Old Plank Studio Hosts Open House
NEW LENOX, ILLINOIS – On Friday, April 24, 2026, Old Plank Studio, a community day services (CDS) program managed by Trinity Services, hosted an open house at 12723 Old Plank Drive in New Lenox. Visitors were treated to a tour of the facilities featuring a large common area for gatherings, as well as separate rooms for arts and crafts, culinary, exercise, woodworking, and other activities.
Nancy Dye, Economic Development Coordinator for the Village of New Lenox, relatives and friends of people supported by Trinity Services, as well as interested members of the community, were on hand to learn more about the CDS program.
Gerald Weiske and Pamela Leffler, who are related to Joshua, one of the program’s long-time participants, were on hand for the open house. “Pamela and I wanted to come to Joshua’s community day program today to see exactly what they do,” said Weiske. “We’ve heard so much about it from Joshua.”
Pam Van Hess, CDS Associate Director, provided some insights into the program. “Here at Old Plank Studio, we do a variety of activities based on the tenets of positive psychology, a branch of psychology aimed at helping people move beyond just surviving to thriving, fostering a life of meaning, purpose, and satisfaction,” said Hess. “People with disabilities and mental health needs supported by Trinity Services participate in many different activities at Old Plank Studio, such as arts and crafts, culinary lessons, exercise instruction, as well as engaging with the community to enjoy a wide variety of different learning and social experiences.”
Albert Vazquez, is the day-to-day coordinator for the Old Plank Studio program. “We currently have 35 people participating – some from the local community and some who live in the Trinity residences,” explains Vazquez. “Everybody comes Monday through Friday. They start at 8:45 am and end at 2:30 pm.” Vazquez added, “We look at each individual’s flourish plan and personal goals and apply those to the different activities offered though out the day by Old Plank Studio.”
For more information about the Old Plank Studio CDS program, contact Stephanie Behlke Leigh or Pam Van Hess at (815) 485-8146, or visit www.trinityservices.org/services-and-supports.
Photo: Joshua and his father, Ron Weiske.