Center for Enriched Living

The Center for Enriched Living (CEL) began in 1968, when two mothers approached a social worker at a local 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 developmental disabilities. CEL became an independent agency in 1984 with 60 members and has grown exponentially, now serving more than 450 people annually in our 20,000 square foot facility in Riverwoods. This building allows us to serve more people with developmental disabilities in a greater variety of programs with a gymnasium, arts-and-crafts room, teaching kitchen, computer lab and accessible garden. And now we are opening our doors even wider, integrating Universal Design throughout our building to ensure that everyone, no matter their ability can navigate and use CEL with greater ease. At CEL, we provide opportunities for our members – the people who come to CEL – to make new friends, have fun and acquire new skills for social inclusion and independent living. And because 84% of our members are at or below the federal poverty level, we keep our fees low and offer scholarships for all programs!