There is a new flock of eagles taking flight in Darien.

With the help of Lombard resident Susan Friend, executive director of South East Association for Special Parks and Recreation, local adults ages 18 to 35 will have the chance to participate in the Enhancing Adult Growth through Lifestyles Education and Service.

EAGLES helps people transition from high school to adult life in the community. Current participants reside in areas including Darien, La Grange and Downers Grove.

“Like any skill people work hard to develop, if you don’t use it you lose it,” Friend said. “Through this program, we want to help maintain some of the academic skills our participants received over the years.”

Working on social and job skills during a daily 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. program, EAGLES also works to strengthen social skills for its members.

Since 1979, Friend has worked with 11 local communities, including Darien and Clarendon Hills, through SEASPAR to institute programs enhancing the lives of members of the community who have disabilities.

With the help of Stephanie Gurgone, executive director of the Darien Park District, Friend began looking for facilities willing to house EAGLES. A partnership was formed and space is used at the Darien Sportsplex, 451 Plainfield Road.

“Not everyone can open their doors to a program like this,” Friend said. “Through great leadership, we have been offered a home for this program.”

With almost 30 years of service to help better the lives of others under her belt, Friend said it is about the strong relationships that the SEASPAR participants make with the community that helps foster success in the programs.

“It’s great for the community to see our participants out and about,” Friend said. “We are helping teach independent living skills and that makes a big difference in so many lives.”