A place where young adults get to be themselves.
The Be Yourself Group is a boutique day program and overnight experience for young adults with developmental disabilities in Naperville & Aurora, Illinois — where confidence grows, real friendships form, and every single person belongs.
Since 2019 💛
Our Story
We're here to do more than fill a schedule — we're here to change lives.
We create a space where young adults with developmental disabilities are celebrated, supported, and surrounded by joy. Our mission is to build real friendships, teach real-world skills, and help every person who walks through our door feel like they truly belong.
From dance parties to budgeting lessons, from quiet support to loud cheerleading — we meet each person exactly where they are and walk with them as they grow.
See Our ProgramsOur Vision
Kindness leads, laughter is daily, and being yourself is the best thing you can be.
Our boutique-style program stays intentionally small so we can go big on heart, flexibility, and fun. We dream of a place where young adults thrive — finding confidence in themselves, purpose in their days, and friendships that feel like forever. It's not about fitting in. It's about standing out as exactly who you are.
Our Programs
Two ways to belong
Intentional spaces where young adults build independence, confidence, and connection — at their own pace, surrounded by people who get them.
The Day Program
A boutique-style weekday experience blending life skills, cooking, fitness, friendship, and fun community outings — all in a small-group setting designed for joy and growth. Job training, Starbucks trips, nail painting, dance parties, and a whole lot of belonging.
"Stay Awhile" Overnight
A cozy, sleepover-style program that gently supports independence through evening routines, morning prep, and real-life practice — with a whole lot of heart along the way. A soft, safe place to discover you're more ready than you ever knew.
Whether you're spending the day with us or staying overnight — you're part of the family here.
🌸 New — Our Social Enterprise
Say it with flowers — and purpose
Meet the Be Yourself Flower Shoppe — beautiful, custom arrangements handcrafted by our young adults as they learn real job skills, build confidence, and shine. Every bouquet you order helps write someone's story.
Birthdays, weddings, thank-yous, or "just because" — order a one-of-a-kind arrangement made with heart. 💛
Visit the Flower Shoppe 🌸Photo Gallery
Joy, in full color 📸
Magic bowling parties, concert nights, cooking adventures, and a thousand little moments of friendship. This is our hive.
Buzzworthy Moments
Highlights from the hive
Stories from our hive — the adventures, the milestones, and the everyday joy of our friends growing up side by side.
A Summer to Bee-lieve In: Our Hive at UFC Gym of Naperville
This summer, The Be Yourself Group joined a boxing camp at UFC Gym of Naperville — and our hearts are fuller and our spirits stronger because of it.
Buzzing in the Kitchen with The Be Yourself Girls
Tuesday nights are the buzz of the week! Our girls bee-lieve in themselves as they take charge of the kitchen — a hive of activity from start to finish.
A Dream Come True: Mitali's Night with Russell Dickerson 🎶
VIP access to her favorite artist's concert — Mitali celebrated Russell Dickerson up close and personal. #DreamsComeTrue
Our First Party: A Magical Day of Fun & Inclusivity 🌟
The recap of our very first event — the Magic Bowling Party. Bowling, pizza, a live magic show, and a whole lot of joy. And boy, was it a blast!
Meet the Team
The people behind the hive
Stevielyn
The compassionate founder dedicated to fostering self-acceptance and community. With a background in Human Services and a lifetime of helping others, her empathy drives our mission. Inspired by personal experience, she creates inclusive spaces where everyone belongs and thrives.
Tony Capparelli
Passionate about fostering change and helping those in need. Tony brings joy and humor to our community, lifting spirits with his playful spirit and compassionate heart. His wisdom and kindness shaped a safe, inclusive space where everyone can thrive.
Christa Robins, PA-C
Christa brings 17 years of healthcare expertise, dedicated to compassionate care and innovative solutions. Our dependable star — offering unwavering support and expert care — whose compassion embodies the community spirit we cherish at Be Yourself.
Join Our Movement
There's a place for you in our hive 🐝
We're growing — and looking for big-hearted people to grow with us, whether you want to enroll, volunteer, or join our team.
Join the Program
Families: we'd love to meet you. Reach out to learn about the Day Program and "Stay Awhile" and find your person's place here.
Volunteer
Have a passion for helping others and a few hours to spare? Come bee part of our team — flexible hours, big impact, lots of fun.
Paid Positions
We offer flexible hours and a fulfilling work environment tailored to your lifestyle, with room to grow as we grow. Bring your heart.
Activities include job training, life-skills development, cooking classes, fitness, community outings, seasonal events, and so much joy.
Support Our Mission
Help kindness keep buzzing
Every gift is made through our 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Forever Friends Foundation — funding life-changing programs, joyful experiences, and a future filled with belonging for young adults with developmental disabilities.
One-time or monthly — every gift is tax-deductible through Forever Friends Foundation.
Let's Link Up
Connect with us 🐝
We warmly welcome new friends! Reach out to join our community, ask about our programs, or just say hi.
- ✉️ thebeyourselfgroup@gmail.com
- 📞 847-828-6101
- 📍 Naperville & Aurora, Illinois
Send us a message
The quickest way to reach us is by email — tap below and tell us a little about you and how we can help.
Email The Be Yourself Groupoptional We can add a contact form that emails you directly — just say the word.