"When you cease to make a contribution, you begin to die" -Eleanor Roosevelt, 1960

The Eisenhower Center, Inc. traces its origins to the early 1950’s. At that time, families, community members and service organizations joined together to develop a training program for people with cerebral palsy. Their mission was to provide a program that would provide training to improve work skills and increase the independence of people with disabilities. In addition to the program, there was also a very strong parent group which provided financial support and direction for the agency.

The program was managed in a variety of locations throughout the Milwaukee community until it became apparent that a permanent home and professional staff was needed if the program was to grow and provide meaningful services. To meet these goals, Eisenhower Center moved into the Jewish Vocational Services facility in 1972. The program remained at JVS for the next twelve years.

The program was quickly absorbed by the JVS service structure and most of its individuality was lost. The parent group became less active and divided into two separate groups; one group remained active in the program and the other group formed the United Cerebral Palsy organization of Southeast Wisconsin.

In 1982 the program was reviewed by Milwaukee County. They asked the Eisenhower Board of Directors to shift the target population of the program to people with severe disabilities and over the next few years, the program changed radically. Most of the clients required the use of wheelchairs for mobility and communication boards or gestural systems for communication. Many clients needed assistance with feeding and personal care. In an effort to better meet the needs of our expanding services and to develop program autonomy and community recognition, the Board decided to move into a facility of our own.

In June, 1984, an independent program became reality. A staff was assembled and preparations were made to change the focus of program services. October 4, 1984, Eisenhower Center opened its doors as an independent agency. In less than a year, the program developed into a dynamic work program for people with cerebral palsy and other neurological disorders.

Increased client population and the need for expanded work production space required a larger facility. In July, 1991, another step forward was taken in our move to Woolworth Avenue in Milwaukee. Our facility is now located in a small industrial area which enhances the work image and atmosphere of the program. 

Through the great efforts and personal sacrifice of many people, our agency has developed into what it is today - an agency dedicated to serving the needs of people with severe disabilities.