Changing the way the world
Views those with disabilities.
Uniquely Abled. Wonderfully made.
BiG provides meaningful entrepreneurial activities for those with intellectual, physical and emotional disabilities—who we refer to as Citizens in our community. BiG Great Lakes believes that these individuals each possess unique talents and abilities, and we strive to give them the platform to share those gifts with our community. BiG developed a program that educates, trains and supports our Citizens in an encouraging, no-fail environment. The program includes enterprises strategically chosen for adaptability, marketability and our Citizens unique gifts and passions. Supervisors make modifications to ensure that every Citizen will have the experiences they deserve.
Our Core Values
What We Do
BiG Great Lakes is an “out of the box” innovative entrepreneurial community for adults with special needs where we make and sell high end artisan products, while providing community, connection and a culture of honor. We want to change the way the world views this population by taking the “status quo” of providing these individuals with custodial support to these individuals creating beautiful marketable items to sell to help sustain the vocational community they enjoy everyday. They have become artisans, bakers, gardeners, potters, card makers and more.
BiG Great Lakes was birthed through a dream that a mother had to create a faith-centered, purposeful community for her adult children with special needs. After visiting “BiG” in Texas, she knew she found the model that she wanted to see here reproduced here in northeastern Illinois. Big Great Lakes (BiGGL) is a satellite site from BiG in Georgetown, TX.
Why We Do What We Do
Number of People with Disabilities in Illinois
In Illinois 2,331,134 adults have a disability. That is equal to 24% or about 1 in 4 adults. Source: CDC
Percentage of People With Disabilities Most Likely to Live With Their Aging Parents
nearly 7 in 10 adults with disabilities live with their aging parents or guardian. Source: Angel Wings Foundation
Our Citizens Are Each
UNIQUE LIKE A SUNFLOWER
Sunflowers have seeds that can lay dormant for years. Given the opportunity and the right conditions to grow, these seeds are activated and bloom into breathtaking flowers. BiG Citizens are like these seeds. Our nurturing environment may be the factor, like the sunlight on a dormant seed, that helps them blossom into their full potential.
BiG Great Lakes transcends being merely a program. It embodies a vibrant culture that welcomes all, fostering an environment that recognizes and celebrates the unique value and gifts of each individual.
Join us in one of the ways listed below to make an impact on a person’s life!
