It’s not every day that your dreams come true, especially if you are born with a disability. For one adult with Down Syndrome, being a movie star is more than a dream, it is his life’s ambition. But chasing your dreams is hard for anyone, and only four years ago, Jacob did not even have a familiar independent living option that catered to the comforts of his cultural background and dietary needs.
That all changed when The Libenu Foundation opened up its first group home in Skokie in September of 2011 and Jacob moved into this groundbreaking Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA). Libenu now operates three group homes, two of which are located in the Chicago suburb of Skokie, and one in Jacob’s own Chicago hometown neighborhood of West Rogers Park.
Recently, the Chicago based band “Rogers Park” teamed up with Libenu to make a powerful music video entitl ed “Shared Hearts,” starring Jacob and his friends. The video was made to promote awareness of the special needs community and highlighting the possibilities created through organizations like Libenu. The duo really took to heart the genuine friendship and opportunities that these special needs adults crave, and put that understanding into action. But for Jacob, it was just another day on the job. Watch and share this amazing video, and help make Jacob’s dream of becoming a movie star come true.
