Celebration at the First United Methodist Church of Park Ridge

On Sunday June 2nd a celebration was held at the First United Methodist Church of Park Ridge in honor of Avenues 60^th anniversary.  When Avenues began back in 1953, our very first programs were held in the basement of the First United Methodist Church.  It was out of this basement that Avenues ran a school for children with developmental disabilities who were not readily accepted into public schools. 

Avenues board members, staff and friends toured the room where Avenues school was held.  At the center of the photo is long-time Avenues resident, Craig, who was a student at the school nearly 60 years ago!

 

The church was full as the United Methodist Church incorporated Avenues into their Sunday morning service.  Board member and step-mother to Avenues client, Peg O’Herron, along with Avenues resident, Bill, delivered a wonderful presentation about the great things Avenues has done over the past 60 years.  Bill told stories about how Avenues has helped him become a valuable employee at Jewel and how much he enjoys living with his roommates.

 

Following the service, church members, Avenues clients, staff, board members and friends all joined in the church parlor to share coffee and stories about Avenues.

 

 

 

 

Following the gathering in the parlor, everyone was invited to play bingo and enjoy a cookout and ice cream. 

Every Avenues client even went home with a goody-bag!

The people at the First United Methodist Church went above and beyond to put on this great celebration in honor of Avenues 60^th anniversary and to celebrate the people who live and work at Avenues.  

Thank you to everyone at the First United Methodist Church of Park Ridge!  We are so thankful for all your support over the past 60 years!