The Douglas Center Hosts 20th Anniversary Luncheon Celebration

Skokie, IL - The Douglas Center hosted their 20th -Year Anniversary Luncheon Celebration on Friday, March 8, 2019 at the Holiday Inn North Shore in Skokie, Illinois. This milestone commemorated the center’s 20 years of service in providing programs and services to individuals with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities. “This celebration is in honor of our dedicated staff, consultants, board members, volunteers and friends whose support and hard work enables us to serve the needs of our program participants,” stated Rifath Khan, CEO of The Douglas Center.

The Anniversary Celebration kicked off with a brief historical video presentation of The Douglas Center, from day one, March 8, 1999 to the present day. Guest Speaker, Mark A. Collins, Niles, Township Government Trustee, highlighted the many accomplishments of The Douglas Center and illustrated how the staff of The Douglas Center are the real “superheroes” in the work that they do every day. Mark Collins expressed that it is his honor to be a part of the celebration and affirmed his commitment to support the work of The Douglas Center in every way possible.

Mayor George Van Dusen presented Awards for Years of Service to the staff, consultants, board members and volunteers of The Douglas Center. The longest serving staff member award for was 17 ½ years of service. Rifath Khan, CEO, presented Mayor Van Dusen with an award for “Making a Difference” and for his support of The Douglas Center. Following the award ceremony, Mayor George Van Dusen briefly addressed the celebration attendees. The mayor recognized The Douglas Center for their extraordinary dedication and work in serving those with special needs. “It is our wish that they continue their work for many years to come and right here in Skokie,” commented Mayor Van Dusen.

A very special award was presented to Rifath Khan, and it reads:

“Presented to Rifath Khan, Founder and CEO of The Douglas Center

In recognition of 20 years of service, dedication and guidance of The Douglas Center

and her commitment to transforming a vision into reality”

Memorable moments of the Anniversary Celebration were captured by Joe Pizzo of Joseph Studios in Evanston, Illinois. Chris Lavidas of Breaking Grounds in Music entertained guests with a wonderful session of interactive drumming. Guests quickly took to the dance floor for an afternoon finale of fun!

The Douglas Center would like to offer its sincere gratitude to Schlegel’s Bakery in Lincolnwood and Jameson’s Charhouse in Skokie for their generous raffle donation.

“I am so humbled to have had the privilege of doing this work for the past 20 years. It has been my honor to lead the center in its mission and growth. I am grateful to all who have been a part of The Douglas Center through their support of our mission,” stated Rifath Khan, CEO.

About The Douglas Center

The Douglas Center is a non-profit organization that provides community day services for individuals with intellectual developmental and physical disabilities. The Douglas Center was started by Rifath Khan in March of 1999 in a small 2,500 sq. ft. storefront with one client. Since these humble beginnings, the program has expanded five times to meet the demands and changing needs of our participants. Today, the center provides services for over 138 participants daily. We provide a home away from home for these hardworking and dedicated individuals. The current facility boasts 40,000 sq. ft. and provides comprehensive programming, empowering participants to make choices for their personal growth.

We serve individuals with disabilities from ages 18 to 100 residing in Chicago, Skokie and surrounding suburbs. Our center provides unique opportunities for acquiring skills for future employment and learning to manage their disability as they get older. Our comprehensive programs, clinical services, training programs, employment opportunities and seniors program focus on assisting each individual in the management of their disabilities, while building self-esteem and developing and/or improving existing social, work and independent living.

For more information about The Douglas Center, please visit our website: www.thedouglascenter.org