History
Established in 1956, Garden Center Services has served the community since its inception with the mission of doing everything in our power to support people with developmental disabilities. Garden Center was formed in response to lack of educational opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.
As the word of the specialized programs and schooling grew, so did the enrollment. From its humble beginnings above the garage at Reavis High School in 1956, to a meeting room housed at the local roller rink in Oak Lawn in 1960, and finally to the Garden School for the Handicapped, built in 1965 specifically designed to serve persons with developmental disabilities throughout their lives.
Today, over 50 years later, Garden Center Services is a recognized non-profit leader in serving people with cognitive and physical disabilities; with a $5 million annual operating budget and a property portfolio of 14 buildings.
