Park Lawn dedicates workshop to the Coleman Foundation
August 17, 2004 was another milestone in Park Lawn’s proud history. Park Lawn families, program participants, friends, staff, and board members gathered outside Park Lawn’s Vocational Services facility in Oak Lawn to celebrate the dedication of the Coleman Foundation Center.
Park Lawn initiated its vocational program in 1983. Since that time it has out grown three facilities before establishing its permanent home at 5040 W. 111th St. in Oak Lawn. The purchase and renovation of this facility was possible through a private activity bond from the Village of Oak Lawn and a million dollar challenge grant from the Coleman Foundation.
Executive Director Jim Weise welcomed the crowd. “It is almost nine years to the day that Park Lawn began program operations at this facility,” he said. “While a dedication now might seem a bit unusual it is in fact perfect. Back in 1995 when Park Lawn established this permanent home for its adult day services the purchase and renovation of this location was about promise and potential. Today we celebrate a promise kept and potential realized.”
Mike Hennessy, President and CEO of the Coleman Foundation joined Jim Weise on the steps and stated: “We are proud to support an organization that has demonstrated its important role in making our communities a better, richer and more compassionate place to work and live.”
On hand to assist with the ribbon cutting ceremony were: Foundation Treasurer, Trevor Davies; directors C. Hugh Albers, R. Michael Furlong, and James Jones. Also present were program managers Rosa Janus and Emily Gray. John E. Hughes, Board Chairman was unable to attend.
