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Salem Christian Homes had its beginning on July 29, 1960 when 29 men and women met together to form a society which would assume the support of a Christian school program for children and adults who were developmentally disabled. In September of that year, 10 children were enrolled and two teachers were employed to begin this challenging work in Bellflower, California. On April 28, 1961, our constitution was adopted and a non-profit corporation was formed. Salem's day school program grew until the enrollment included over 25 developmentally disabled students. When the rented facilities became crowded, land was purchased at our present site in Ontario, California, and plans were made to build a residential home and school. On April 1, 1968, the first phase of construction was completed and included an administration building. The day school program, at that time, provided training in language development, motor, quantitative, prevocational skills and music. Meanwhile, many excellent specialized programs of service were developed in the community and public schools and the philosophy of service for the developmentally disabled people began to change. Consequently, Salem residents began to attend these community programs and by 1974, Salem's day school program was phased out. In 1975 two more living centers were completed, each housing 16 residents. In 1980 Salem South (semi-independent home) was opened housing 12 residents. From 1986 to 2004, Salem has added an additional 18 homes. Currently, all residents are cared for in these small homes in community designed for 4-6 adults in each home. The larger living centers on Salem's main campus are no longer used for residential care. In 2001 Salem began to provide Supported Living Services for individuals who choose to live in their own housing with Salem's assistance.
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Last modified: 07/11/08 |