60 Years of Showing Up: Valley Sheltered Workshop Invites Community to Annual Pancake Breakfast

Batavia, IL – May 3, 2026 – For 60 years, families in the Fox Valley have searched for a place where their loved ones could belong, grow, and be seen. For many, that place has been Valley Sheltered Workshop.

The community is invited to gather on Sunday, May 3, 2026, from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM at 325 Main Street in Batavia to celebrate this 60-year legacy at the Annual Pancake Breakfast.

Founded in 1966 in response to isolation and limited opportunities for individuals with disabilities, VSW has become a cornerstone of the Fox Valley community.

“This place exists because people kept showing up,” said Hugo Saltijeral, Executive Director of VSW. “Families showed up. Volunteers showed up. The community showed up. That’s how we’ve been able to offer services at little to no cost for 60 years. This belongs to everyone who has ever walked through our doors.”

For many families, VSW represents something deeper than services. It is a place of relief, hope, and trust. A place where individuals are given the chance to live full lives and take part in their community in meaningful ways. Community members are encouraged to attend, bring family and friends, and be part of a morning that celebrates connection, belonging, and 60 years of impact.

The Pancake Breakfast reflects that same spirit. It brings together neighbors, families, volunteers, and supporters for a morning that feels simple on the surface but carries decades of impact behind it.

Guests can expect an all-you-can-eat breakfast, raffles, and a chance to connect with the people and stories that have shaped VSW over the years.

“This is what 60 years looks like,” Saltijeral said. “People showing up for one another.”

Event Details:
What: 60th Annual Pancake Breakfast
When: Sunday, May 3, 2026 | 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: Valley Sheltered Workshop, 325 Main Street, Batavia, IL
Tickets: Available at the door or online at www.vsw-il.org

The community is encouraged to attend, bring family and friends, and take part in a tradition built on care, connection, and shared responsibility.

About Valley Sheltered Workshop Valley Sheltered Workshop

(VSW) has served the Fox Valley community since 1966, providing support, employment opportunities, and life-enriching experiences for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through strong community partnership, VSW continues to create opportunities for individuals to grow, contribute, and live with dignity.