For some, volunteer service is a hobby — for others, it is a way of life. Through unmatched generosity and advocacy, Don and Mary Bartecki helped create spaces for individuals with disabilities to live more independently and thrive in their communities. After decades of giving and service to United Cerebral Palsy Seguin of Greater Chicago, the Bartecki family is being honored with the dedication of a home for residents with disabilities.
For over 20 years, Don Bartecki and his late wife Mary made substantial contributions and provided helpful expertise in entrepreneurship and finance that made a profound difference. Don played a leading role and served as a major catalyst in the 2013 merger between Seguin Services and UCP of Greater Chicago, helping to secure a more stable financial future for the merged agency.
Don continued to volunteer his time after the merger by serving on the UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago Foundation Board. As Senior Vice President of Finance at McDonald’s Corporation, Mary helped generate support and funding for UCP Seguin through her colleagues and network. After Mary’s passing, Don has perpetuated his family’s legacy through continued generosity, advocacy, leadership and counsel.
Don was instrumental in a developing a number of key assets in the Cicero community. He helped establish two businesses to give people with disabilities community employment opportunities leading to greater independence, while also generating discretionary revenue for the agency mission. One is the Seguin Auto Center, which employs persons with disabilities in car-washing and exceptional auto-detailing, while also receiving and selling donated used vehicles. Additionally, he was part of the committee that helped establish Seguin Gardens & Gifts. Don was also a key member of the capital campaign committee that raised funds for the major renovation of UCP Seguin’s headquarters in Cicero.
“What UCP Seguin does with their donations is what makes the difference — whether it’s money, time or resources,” Don said. “UCP Seguin’s main priority has always been helping their participants live fulfilling lives.” The residence named for the Barteckis is already home to four young men through UCP Seguin’s innovative IHOME, part of the Independent Housing Opportunities through Mentoring & Enrichment initiative. Utilizing innovative
technology, natural supports and alternative staffing models, for the past two years, the IHOME has provided an opportunity for its residents to move out of their childhood homes and achieve an important level of self-sufficiency through jobs in the community, recreational activities and increased self-care while accessing support when needed.
The home in Westmont is especially suitable for honoring Don and his late wife, as it is the nearest of UCP Seguin’s homes to their residence in Hinsdale. This home was in part established through significant contributions from the parents of individuals who reside there.
This was another meaningful factor in choosing this as the Bartecki House, as Don has always championed investment by families in developing housing for their loved ones.
“It really says a lot about UCP Seguin that its participants are able to live so independently and truly enjoy life,” Don said. “I’m honored and humbled to be a part of this organization.”
Time and again, the Bartecki family has gone above and beyond to ensure that UCP Seguin participants are valued and provided with social and community opportunities. Thanks to the generosity of Don and Mary Bartecki, countless individuals have been empowered to live their lives to the fullest.
