Become a Citizen
BiG Great Lakes serves individuals with disabilities (Citizens) who are desiring to be part of a community designed especially for them.
Creative Enterprises
Our Citizens work in a variety of creative enterprises. These enterprises provide a social entrepreneurial atmosphere and challenge the Citizens, while simultaneously giving them valuable experience and a sense of purpose and belonging.
Our current enterprises include hand-built clay pottery, pies, cards, jewelry, candles, fudge, spice mixes, shower steamers, dog treats and many more.
Sample Big Schedule
| 9:30 - 10:00 | Arrival |
|---|---|
| 10:00 - 10:30 | Schedule/Devotional |
| 10:30 - 11:15 | Enterprise Session 1 |
| 11:15 - 11:45 | Break - Movement |
| 11:45 - 12:45 | Enterprise Session 2 |
| 12:45 - 1:15 | Lunch |
| 1:15 - 2:15 | Enterprise Session 3 |
| 2:15 - 2:30 | Break |
| 2:30 - 3:30 | Enterprise Session 4 |
| 3:30 - 4:00 | Clean up and Head Home |
To become a BiG citizen, applicants must complete the following 5 steps
Take a glance at our innovative vocational program to better understand BiG culture and our goals as an organization, then schedule a tour.
After the tour, if you feel that your loved one might be a fit for BiG, we would welcome your application. Click on the link below for an application and email to [email protected] or mail it to PO Box 9031, Gurnee, IL 60031
There is a $50 non-refundable application fee; this does not guarantee placement at BiG.
After reviewing the application, BiG staff will be excited to meet with you. We will schedule an interview with the potential Citizen and their family.
An admissions committee will evaluate the information from the application and initial interview. Prospective Citizens will be invited to complete a volunteer day at their campus. This gives the individual an opportunity “try out” BiG, and job supervisors the chance to evaluate the potential placement.
After the volunteer day, it will be determined if BiG is a good fit for the applicant and a start date will be determined. If so, congratulations! Welcome to the BiG family.
Take a glance at our innovative vocational program to better understand BiG culture and our goals as an organization, then schedule a tour.
After the tour, if you feel that your loved one might be a fit for BiG, we would welcome your application. Click on the link below for an application and email to [email protected] or mail it to PO Box 9031, Gurnee, IL 60031
There is a $50 non-refundable application fee; this does not guarantee placement at BiG.
After reviewing the application, BiG staff will be excited to meet with you. We will schedule an interview with the potential Citizen and their family.
An admissions committee will evaluate the information from the application and initial interview. Prospective Citizens will be invited to complete a volunteer day at their campus. This gives the individual an opportunity “try out” BiG, and job supervisors the chance to evaluate the potential placement.
After the volunteer day, it will be determined if BiG is a good fit for the applicant and a start date will be determined. If so, congratulations! Welcome to the BiG family.
Tuition and Fees
*BiG strives to provide scholarships to those in need and those who qualify.
- Private Pay Tuition & Fees:
- $1020 full time
- $650 part time
- Non-refundable Application Fee: $50
- Non-refundable Registration Fee: $300
