January 19, 2026
Community Link Celebrates a Successful 2025
Breese, IL- Community Link proudly reflects on a year of growth and impact in 2025, marked by expanded volunteerism, new experiences for participants, and strengthened community partnerships. Throughout the year, the organization continued to empower adults with developmental disabilities by creating opportunities for connection, choice, and purposeful living in the community.
In the organization’s day program, participants took part in a wide range of service projects, including Meals on Wheels, the Snack Pack program, the Poettker Construction Easter Egg Hunt, Metro Food Pantry, and the Adopt a Highway program. These activities allowed participants to build connections, develop skills, and give back in ways that positively impact the communities they call home. Plans are already underway to continue to grow and diversify volunteerism for Community Link participants in 2026.
Community Link also expanded participant involvement through its Red Porch business. “Red Porch Days” increased, allowing participants to deliver coffee and lunch to businesses in multiple surrounding towns, creating connections while providing real-world work experience. In addition, two participants were hired as part-time baristas at the Red Porch. Barista staff introduced weekly coffee-making classes for day program participants on Mondays when the shop is closed to the public.
The organization’s Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA) program continued to expand participant-driven experiences that reflect the vision of an “Ideal CILA.” One highlight was an exciting “bucket list” trip to Nashville, Tennessee, for seven male participants, accompanied by four dedicated staff members. During the four-day trip, participants enjoyed a variety of Nashville-themed activities for the first time, all chosen by the participants themselves. For everyone who attended, it was a powerful example of how choice, independence, and adventure are woven into daily life within the CILA program.
The CILA program also hosted its inaugural “A Night Under the Stars” Prom at the Breese Knights of Columbus Hall. Made possible through the generosity of Clinton County businesses and the support of CILA participant family members, the event was truly special and memorable. The success of this day has inspired plans to continue creating unique experiences that bring joy, connection, and meaningful moments to those served through the CILA program.
The organization made significant investments in infrastructure to enhance safety, accessibility, and long-term sustainability across its programs and facilities. Improvements included a roof replacement at the Germantown CILA home and parking lot repairs at the Metro location. To better support transportation needs, Community Link also added two new 15-passenger IDOT vehicles with a combined value of more than $250,000, along with the purchase of a smaller accessible van.
Additional enhancements focused on creating more inclusive and welcoming spaces for participants. Community Link was awarded a $16,000 grant from Boeing to support improvements at the Metro location, which will be used to purchase innovative, disability-accessible swings and outdoor tables. Together, these infrastructure upgrades reflect an ongoing commitment to providing safe, accessible, and enriching environments for all.
Community Link hosted two very successful fundraising events. The Unmasking the Possibilities gala, funding the endowment of the Special Needs Foundation for Community Link, raised $110,000 to invest in the future of the organization.
The Buddy Walk welcomed nearly 1,600 registrants and raised more than $180,000 to support its mission. The event continued its transition into a fully participant-centric celebration, showcasing the talents and contributions of individuals with developmental disabilities through a fashion show, karaoke, and participant-created art displays. Adding to the meaning of the day, the official 2025 Buddy Walk T-shirt was proudly designed by Community Link participant Jim Albers, further highlighting the creativity and voices of those served.
“We are very proud of the incredible progress we have made in 2025 to expand our engagement with our community,” said John Huelskamp, executive director of Community Link. “We are shifting our service model from an ‘outside-in’ organization to be more ‘inside-out’ and our staff and participants have energetically and creatively enjoyed new experiences.”
Community Link extends its sincere gratitude to its staff, participants, board members, volunteers, families, friends, contributors, and neighbors for their ongoing commitment and support of its mission.
Community Link is dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities through a person-centered approach that promotes self-directed living choices and community integration opportunities. The mission of Community Link is to provide opportunities for choice, growth, and independence for adults with developmental disabilities. For more information visit commlink.org.