Our Mission and Vision
CEL Mission
Enriching the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities by maximizing their opportunities for personal success, fun & friendship, employment, and community involvement.
People with developmental disabilities are empowered to realize their greatest potential, thrive within the community, and achieve their hopes and dreams.
When someone with an intellectual or developmental disability reaches age 22, the support and social connections they receive through the school system disappear.
CEL is bridging that gap by providing programs and services that start at age 13, giving everyone the opportunity to experience life’s possibilities.
Culture of CEL
CEL celebrates the unique contributions of everyone – where all voices are heard and personal choices are respected.
We believe in a strong connection to friends and community – where everyone belongs and is treated with dignity.
We believe in providing unlimited opportunities for learning, enrichment, and growth.
We promote a culture of collaboration and innovation to help us do, and be, our best.
CEL is committed to removing barriers faced by people with disabilities and their families.
Why does CEL matter?
CEL members are our neighbors. It’s important that a place like this thrives and is part of the community.
Michelle feels safe and nurtured at CEL. She’s learned new skills, made friends, and her confidence for trying new things has changed a lot. It’s amazing.
I know that CEL is a place where individuals with developmental disabilities are respected for who they are, free to imagine what life has in store for them, and empowered to go out and make their dreams come true.
People at CEL care about our sons and they know that. The structure, friendships, and inclusion are big parts of their lives.
When someone asks for support, CEL is the first agency I refer them to because CEL Staff are so caring, compassionate, and very customer-centric. You meet the person where they are and provide comprehensive job coaching services.
CEL makes a considerable difference with one of the most underserved populations and does it with clarity, purpose, and dedication.
Core Values
Living the Mission
Integrity
Flexibility
Equity and Equality
Everyone Should Experience Life’s Possibilities
We see a future where every person with a developmental disability is an equal, valued, and contributing member of the community. Your support provides opportunities for the hundreds of members who come to CEL to learn new skills, connect to the community and have fun through meaningful experiences and relationships. Through the generous financial gifts of people like you, our members’ lives are impacted, as well as their friends, families, loved ones, and communities.
Stories About CEL
CEL Partners with First Responders for Developmental Disability Training
Fire trucks, ambulances, and police vehicles filled the Center for Enriched Living parking lot for three days straight, but not in response to an alarm. Instead, the sounds of conversation and laughter poured out of the building as local first responders participated in training exercises to recognize and safely interact with people with developmental disabilities. […]
Center for Enriched Living Selects Herbert K. Washington, Jr. as Chief Executive Officer
Riverwoods, IL – Center for Enriched Living (CEL), a privately funded nonprofit organization that provides programs and services for people with developmental disabilities, has proudly announced the appointment of Herb Washington as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Assuming his new role effective November 13, 2023, Washington will help the organization build on its solid foundation and […]
A Mother’s Courage
“The courage needed to raise a child like Katelynn is relentless.”-Kristin Malek, CEL Board Member and Katelynn’s Mom The birth of a child is meant to be a time of celebration. Instead, what is supposed to be a moment of joy is met with silence followed by a nurse’s whisper, “You have a baby girl […]
Be the Difference
Join our team of dedicated, talented, and reliable staff who are passionate about enriching the lives of our members! (plus we offer a comprehensive benefits package and PTO)
Follow us on Instagram for more: @CELfriends
You asked, we listened! Our CEL merch store is officially live. From comfy T-shirts to cozy hoodies, there`s something for everyone to show off their CEL pride.
If you do order any shirts, be sure to send us a photo or tag us on socials! Whether you`re hanging out with friends, attending CEL programs, or out in the community, we`d love to see you rocking your CEL gear.
Please note that our online merch store is NOT a fundraiser. It`s simply our way of bringing you branded CEL gear to you so you can show off your spirit. Also note that the store can be accessed from the "About Us" menu of our website.
Shop our official merch now through the link in our bio.
You asked, we listened! Our CEL merch store is officially live. From comfy T-shirts to cozy hoodies, there`s something for everyone to show off their CEL pride.
If you do order any shirts, be sure to send us a photo or tag us on socials! Whether you`re hanging out with friends, attending CEL programs, or out in the community, we`d love to see you rocking your CEL gear.
Please note that our online merch store is NOT a fundraiser. It`s simply our way of bringing you branded CEL gear to you so you can show off your spirit. Also note that the store can be accessed from the "About Us" menu of our website.
Shop our official merch now through the link in our bio.
As Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week wraps up, we hope that our frontline staff have felt all the love and appreciation that the CEL community has for them. It has been a week full of gratitude, treats, and smiles, as everyone has expressed how important this role is in the mission of CEL.
Without our dedicated "mission movers, “our programs and services wouldn’t be possible. Thank you again to the team members who know each CEL member by name, make them feel welcome, supported, and valued, and empower them to experience all of life’s possibilities.
Interested in joining our team? Check out our current openings through the link in our bio.
As Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week wraps up, we hope that our frontline staff have felt all the love and appreciation that the CEL community has for them. It has been a week full of gratitude, treats, and smiles, as everyone has expressed how important this role is in the mission of CEL.
Without our dedicated "mission movers, “our programs and services wouldn’t be possible. Thank you again to the team members who know each CEL member by name, make them feel welcome, supported, and valued, and empower them to experience all of life’s possibilities.
Interested in joining our team? Check out our current openings through the link in our bio.
This week is Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) Recognition Week, so we are taking the time to thank our incredible front line staff!
These are the people who work most closely with our members, know them by name, and make CEL such a welcoming place. They help members set and achieve their goals, make new friends, and are always there to listen and offer support in every imaginable way. They wear so many hats, and we’re beyond grateful to have them as part of our team.
Join us in CELebrating these fantastic individuals this week. Thank you for your dedication and for making such a positive impact in the lives of our members with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Interested in joining the CEL team?
Check out our current job openings via the link in the bio.
This week is Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) Recognition Week, so we are taking the time to thank our incredible front line staff!
These are the people who work most closely with our members, know them by name, and make CEL such a welcoming place. They help members set and achieve their goals, make new friends, and are always there to listen and offer support in every imaginable way. They wear so many hats, and we’re beyond grateful to have them as part of our team.
Join us in CELebrating these fantastic individuals this week. Thank you for your dedication and for making such a positive impact in the lives of our members with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Interested in joining the CEL team?
Check out our current job openings via the link in the bio.
You belong at CEL!
Programs are centered on YOU! Choose from a wide range of social, recreational, and educational enrichment programs available seven days a week. Check out our program guide and learn how to get started today!
Enrich lives today!
Your donation will transform and enrich the lives of our members with intellectual and developmental disabilities.