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.

At CEL our members are our #1 priority. We encourage and support their self-advocacy as they discover and achieve their desired path in life. We are an inclusive and welcoming organization. We place a high value on our families, community partners, donors, volunteers and all stakeholders as they work together to enrich the quality of life for our members. Our staff team is our #1 asset who embrace and hold dear to our core values. Our team enjoys their work and likes to have fun. We attract and retain the best and we also expect the best. We support our team in their work, leadership development and pursuit of knowledge. We care about their well-being.

LIFE @ CEL

Love of Mission

Integrity as we value and protect the resources of this organization and the rights, health, safety and well-being of our members.

Flexibility as we respond to the current and future needs of our constituents, with friendship and community at the heart of what we do.

Equity and Equality to help us build a strong and diverse organization ensuring that all voices are heard and all people are respected.

The following key ingredients are integral within our work environment:

CELEBRATING DIFFERENCES: CEL celebrates the unique contributions of everyone – where all voices are heard and personal choices are respected.

STRONG COMMUNITY: We believe in a strong connection to friends and community – where everyone belongs and is treated with dignity.

UNLIMITED OPPORTUNITIES: We believe in providing unlimited opportunities for learning, enrichment, and growth.

COLLABORATION & INNOVATION: We promote a culture of collaboration and innovation to help us do, and be, our best.

REMOVING BARRIERS: CEL is committed to removing barriers – both physical and attitudinal – so that our members can achieve greater independence and lead more fulfilling and meaningful lives.

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, art room, teaching kitchen, technology hub and accessible garden.

And with Universal Design integrated throughout our building, it ensures 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!

Your support makes it possible for CEL members to have opportunities connected to community and friends.