McLean County’s Penguin Project is a non-profit organization targeted toward giving individuals with disabilities unrestricted access to the arts.
Six years after its founding in 2003, McLean County opened up the organizations’ first replication.
Now, there are over 60 replications nationwide.
Artists in the program are individuals ranging from ages 10 to 24 who have a disability.
During productions, peer mentors are paired with artists to assist in helping them shine.
“I will tell you that their shows are better than anything you’ve seen,” Lori Slightom said. “It is just, once you’ve seen a show you will come back every year.”
Programs are free to join, but rely heavily on donations and fund raising.
“We don’t want any financial situation to impede them from joining this project,” Slightom said. “So we offer it at no cost, we want everyone to be able to participate.”
During their most recent fund raiser, Dine to Donate, residents of McLean County showed up to to support their community.
“I’ve lived here since I was in first grade, I’m 53 now,” Rachel Jones said. “This is my community, and I’ve raised my children here. I just love that we do good things here.”
The Penguin Project of McLean County’s production of “The Addams Family” will run from June 4 to June 7.