Mission

Founded in 1968, the Center for Enriched Living’s (CEL) mission is to empower youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to belong and thrive as we strengthen the communities we share. We envision is that every person is valued and belongs, and disability is embraced as part of the human experience. CEL provides meaningful programs and services that promote lifelong learning, independence, employment, friendship, and community inclusion, helping individuals with IDD lead fulfilling, self-directed lives. As one parent shared, CEL “opens up the world” for people with IDD, creating opportunities for individuals to discover their strengths, pursue their goals, and share their talents and passions with their communities. In July 2025, CEL expanded its mission through the integration of The Nora Project (TNP), a nationally recognized disability inclusion program that brings evidence-based social-emotional learning (SEL) curricula into schools. TNP equips educators and students with the tools to foster empathy, belonging, and authentic inclusion while challenging stereotypes and creating more inclusive learning environments. With TNP as part of CEL, we now advance disability inclusion across the lifespan, from early education and youth experiences to adulthood, employment, and community participation.