{"id":989,"date":"2026-06-16T18:53:07","date_gmt":"2026-06-16T18:53:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/demo-ps.com\/CTF\/?page_id=989"},"modified":"2026-06-24T17:40:38","modified_gmt":"2026-06-24T17:40:38","slug":"history","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/demo-ps.com\/CTF\/history\/","title":{"rendered":"History"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Our History & Growth<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCelebrating 50+ Years of Empowering People with Disabilities \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Charley Smith and Jerry Meyer partner to open Markham Workshop in Markham, IL.<\/div>\r\n
1971<\/div>\r\n
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1978<\/div>\r\n
Southwest Community Services is formed; providing multiple service program to people with disabilities through out Chicago South Suburbs.<\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n
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Southwest Community services continues to expand its mental health and supported employment programs.<\/div>\r\n
1980<\/div>\r\n
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2000<\/div>\r\n
Charleston Transitional Facility opens in Charleston, IL providing day program and CILA services to people with intellectual disabilities.<\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n
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Both Southwest Community Services expand their days programs and CILA services, now in 7 counties throughout Illinois.<\/div>\r\n
2000<\/div>\r\n
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2013<\/div>\r\n
Our first community-based art program for adults with disabilities opens: an art studio and storefront that teaches people art therapy and gives them a place to showcase and sell their work to earn income.<\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n
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We launch our advocacy program, where people in our communities rally together to participate in campaigns defending the rights of people with disabilities.<\/div>\r\n
2015<\/div>\r\n
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2016<\/div>\r\n
CTF merges with Southwest Community Services & LifeStyles Academy, expanding our reach from the south suburban area of Chicago through the Palos Park area.<\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n
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We open ADAPT: behavioral health treatment for people with a dual diagnosis of a developmental disability and a mental health disorder.<\/div>\r\n
2017<\/div>\r\n
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2018<\/div>\r\n
In late 2018, we open our second art center: RITA, an educational trainer for adults with developmental disabilities with a focus on the arts.<\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n
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We open our first vocational training site Crestwood alongside a therapy center in Tinley Park. Later that year, our THRIVE sensory program opens.<\/div>\r\n
2019<\/div>\r\n
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NOW<\/div>\r\n
Today, CTF Illinois continues to expand its services and will soon open its largest facility RISE in Orland Park.<\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n