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CARC and Clearbrook Merger Will Create Largest, Strongest Non-Profit Agency in Illinois Serving the Developmentally Disabled
Combination of Two Strong Non-Profits Will Provide New Options in Chicago Area
| Source: CARC/Clearbrook
CHICAGO, IL and ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL--(Marketwire - November 16, 2009) - CARC and Clearbrook,
two of the largest and most financially sound non-profit organizations in
Illinois, are teaming up in a merger of equals that will offer more options
to developmentally disabled children and adults.
The merger will create the largest and strongest agency in Illinois
supporting persons with developmental disabilities. The name of the new
organization will be CARC/Clearbrook. Its combined resources will include
an annual budget exceeding $50 million, with more than 700 full-time
employees and nearly 500 part-time employees.
"The key to this merger is that we are moving proactively from a position
of financial and geographic strength to meet the needs of the families and
persons we serve," said Kristin V. MacRae, president and CEO, CARC. "We
believe the benefits of combining our organizations will result in greater
choice, independence and community integration for people with special
needs. The combined organization will enjoy enhanced opportunities for
fundraising, operational efficiencies and purchasing power as well."
"CARC/Clearbrook will operate from Beverly to Gurnee," said Carl La Mell,
president, Clearbrook. "Traditionally, CARC has served Chicago, while
Clearbrook has served eight suburban counties with a concentration in the
northwest suburbs. This is a unique opportunity to select the best
policies and programs from each organization that can enhance support to
the developmentally disabled. The merged organization will be able to
offer the families and persons served a broader spectrum of care and more
options."
The combined organization will offer a wide variety of services.
Children's services include early intervention programs, home-based
support, a foster care program and respite programs. Adult non-residential
services include home-based support services, developmental training,
respite programs, seniors' programs (social, educational, recreational),
work centers and job placement. Autism services programs are provided for
adults during the day. Adult residential services offer a variety of
community living options. In addition, the new organization will continue
to operate a number of business enterprises to generate jobs for adults
with developmental disabilities.
Both organizations' boards voted unanimously in favor the merger. A
non-binding letter of intent outlines a transition period from January 1,
2010 through June 30, 2010. It is expected that the current chairs of each
organization's board will serve as co-chairs. Beginning July 1, 2010
CARC/Clearbrook will operate with a single board of directors and will
operate with two chief executive officers who will share responsibility.
About CARC
CARC provides a broad array of responsive programs designed to empower
individuals of all age and abilities... services that help 1,500 children,
adults and seniors with opportunities to learn, grow and thrive within the
Chicago neighborhood communities in which they reside.
About Clearbrook
Clearbrook is a non-profit organization devoted to enhancing the lives of
more than 3,000 children and adults with developmental disabilities.
Opportunities and experiences abound at Clearbrook for people with such
diagnoses as autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and mental retardation.