SHORE’s mission is to improve the quality of life for persons with developmental disabilities through educational, residential, vocational and related programs provided with community integrated supports and services. Helping children and adults reach their full potential and, thus, lead them to more independent and productive lives is fundamental to the process.

In 1951, a group of Evanston parents formed SHORE School. By 1953, the school operated as one of six statewide research projects to determine if children with developmental disabilities could benefit from public education. The school’s success led to incorporation in 1954 into the Evanston-Skokie School District. As the idea of inclusion moved to the forefront and institutionalized care diminished, SHORE continued to grow and establish programs.

Today, SHORE provides a comprehensive array of services including: small, scattered, integrated living arrangements, a vocational center, senior and adult day programs, early intervention, in-home respite care and service facilitation. These programs are located in Evanston, Morton Grove and Skokie and serve over 400 individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities each year.