The Center for Enriched Living was born in 1968, when two mothers approached a social worker at a local social service community center, asking for help in finding after-school programs for their children with developmental disabilities. With the social worker’s assistance, the two children were then integrated into programs at the community center. As these programs evolved, they began to include social and independent living activities for people of all ages with special needs and a primary disability of mental retardation.

In 1984, The Center became an independent agency and incorporated with 60 members attending programs. After moving to numerous facilities to accommodate its exponential growth, The Center embarked on a capital campaign in 1996 to raise funds for the construction of a new home. The result of that effort came to fruition in 2000, when The Center moved into its own facility in north suburban Riverwoods. This state-of-the-art complex includes a gymnasium, fitness room, arts-and-crafts room, teaching kitchen, computer lab, auditorium, practice apartment and accessible garden. This building allows The Center to serve more people with mental retardation, developmental disabilities or other special needs in a greater variety of programs.

At The Center, we provide opportunities so that our members can acquire new skills for social inclusion and independent living. Due to the fact that the majority of our members are at/below the federal poverty level, The Center keeps fees low for program participants and also offers scholarships. We believe that mental retardation, developmental disabilities and special needs are not deterrents to a well-rounded life.