Edwards Center General Operating Support
The Edwards Center enhances the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities through the residential, employment and community living support services they provide.
Edwards Center General Operating Support - Portland Metro Area
The mission of The Edwards Center is to enhance the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities by helping them reach their highest potential through training, education, employment, housing, and social opportunities in safe, healthy, and stimulating environments.
During her post-graduate work, Founder, Dr. Jean Edwards traveled to Europe to study a new philosophy called “normalization” – a concept that included the integration of people with developmental disabilities into their communities. It was this experience that led her and a group of families whose loved ones were shut out of public schools because of their disabilities to form The Edwards Center in 1972: a place where people with developmental disabilities could live, work, and engage in recreational activities, helping them to live a more independent and fulfilling life.
Since that time, The Edwards Center has grown to 20 residential homes, which make up a family unit of individuals who share similar ages, abilities, and interests. They also provide residential support services for those who live independently or at home with family, employment opportunities and day support services in Aloha and Milwaukie for people who are retired or who simply want to stay socially connected to their peers with group activities that promote continuing education and social stimulation.
The Edwards Center provides opportunities in all aspects of life for the individuals they serve, preserving their dignity and independence, keeping them motivated, celebrated, connected with family, and integrated into their community. The JTMF Foundation applauds the work they do and is proud to support their efforts with general operating funds needed to cover every day expenses.
