What are the opening hours?

Monday 9am - 9pm Tuesday 9am - 9pm Wednesday 9am - 9pm Thursday 9am - 9pm Friday 9am - 9pm Saturday 10am - 3pm Sunday 1:30pm - 9pm

CEL - Center for Enriched Living

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United States
Riverwoods, IL
CEL - Center for Enriched Living

The Center has been serving the Chicagoland-area for more than 50 years.

Enriching the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities by maximizing their opportunities for personal success, fun & friendship, employment, inclusive education, and community involvement. We are a privately funded non-profit agency serving the social needs of people of all ages with developmental and intellectual disabilities – such as Down syndrome, autism, and Fragile X syndrome. Th

e Center is the place that brings friends and peers together – to benefit from lifelong learning and enrichment, to enjoy social activities, and to be an active part of the community.

06/22/2026

Spring cleaning is always a huge undertaking, and thankfully we had some incredible help to make it happen!

Thank you to the Carmel Catholic High School Varsity Dance Team, who gave their time to help beautify our building, organize storage, and deep clean spaces members love to use every day like the gym and sensory room.

Dance Captain Grace R. put it perfectly: "I get to see the people I'm helping, and how CEL creates such a fun environment. I always feel really motivated and fulfilled when I come volunteer."
For many of her teammates, this was their very first time at CEL, but they left feeling inspired to return and volunteer again.

Whether you're coming solo or bringing a group, there's always room for you to make an impact here at CEL. Learn more about our volunteer opportunities at ExperienceCEL.org/get-involved/volunteer/

06/20/2026

CEL's summer campers brought the glam and the heart to the Red Carpet, dressed to the nines and strutting their stuff as staff and friends cheered them on every step of the way. Some of our REACH members walked the carpet too, soaking up every bit of the spotlight!

This red carpet led to the CEL gym for a special awards ceremony, where each camper was honored for their individual standout qualities. A familiar emcee volunteered for the event to hand out the trophies, and many campers gave acceptance speeches while thoroughly enjoying their moment in the spotlight.

You could feel the pride in every word and smile, because that's what summer at CEL is really about: building confidence, making memories, and cheering each other on every single day.
Learn more about our programs at ExperienceCEL.org/programs.

06/16/2026

Rain couldn't put a damper on our Door County getaway. Between exploring local shops, trying out bakeries and restaurants, and splashing around in the hotel pool, our members found plenty of ways to enjoy the soggy weekend.

We did catch one timely break in the clouds, just long enough to watch the beautiful sunset over Lake Michigan at Peninsula State Park. A few members even climbed Eagle Tower for an even better view!

The cherry on top was visiting George Burr's Fine Art Gallery, where artist George shared how nature and his local community inspire his work. He then let everyone choose a free print, encouraging each person to pick something that "called to them." Thank you, George!

Join us on our next trip! Check out CEL's offerings at ExperienceCEL.org/Programs

06/14/2026

Catalyst members recently did something most people never get to do: walk in a jail cell and walk right back out.

As part of a visit to the Northbrook Police Department, members got a full behind-the-scenes tour of the station. They explored the fingerprinting station, stepped inside a real jail cell, visited one of the dispatcher rooms, and held the bulletproof shield that officers carry on duty. They also met Chloe, a rescue dog trained to detect drugs, who may have been the most popular officer there! Officers also shared one tip everyone should keep in their back pocket: if you accidentally call 911, don't hang up. Stay on the line and let them know it was a mistake.

After the tour, we returned to CEL for an activity that reinforced when to call 911 vs. a non-emergency line: A neighbor's barking dog? Non-emergency. Someone who's hurt? Call 911, right away.

Knowing how to access and navigate community resources is a real, important life skill, and Catalyst members are building those skills every single day.

Thank you to the Northbrook Police Department for being a great community partner and for gifting each member with a sweet swag bag.

Interested in learning more? Check out the Catalyst program at ExperienceCEL.org/Catalyst

06/12/2026

We’re just two weeks away from CEL’s annual Car Raffle drawing, and tickets are going fast! Will you be the lucky winner and take home your choice of a 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend or $30,000 cash?

Only 1,299 tickets will be sold, and once they’re gone, they’re gone! Don’t miss your chance to win big.

🎟️ Tickets are $100 each or 3 for $275.

Your ticket purchase impacts hundreds of people with developmental disabilities in Chicagoland and classrooms across the country by fostering belonging, building friendships, and opening doors to employment and independence.

But time is running out! Buy your tickets today at ExperienceCEL.org/Car

The Grand Prize drawing takes place at CEL on Monday, June 30, 2026, and will be livestreamed. The car raffle winner does not need to be present to win.

06/10/2026

The REACH crew headed out for another day at the ballpark to watch the Chicago Dogs take on the Lincoln Saltdogs. From the first pitch to the final inning, it was a home-run kind of day! ⚾

Zach held it down as the #1 fan, while Smadar and Squeeze the Mascot were twinning in yellow. Erin came ready with her baseball in hand, and Sean got a fun surprise when he spotted his brother in the crowd. Oh, and the Dogs took home the win, making it an all-around perfect day with friends!

Ready to step up to the plate for your next adventure? Learn more at ExperienceCEL.org/Programs

06/08/2026

Gardening season is officially here, and CEL's garden is taking root!🌱

REACH members kicked off the season by planting a variety of fruits and veggies from tomatoes and watermelon, to fresh herbs like dill and cilantro. The Catalyst crew will keep things growing strong by helping with the watering schedule.

The best part? What we grow will be used in some of our healthy recipes.

🌿 Did we plant a seed of interest? Learn more about our programs at ExperienceCEL.org/Programs

06/06/2026

We loved welcoming students from Maine Township High School District 207's Clinical Government summer course to spend an afternoon of community and connection with REACH members.

Students visited CEL as part of a real-world tour exploring how nonprofits and local government intersect and work together. CEL was on their list thanks to a Maine Township grant affiliation - a perfect example of that connection in action!

Members and students participated in two activities. One was learning about Marsha P. Johnson, the activist whose courage helped spark the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. Members also colored artwork inspired by her and her iconic flowers.

And since it also happened to be National Egg Day, the group made an egg casserole and competed in some eggcellent trivia.

Thank you to the District 207 students for spending your afternoon with us!

Interested in volunteering at CEL? Learn more at ExperienceCEL.org/get-involved/volunteer/

06/05/2026

We love a good party at CEL because it brings everyone together and creates memories that last, and our Spring Extravaganza did not disappoint! Members from our REACH and Catalyst programs got together to celebrate and have the best time together.

Shoutout to Bounce Houses R Us for volunteering to set up five carnival games for members to enjoy, including a blow-up ring toss and bullseye.

Interested in creating an experience for CEL members? Learn more at ExperienceCEL.org/Partner.

06/03/2026

Local businesses are helping create opportunities, connection, and belonging for people with disabilities through multiple golf outings this summer on August 31, August 19, and August 1.

These events raise critical support for CEL programs and services while driving inclusion forward, one swing at a time. Thank you, AIT Worldwide Logistics, CDW Corporation, Blitt & Gaines, and Weinberg Choi Residential for sponsoring and hosting these outings.

Beyond the golf course, these businesses are dedicated volunteers, sponsors, and champions of CEL's mission throughout the year, and we are incredibly grateful for their ongoing partnership. Check out the following opportunities to golf for a good cause:

⛳ CEL's Annual Golf Tournament sponsored by AIT World Logistics is August 31, 2026 at Twin Orchard Country Club.

⛳ Blitt and Gaines, PC's 11th Annual Golf Outing is on August 19, 2026 at Chevy Chase Golf Course.

⛳ Weinberg Choi's 10th Annual Golf Outing is on August 1, 2026 at Wilmette Golf Course.

To learn about these local businesses' dedication to inclusion and register for an event today, read the full blog post at ExperienceCEL.org/Golf2026!

Address

280 Saunders Road
Riverwoods, IL
60015

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 9pm
Tuesday	9am - 9pm
Wednesday	9am - 9pm
Thursday	9am - 9pm
Friday	9am - 9pm
Saturday	10am - 3pm
Sunday	1:30pm - 9pm

Telephone

+18479487001

Website

http://www.ExperienceCEL.org/

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