Countryside Association Has Long Local History

The Countryside Association for People with Disabilities started in Lake Zurich in 1953 as the Countryside Farm School. Here's a timeline of the organization's history:

Countryside Farm School opens in Lake Zurich serving five developmentally disabled children.

1954
School incorporates as Countryside Association for Retarded Children.

1959
The Countryside Farm School Auxiliary forms as outgrowth of a social “Birthday Club”. Nearly 50 years later, the Auxiliary has raised over $300,000 for a variety of projects.

1969
O’Hare Chapter of Clipped Wings forms and adopts Countryside Association as its prime charitable work. Since inception, they have been able to donate over $200,000 through numerous fund raising activities.

Friends of Countryside, a parents group, is formed to provide a forum for interaction and support among families of individuals served by Countryside Association. They have also provided substantial funding for improvements to the Workshop facility.

Name changes to Countryside Association for the Retarded.

1973
Lakeside Work and Training Center opens in North Chicago at the request of the Department of Rehabilitation Services and the Illinois Department of Mental Health.

Country Center Foundation organized to provide financial support to the Association.

1978
Client and Family Support Program added to Countryside’s menu of services.

1979
Name changed to Countryside Association for the Handicapped.

1981
Respite Program added, serving an area in excess of 600 square miles of Northeastern Illinois.

1982
The Foundation purchases an unoccupied 27,000-square-foot food store and Lakeside Work and Training Center moves to present location on South Lewis Avenue in Waukegan.

1987
Supported Employment program added.

1989
Current logo created to symbolize the strength, growth, productivity and nurturing aspects of our purpose.

1992
Name condensed to Countryside Association.

2002
Helping Hands of Lakeside Center formed by family members and staff.

2003
Endowment Fund established through a bequest from a former Auxiliary member.

2004
Name changed to Countryside Association For People With Disabilities, Inc.

Read more about the Countryside Association: Facility dedicated to bettering lives of disabled breaking new ground