Realizing Potential through Clearbrook West’s Program, Naturally Gifted

Currently serving over 250 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in McHenry County, Clearbrook West continues to empower individuals through community job shadowing and building employment skills.

Naturally Gifted is one of Clearbrook West’s vocational training opportunities. The nonprofit’s program helps participants develop employment skills such as interviewing and basic on-the-job skills training. The program is located in the Crystal Lake Plaza off of Northwest Highway, it doubles as a small store-front selling candles, face masks, hand sanitizer, and more. Program participants help make the products, sort the inventory, and practice customer service.

Individuals in the Naturally Gifted program, first follow a 12-week curriculum that integrates classroom learning, hands-on skill training, and community job shadowing. After completing the curriculum, individuals can start a two-week internship, working the store-front at Naturally Gifted.

Participants of the program have continued working at Naturally Gifted after completing the internship, or have found employment in the community.

One of Clearbrook West’s individuals, Kris, reached her goal of obtaining community employment. Kris has been a part of Naturally Gifted for two and a half years. She loves having a job, hanging out with her friends, and being able to help others. By being a part of the program, Kris was able to obtain a job at Red Robin last year.

Another individual, Claire, has been with Naturally Gifted since the program started in early 2019. Claire enjoys making body butter and smelling the different scents. She loves her job because it helps keep her busy and gives her the opportunity to interact with the customers.

All products sold at Naturally Gifted are homemade, organic, and made with therapeutic essential oils. You can visit Naturally Gifted at 6500 Northwest Highway Unit 2B. They are open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Shop online at https://naturally-gifted.square.site/ or visit the storefront located at 6500 Northwest Highway Unit 2B. They are open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.