History & Mission

CCLS was incorporated on October 1, 1973, as the result of over a year of planning by four individuals—John Hunt, Jon Nelson, James Esmeier, and Joseph Bissen. The four believed that individuals with developmental disabilities would have a better chance of growing to their fullest potential if they were served in a small community setting rather than in an institution. Back in the early 70’s that concept was very new. In an effort to pioneer new services for people with disabilities, our founders sought to provide community living arrangements for persons with developmental disabilities. Due to this innovative concept which was outside the status-quo of the time period, others were reluctant to take on this new opportunity. The four decided to form their own corporation for the purpose of providing community living arrangements for persons with developmental disabilities. On October 8, 1973, the first program was opened on Mifflin Street (now located on Cottage Grove Road) in Madison to serve eight women who had spent the first two decades of their lives at a state center.

In 2024 CCLS proudly serves more than 300 individuals across the state of Wisconsin!

Mission

Our mission is to establish individualized community supports that will preserve and enhance the dignity and rights of those who rely on others while seeking their own level of independence.

Vision

We strive to be the premier provider of creative and innovative services reflecting excellence and integrity.

Philosophy

We believe that every person is a valuable human being, and therefore must be treated with respect and dignity. We believe that all people deserve to live in and be a part of the community. We believe that all people deserve the right to choose, guide, and/or direct the way they live.

We believe that every person is a valuable human being, and therefore must be treated with respect and dignity. The services we provide are tailored to the needs our clients; our services may include round the clock supportive care assisting in tasks such as cooking, administering medicine, personal cares, or transporting clients to appointments, community activities, or work. We also provide some day service programs allowing caregivers some respite while our clients enjoy daily skills training, art, fitness, and the opportunity to interact with others. Our services are all client centered.