LISA TORRES

Recycling Avenue

​Lisa Torres has a stepson with autism, a husband with Asperger’s, and a very close tie to the disability community.  Lisa works for Recycling Avenue, an independent part of the non-profit group Avenues to Independence that provides support services and job placement for people with disabilities in the north and northwest suburbs of Chicago.  Recycling Avenue is a free service that recycles small electronic items and provides employment opportunities for adults with intellectual, physical, and developmental disabilities.  Lisa is motivated by the “giving hearts” of each one of her co-workers, who are actually more like family.
 
Recycling Avenue was launched in 2007 by Greg Campone and PJ Flaherty, two physically challenged young adults, who wanted to work and make a difference in our environment and also in the lives of people with disabilities.  The economy was hit hard during 2007, making it near impossible for Greg and PJ to find jobs.  Thus, they decided that if they couldn’t find work, they would create work.  Now they are helping others make a living and make a difference through Recycling Avenue.  This business recycles scrap donations in dozens of municipalities around the Chicagoland area and sells to vendors across the country.  Aside from offering jobs, Recycling Avenue also empowers the physically and intellectually disabled communities through mentoring and giving back to the community and those in need.