It all started with a dream-a dream shared by a small group of the parents whose children had mental retardation or other developmental challenges such as cerebral palsy, autism, Down Syndrome, epilepsy, visual and hearing challenges and emotional and behavioral challenges. This founding group, which also included some of the friends of those parents, envisioned not just a care-giving setting, but rather a place that provided a warm, nurturing environment. They dreamed of a place where children could learn, thrive and develop the skills they needed to achieve their greatest potential and become productive and responsible adults with a meaningful place in society.
In 1959 the foundation was laid for a unique approach, designed to meet the challenging needs of its original children. Turning their dreams into reality, these parents and volunteers built a progressive alternative to institutional living. They created a community where each child would be accepted, valued and nurtured to become an adult who could look forward to a rich and rewarding life. They had built Little City.

Building the future together

At Little City Foundation, we know that people with mental retardation and other developmental challenges bring value to our society. For example, they have been the impetus for many breakthroughs in education, science and the arts. We have found that when we remove the artificial limits set by others, individuals with challenging conditions are more than capable of living satisfying, active and productive lives. More than that, however, people with challenges inspire us to reach beyond the ordinary. They help make the world a better place for everyone by awakening in us all a sense of the extraordinary. As we partner with people who have challenges by opening new doors to expand the roles they play in our community, we are moving Little City Foundation from an agency that meets the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities, to an organization that makes a better society for us all. We look to you as individuals, families, civic and business leaders, donors and volunteers who have collaborated with us in our evolution and helped us grow into a dynamic community, and to the people who will join our mission, to continue to help us advance every day.