Shapiro Developmental Center, located in Kankakee, Illinois, has been a sanctuary for its residents for years. The 70 acres of land that surround it are not just open spaces; they are integral to the privacy and safety of its residents and the health of the ecosystem of its wildlife neighbors.

The State of Illinois's current plan for redeveloping Shapiro's land puts Shapiro's residents and the center itself at risk. This land currently provides a safety buffer between its residents and the greater community. As the legal guardian of a Shapiro resident myself, I value the natural protections in place to help prevent my loved one from eloping (leaving)—a behavior he is prone to as part of his disability. 

If the state is so eager to take Shapiro's land now, who says they won't want more property later on... leaving little left for a developmental center and its residents who too often come last to corporate greed under the guise of fiscal responsibility. 

The State of Illinois has already taken too much away from Shapiro and similar state-operated developmental centers (SODCs). Instead of forcing the centers' residents, staff, and loved ones to rely on less, we need to do more, give more, and care more as a state.

It is not too late to change the minds of Illinois Gov. Pritzker and Illinois Sen. Patrick Joyce, both who have commended the state's "Surplus to Success" program—the very program at the heart (or should I say heartless?) of this planned redevelopment of Shapiro land.

Please join me in this cause by signing this petition. Let us protect these vital acres rather than repurpose this land for selfish and greedy purposes. State of Illinois, stay off the Shapiro Developmental Center's Land!

Signed,

TARA SLAUGHTER SZKUTNIK

Legal Guardian of a Shapiro Developmental Center resident

Friends of Shapiro member

Illinois native