling chores to catching up with housemates, the house was full of movement, connection, and care. As the evening unfolded, everyone came together to cook and share dinner, one of those simple, meaningful moments that truly make a house feel like home.

After dinner, the pace softened as it was time to wind down. Some relaxed with music, others watched their favorite shows and of course, there was plenty of chatting and laughter along the way.

And that is what stood out most. The laughter. The joy. The way York House truly hums with life.

Antionette has been part of Blue Cap Residential since 2008 and her love for the community shines through. She shared how much she enjoys spending her downtime listening to music, watching TV and connecting with her housemates. What she loves most are the experiences, including going out to restaurants, attending community events, shopping trips, movie nights and unforgettable outings like the Dancing with the Stars Live Show or trips to Wisconsin Dells.

What we saw that evening was more than a routine. It was a family, a place filled with warmth, independence, and connection.

We are so grateful for this glimpse into the everyday moments that make Blue Cap Residential so special. 

Voices of Blue Cap: Advocating in DC

Nicole and Nate, two self-advocates from Blue Cap, joined staff member Nefertiti in Washington, D.C. this March to participate in the Disability Policy Seminar (DPS). This annual event is an opportunity for advocates to come together and amplify the voices of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) on Capitol Hill.

During the seminar, Nicole, Nate and Nefertiti attended informative sessions led by experts in the field, gaining valuable insights into key disability policy issues. They connected with fellow advocates and professionals from across the country, strengthening their knowledge and passion for advancing disability rights.

After a full day of learning, the next day the group took their advocacy directly to Congress. Representing Blue Cap and the state of Illinois, they met with legislative representatives to discuss high-priority issues impacting individuals with disabilities and the communities that support them. Their voices helped highlight the importance of continued progress and the need for strong champions in Congress.

In addition to their advocacy work, the trip offered opportunities to explore Washington, D.C. Nicole and Nate enjoyed dining out, relaxing with pool time at their hotel and visiting historic landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Their experience at the Disability Policy Seminar was both impactful and inspiring, demonstrating the power of self-advocacy and the importance of making voices heard at the national level.


2155 Broadway, Blue Island | 708.389.6578 | info@blue-cap.org