June 2025
We're all about community, and we’re so grateful that you continue to show up for our team.
why it matters
Hear from the families of our team members to find out what Will’s Place means to them
We are the Gallivan family and our son, Cooper works at Will's Place. Cooper has autism and struggles with verbal communication, repetitive behaviors and sound based triggers. He has been in Special Education since he was four-years old and recently aged out of services when he turned 22. Being able to come to Will's Place has been a true blessing for him and our family and we are incredibly grateful.
The staff at Will's Place meet Cooper where he is with his skill base and abilities, while holding him accountable for the work. They recognize and lift up his gifts as an artist (and new TikTok personality) and also make sure that he completes his work as a cashier, cleaner and food prepper. Additionally, the “staff” are more than co-workers since they teach, guide, socialize and provide a community that is very hard to find for people with disabilities.
It is easy for us to say that Will's Place means so much to us…there are not many businesses opening their doors to folks with disabilities in Illinois. Our state actually ranks very low in these services and opportunities are hard to come by. Having this “landing pad” post-graduation from his transition program has kept Cooper engaged, learning and happy. He is always up and ready to go for his early morning shift and while it is hard for him to communicate, we know he has a sense of pride as a member of the Will's Place team.
Every parent wants their child to succeed as an adult and Will's Place has given us a space to let Cooper grow and be part of something special. Figuring out the systems for support for people with disabilities is a full-time job. It is frustrating, confusing and time-consuming. The ease at which Cooper is cared for and supported at Will's Place matters tremendously to us. Even though he is only there for a few hours a week, thanks to this organization, he is succeeding!
-Dardi and Patrick Gallivan
Will’s Place takes on the Skokie Farmers Market
This summer we’ve added on Sunday Farmers market to the docket, and our team is having a blast doing it. We’ve found our groove at the Skokie Farmers Market! We’re serving up breakfast sandwiches, burritos, avocado toast, pastries, and freshly squeezed strawberry lemonade. The addition of the Sunday markets has allowed us to create five new jobs at Will's Place—a milestone we're incredibly proud of.
Our breakfast burrito wrapped up in a crispy cheese crust
The sausage breakfast sando is a fan fave and a staple of the Will’s Place booth
Our team is growing, and so are the opportunities we’re creating. Taking on more is a big step, and it’s one we’re honored to take together.
on the menu
Our summer menu is here! Stop in and try one of our new croissants—like the Oreo croissant, perfect with your morning coffee.
Treat yourself to a flavorful lunch with one of our delicious sandwiches, and don’t skip the Greek fries—they’re stellar, and you totally deserve it. Hungry? Scroll through for some of our new menu items!
community nights
It wasn't too hot to have fun at Will's Place! We were happy to welcome Lynn Callahan and Mary Beth Bowman to our Community Night to teach us tennis skills! We also created art, shared sundaes and participated in a scavenger hunt. One of our favorites, Deanna Hallagan was back with her guitar, her microphone for an open mic night!
Reed Writes In:
A New Voice from Campus
This August, our very own Reed Larson-Erf is heading off to Marquette University to begin his first year of college. While we’ll miss him at Will's Place, we’re excited to share that Reed will be a regular contributor to this newsletter, documenting his journey through college life.
We’re so proud of Reed—he’s a talented writer, and we can’t wait to hear his perspective!
Thanks for another great month at this happy place! We are so lucky to have you here. We hope to see you at our Concert!
Lots of love from
The Will's Place Team