Founded by parents in June as the Montgomery County Cerebral Palsy Association. The first facility was in downtown Silver Spring at Jessup Blair Park.
Preschool Program started with 18 children in a former public school library at Jessup Blair Park.
Agency facility established at 9421 Colesville Road. The Ladies League was formed. Children's Program moved to Grace Episcopal Church in Silver Spring. The Montgomery Workshop merged with Center for the Handicapped.
Agency moved to 649 Lofstrand Lane in Rockville. Name changed to Centers for the Handicapped, Inc. Children's Program moved to MacDonald Knolls Elementary School. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) authorized construction of Inwood House.
Children's Program renamed CHILD Center (Centers for the Handicapped Individualized Learning and Development Center).
Agency name changed to CHI Centers, Inc., with the tag line, "Supporting People with Disabilities." Major renovations were made to the restrooms at Hillandale Center.
Vision 2000 planning process began. A new computer system was implemented. A web site and e-mail address were established. The Upper Montgomery County facility moved to Crabbs Branch Way.
CHI Centers celebrated its 50th anniversary. May 21 was declared CHI Centers Recognition Day by Maryland Governor Parris Glendening. CHI Centers extended programs to include clients from Howard County. CHI Centers received significant grants and private donations during its 50th anniversary.
A growth plan was approved which envisioned increased facilities and programs serving more clients in the Washington Metro area. Charity golf tournaments were held. An enclave site was opened at the Lone Oak School in Rockville. CHI Centers developed a partnership with the Capital PC User Group. CHI Centers purchased a facility to serve as its Upper Montgomery County satellite facility. A grant from the State of Maryland and a foundation grant from The Jones Foundation funded the facility. An additional day program was established in Prince George's County at Laurel. Two residential facilities were purchased to be used as homes for adults with disabilities.
CHI Centers purchased two residential facilities. The agency was recognized for its contribution to the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County through sponsorship of cultural arts activities at both the Child Center Preschool and the Adult Program. CHI Centers was recognized by The Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission (CARF) with a three-year accreditation. Inwood House's Section 8 contract was renewed for four years. CHI Centers was the recipient of the Maryland Association of Community Services Achievement Award for Innovative Services.
The Ladies League celebrated its 35th anniversary. The Lone Oak renovation project was initiated. The Jones Foundation continued its support of the CHILD Center Preschool and augmentative speech project. The Annual Golf Tournament at Indian Spring Country Club was sponsored with a record number of golfers. The League of Volunteers for Exceptional People received the Marriott Spirit Volunteer Award, Montgomery County's most prestigious volunteer award. CHI Centers completed its strategic planning process. CHI Centers advocated for funding to support increased wages for direct care staff.
An artist series was developed for adults with disabilities. With the assistance of a grant from The Jones Foundation, CHI Centers established an augmentative speech program known as 1-2-3 Speakâ for individuals with disabilities. The agency developed an annual Quality Assurance/Management Report. The agency closed its CHILD Center Preschool due to low enrollment and developed a program for adults with severe disabilities aging out of the school system. CHI Centers upgraded its information and technology software and hardware and developed its web page with the address www.CHICenters.org.
All of the agency's programs received a three-year CARF accreditation. The League of Volunteers for Exceptional People celebrated its 25th anniversary. Funds were secured to begin the renovations to both the Hillandale Center and the MacDonald Knolls facility. The agency received special recognition from National Industries for the Severely Handicapped (NISH). CHI Centers was able to acquire a number of new vehicles for both its transportation and residential fleets.
The agency's renovation projects continue to be of major importance. Major renovation projects at The Jones Center and The Lone Oak Center were completed. A new preventive maintenance garage at the Hillandale Center was completed. The annual Office of Health Care Quality Licensing Survey was completed, and CHI Centers continues to receive its license. The agency received $1.6 million from the State of Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to complete renovations to its Hillandale Center. The agency began its partnership with the University of Maryland's Robert Smith School of Business in the design of a web site to assist employment options for people with disabilities and to be used for fundraising.
Major renovation projects began at the Hillandale Center and will continue into fiscal year 2008. CIH Centers purchased its 12th Alternative Living Unit through the Maryland State Department of Housing and Community Development Program. Growth continues in all aspects of CHI Centers’ Day Programs and CSLA Services.