December 2024
Celebrating the Season at Will's Place! From chocolate chip cookies to gingerbread house workshops, Will’s Place was a busy hub of Holiday festivities this December.
Why It Matters
This month we asked Lisa Fegert, mother to one of our team members, what Will’s Place means to her.
My 24-year-old son Zane has been very fortunate to be part of the Will's Place team. As his parent, I have spent ALL of the years concerned about his adult life. I dreamt and worried how Zane will find his place in the adult world. As his graduation day approached, he was on track for only some of these basic dreams and I was concerned. And then, an opportunity at Will's Place became available.
Zane took a job at Will's Place and started attending the many social events that have been provided. He faithfully attends community nights every friday and participates on the basketball team. He is a valued member of the Will's Place team!
Zane's involvement with Will's Place has surpassed our dreams! He has acquired so many skills and experiences because of Will's, but the best part of all of the involvement is Zane's self-confidence. He feels so good about himself. He is independent, confident and happy. He and our family could not be more grateful to Will and his family for including Zane in this outstanding community.
Lisa Fegert
Zane's Mom
Happenings at Will's
Our 2nd Annual Gingerbread House Fundraiser
Thanks Katy Walsh for bringing back your awesome skills, and building all these houses! You created a magical night! The event was brimming with holiday cheer and creativity, making it a truly memorable evening for everyone involved.
A Friday Night Field Trip
For one of our community nights, the team ventured to Niles West High School to watch Roar, a heartwarming play produced by the arts appreciation class in collaboration with the special education department. These meaningful community connections are at the heart of what we do, and we cherish every opportunity to support and celebrate each other.
Another Holiday Makers Market is in the books!
This December, we held our second annual Makers Market, a festive event that showcased a wide array of curated specialty items, from greeting cards and textiles to books, merchandise, and more. The market opened with a special performance by the Niles West Choir, which even caught the attention of our chef's one-year-old son, who loved the music. If you missed out, don't worry — there are still plenty of wonderful last-minute gifts available in our storefront
Baking Sprits Bright: the month of the Chocolate Chip Cookie
December was a BIG month for Will's famous Chocolate Chip cookies. We just want to take a moment to shout out our kitchen crew for turning out over 2,000 chocolate chip cookies last month. It was a labor of love that we hope spread some holiday joy this season.
This Month's Guest Baristas
Thanks Steve Cochran and his team, State Senator Ram Villivalam, Heather Jackson from Kaleidoscope Dance Center and Peter Beale-Del Vecchio from the Illinois Special Olympics. We know how busy December can be and we appreciate you taking the time for our team!
Community Nights
Community Nights were busy this December celebrating the season! We played games, enjoyed each other's company and of course, baked cookies! We even had a field trip to watch the Fine Arts department at Niles West Highschool team up with the Special Education department for a production of the “Lion King”! Special thanks to Deanna Sortino and PA Forde for not only inviting us, but letting Will's Place cater dinner for the cast! As Christmas approached with some help from our friends, Mark Milliken, Clare Milliken and Mark Jadlonowski we decorated gingerbread cookies to get ready for Santa! Thanks for making this December so special!
Thank you for another great month!
Lots of love from
The Will's Place Team