CEL’S Annual Impact Report

Elevating Lives, Expanding Possibilities.

July 1, 2024 –June 30, 2025

This year’s impact report celebrates the difference you make. Because of your support, CEL programs thrive, our members reach new milestones, and everyone who brings this mission to life can continue their important work every day.

By the Numbers

475
individual members thriving in CEL programs
126
Catalyst and REACH members developed new skills and actively participating in the community
89%
of members returned for more fun, friendship, and personal success.
1867
students learned about disability and inclusion from CEL’s The Nora Project

Impact Highlights

  • The Nora Project officially joined the CEL family, expanding inclusive education beyond classrooms and into communities across a lifetime.
  • Thanks to the generous support from the Smith Tieken Foundation, CEL expanded access and opportunity through new vans, smartboards, and iPads that help our members learn, connect, and grow.
  • We celebrated three successful fundraisers, Chefs’ Night, the Annual Golf Outing, and our DDAM campaign, all supporting people with developmental disabilities.
  • Our REACH and Catalyst members built meaningful community connections while learning, growing, and developing new skills that support lifelong independence and belonging.

Staff, Parents, and Volunteer Voices

CEL members remind us every day that inclusion is not an abstract concept; it is a lived reality when people have opportunities to contribute, grow, and connect.

Herb Washington, CEO of CEL

CEL is a very special place. We feel the wonderful staff understand him and appreciate the person he is, and we know Kyle feels the same- exactly what every parent hopes for

Sari, Parent of CEL Member Kyle

Almost nowhere in the country is the funding situation as harsh as it is for people with developmental disabilities in Illinois. Anything we can do to contribute is worth its weight in gold.

Rob Dorsey, CEL Board Member

Our foundation supports CEL because seeing the passion and commitment of the people involved. It’s inspiring seeing good people doing good work so passionately with so much commitment.

Robert Packard, Smith Tieken Foundation Director

Programs like CEL are hard to find—they’re few and far between. That’s why it’s important to advocate, so they continue not just for our loved ones, but for everyone who needs them.

Mike, Parent of CEL Member

I’ve seen my brother grow, find community, find strength, and find a voice that I didn’t even know he had. More importantly, I get to learn more and more about my brother, in ways that I didn’t know was possible. He’s blossoming, and I am incredibly grateful to CEL.

Lisa, Sister/Guardian to CEL Member

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!

Become a Member

Enrich lives today!

Your donation will transform and enrich the lives of our members with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Donate Now