Who: Greg Simmons, 49, of Chicago’s Lincoln Square, is a volunteer with Park Ridge-based Avenues to Independence, a nonprofit organization providing residential, vocational and daily living support for adults with physical, intellectual or developmental disabilities.
What he does: Simmons, a father of two grown sons and vice president of business banking for National City Bank, began volunteering about five years ago after learning about Avenues from a customer. He worked on fundraisers and capital programs, serves on the board of directors and is currently teaching an art class.
“I’m always looking for things for them to do,” he said.
The art group now meets twice a month. Last week his eight students painted well-known Chicago landmarks with acrylics.
“Some turned out really well and a few others (lost) focus, but that’s OK as long as they are happy,” he said. “One client was giddy, absolutely joyous as she painted. She was supposed to be doing buildings, but she wanted to do flowers. That’s the wonder of being an artist, you can do what you want to do.”
Avenues to Independence was founded in 1953 by parents who banded together to provide programs for their developmentally disabled children, said Ann Marie Ehrlich, vice president of development.
In addition to facilities where clients can live independently, Avenues provides a work center in Wheeling that employees 170 adults, as well as outside job placement, Ehrlich said. The group also runs a thrift store on the Chicago-Park Ridge border.
“We run the gamut trying to help people become as independent as they would like to be within their parameters,” Ehrlich said.
Simmons is “the ultimate volunteer,” Ehrlich said. “If he says he’s going to do something, he’s there and he does it. The day he came to us, we were very fortunate, very fortunate. He has the clients at heart, and the bottom line is that’s why we are all here.”
Why he does it: Though Simmons does not have relatives or close friends with developmental disabilities, he felt compelled to help.
“It’s run very, very well, and I really like the cause,” he said. “It’s a really wonderful group of people who want to work and want to have a life. I find the desire to provide increased independence and improved quality of life for these individuals a rewarding obligation of society. Without volunteers and businesses stepping up through education and involvement, there is a tragic lost opportunity for meaningful relationships and positive contribution within the community.”
How you can help: Avenues will hold its annual black tie-optional “Love Affair” dinner gala at 6 Feb. 20 in the Stephens Ballroom in Rosemont. Tickets are $150; online reservations due Monday.
For information or to volunteer: 847-292-0870 or avenuesonline.org.