Causes: Children & Youth, Children & Youth Services, Developmentally Disabled Centers, Disabilities, Human Services, Residential Care & Adult Day Programs

Mission: In 1959, a small group of parents shared a dream in which their children with developmental disabilities could live, grow, love and be loved in a warm and nurturing environment. Purchasing 56 acres of farmland in Palatine, Illinois, guided by faith and perseverance, these parents tuned their dream into a reality. In the fall of 1959, Little City opened its doors to 16 children with disabilities. Today, the organization serves more than 350 children and adults with disabilities throughout the Chicago Metropolitan area. Little City engages and supports individuals, families and communities to ensure that children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities can realize their unique potential to live safely, learn continuously, explore creatively and work productively.

Direct beneficiaries per year: Over 350 adults and children with disabilities receive support services from Little City.

Programs: Adult residential services - little city foundation provides a variety of living options that give adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to make choices and live a full and satisfying life. The program offers participants assistance in daily living, budgeting and community integration. The goal of the program is to provide opportunities for individuals to become as independent, healthy, and as happy as possible. Adults served - 153service units - 51,460 days of service

children's group homes - provides 24-hour, highly specialized care for children in homes on little city foundation's campus in palatine, illinois. The program offers treatment planning; case management; behavioral analysis and intervention; individual and group therapy; recreation, medical and psychiatric services. The goal of this program is to assist children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, in the development of new skills and to increase their independence. Children served - 52service units - 18,990 days of service

vocational, employment and training services - this program assists adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to become productive, tax-paying members of society by earning money for meaningful work. Employment and training opportunities based on individual needs and capabilities are provided to little city residents as well as individuals from the local community. The life enrichment program provides opportunities for adults with significant developmental disabilities to achieve their highest level of independence by helping them learn valuable life skills including personal hygiene, social skills, pre-employment skills, and cooking. Adults served - 149service units - 161,374 hours of service