50 Years of Service to People with Disabilities

Countryside Association for People With Disabilities is a private, non-profit organization serving children and adults with developmental and other disabilities. Based in Palatine, Illinois, Countryside offers a variety of support services including vocational training, in-home respite and family support.

Founded in 1954, Countryside today serves more than 600 people each year residing throughout Northern Cook and Lake Counties.

Countryside Association has a rich history of family involvement and program development. Highlights of that history are documented in the timeline below.

Over 50 years ago a group of parents met to discuss what the future would bring for their disabled children. Chief among their worries were the lack of educational opportunities for their children. That was when the Goodmonson, Gusewelle, Hughes, Naggatz, Phelps, Smyth, Steinfeld and Stelling families decided to start a school. Not just any school, but one that would be tailored to the special needs of their children. After operating for a short time in a home in Lake Zurich, the school moved to an eight acre farm in Palatine purchased with a mortgage that the parents signed for personally.

Founder Goodmon "Bud" Goodmonson stated that the purpose in starting the school was "for our children to be happy and content in their lives." His son Greg, remained in the Association's programs until he passed away in 2005. Mr. Goodmonson exhibits the outlook that undoubtedly motivated all the founding families when he added, "my son Gregory has made us better people, doing things in life that he may never have done if he was not born with a disability. We have learned to help others in our daily lives. We have always considered these opportunities to make a difference as a labor of love."

1953
Countryside Farm School opens in Lake Zurich serving five developmentally disabled children.

1954
School incorporates as Countryside Association for Retarded Children.

1959
The Countryside Farm School Auxiliary forms as outgrowth of a social "Birthday Club". Nearly 50 years later, the Auxiliary has raised over $300,000 for a variety of projects.

1969
O'Hare Chapter of Clipped Wings forms and adopts Countryside Association as its prime charitable work. Since inception, they have been able to donate over $200,000 through numerous fund raising activities.

Friends of Countryside, a parents group, is formed to provide a forum for interaction and support among families of individuals served by Countryside Association. They have also provided substantial funding for improvements to the Workshop facility.

Name changes to Countryside Association for the Retarded.

1973
Lakeside Work and Training Center opens in North Chicago at the request of the Department of Rehabilitation Services and the Illinois Department of Mental Health.

Country Center Foundation organized to provide financial support to the Association.

1978
Client and Family Support Program added to Countryside's menu of services.

1979
Name changed to Countryside Association for the Handicapped.

1981
Respite Program added, serving an area in excess of 600 square miles of Northeastern Illinois.

1982
The Foundation purchases an unoccupied 27,000 square foot food store and Lakeside Work and Training Center moves to present location on South Lewis Avenue in Waukegan.

1987
Supported Employment program added.

1989
Current logo created to symbolize the strength, growth, productivity and nurturing aspects of our purpose.

1992
Name condensed to Countryside Association.

2002
Helping Hands of Lakeside Center formed by family members and staff.

2003
Endowment Fund established through a bequest from a former Auxiliary member.

2004
Name changed to Countryside Association For People With Disabilities, Inc.