Open house Wednesday marks 50th anniversary for AID

Fifty years ago, the Association for Individual Development was a single classroom in Aurora serving eight children with developmental disabilities.

Today AID serves more than 5,400 individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and special needs in facilities located in Yorkville, Aurora, Batavia, and Elgin. To celebrate its 50th anniversary, a series of open house events have been planned for Wednesday, June 15, in Yorkville, Aurora and Elgin.

The open house events will be staggered throughout the day beginning at 8 a.m. in Yorkville. The celebration continues in Aurora at 11:30 a.m. and the festivities conclude in Elgin with a 4:30 p.m. open house. The open house events are open for all to attend. Food and refreshments will be served at each open house. Great prizes will be raffled off including three brand new e-readers.

“We invite everyone from the community to attend. AID would not have reached this milestone without the support of the Fox Valley Community” said AID Executive Director Lynn O’Shea. “This celebration is as much for them as it is for us; we are grateful for their support over the years.”

O’Shea also encouraged members of the community who may not be familiar with AID to attend, “The open house events will provide an opportunity for guests to learn the history of AID as well as see our plans for the future.”

In attendance at each open house event will be state and local officials who will be presenting proclamations recognizing the 50th anniversary of AID. Also in attendance will be current and former AID employees and board members who will come together to reflect and celebrate on 50 years of providing services to individuals with disabilities, mental illness and special needs throughout the Fox Valley.

Tours of each facility will be available to interested open house attendees. You can also enter to win raffle prizes. For more information on the AID open house events, visit www.the-association.org.