Making A Difference Since 1976

Riverside Foundation was incorporated in 1976 and provided residential services for 99 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities at our campus in Lincolnshire. Many of our residents came from the Dixon State School, Lincoln State School and Shapiro Developmental Center – all state operated institutions being downsized or closed due to the deinstitutionalization movement. Others came from several private facilities that ceased operations. And, others came from family homes after aging out of school programs or because their aging families were unable to meet their physical, medical or behavioral needs. As state and federal regulations became more stringent and expensive to meet, Riverside met the challenge by increasing its communication with families of residents and the Lincolnshire community.

Onward and Upward

To solidify the support of our residents’ families, the Relatives & Friends of Riverside Foundation was formed in 1978. In 1981, we received the support of a second support and fundraising entity when interested community members formed the Riverside Foundation Auxiliary, now called the Riverside Foundation Women’s Board, which continues to help us raise money, awareness and support.

In 1986, we began providing off-site developmental training programs at Woodland Park School in Deerfield. This expansion was supported by the newly enacted Medicaid Initiative which allowed select agencies to provide developmental training programs for their residents. In 2004, this program was relocated to a larger space and more appropriate building in an industrial park in Vernon Hills.

In 2015, Riverside Foundation opened a men’s Community Home in Gurnee and a women’s Community Home in Grayslake.  We eagerly await the opening of a men’s Community Home in Wildwood as we continue to grow, expand and serve our community.

Rick Lange, Mary Swiatkowski, Donna Graves, Katie Ciura, Bill Mahrenholz (l to r) enjoying the patio at the Riverside Campus