Malcolm Eaton's History

MALCOLM EATON Enterprises' HISTORY

Over 30 years ago, a group of concerned families gathered to develop an organization to provide supports and services for children and adults with disabilities. Through major support from local individuals and industries, the Association for Retarded Children in Stephenson County began. The first production center doors opened with eight consumers in the old Guyer and Caulkins Building on Spring Street in downtown Freeport, Illinois.

During the 1970's, a model Birth to Three/Early Intervention Services Program began in Stephenson and Jo Daviess Counties. The program was very successful and soon expanded into Carroll County. The production center also expanded during this time to provide approximately 6,000 square feet of additional space for more contract and production work.

Growth continued in the 1980's, as the Association received a property donation and contributions from the community to build the current facility on Lamm Road. Soon after the move to Lamm Road, the Association changed its name to MALCOLM EATON Enterprises as a remembrance of the founder Malcolm W. Eaton. He was an exceptional man and a "volunteer who made a difference." The MALCOLM EATON Center is a 35,000 square foot facility situated on 18 acres of land on the south end of Freeport, Illinois.

Presently, MALCOLM EATON Enterprises serves 120 adults and 80 children in a variety of programs. As we progress toward the future, we are constantly searching to strive for the betterment of MALCOLM EATON Enterprises' consumers, families, staff, members and Board of Directors. We continue to "Imagine the Opportunities."