"Providing a Lifetime of Opportunities for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

The History of Lakemary Center

LAKEMARY Center, like most great accomplishments, was the product of the determined efforts of a few good people. In 1969, the Ursuline Sisters of Paola, came together with parents, community members and friends to create a safe, nurturing environment for children with developmental disabilities.

The Ursuline Sisters donated 32 acres of land in Paola and initial staffing to make the project a reality. The main campus facilities were built through a federal grant which was matched by locally supported industrial revenue bonds providing a year-round residential school for children with special needs.

Adult services began in 1983 when two homes were built in Paola and two more in 1986. In 1991, two homes were constructed in Olathe and LAKEMARY began offering supervised apartment living in both Miami and Johnson counties. In 1985, LMC Industries in Paola was founded to provide vocational training and teach adult living skills. In 1995, the Johnson County Service Center opened to offer these services in the Olathe area, and today an additional office in Mission, KS helps provide needed services for some closer to home.

Since its inception, LAKEMARY Center has served as a resource for Kansas City families providing choices and opportunities for persons with special needs to maximize the freedom and control they bring to their lives. Additional referrals come from social service agencies (primarily Kansas and Missouri) and local school districts.

LAKEMARY TODAY

Today LAKEMARY is a well established agency with a national reputation for quality whose services touch the lives of over 500 individuals with developmental disabilities each year. Ninety students currently receive primary and secondary education at LAKEMARY’s school, with 64 of the children residing on campus year-round. An additional 200 children receive services through the infant toddler and supported family living programs, and through service coordination. Our adult program serves 120 individuals in residential settings throughout Johnson and Miami counties and 140 in vocational programming. From the beginning, individuals and families of those we serve can be assured a quality experience. All individuals are provided health maintenance supported by a professional nursing staff, in order to coordinate their medical needs. This wellness concept is critical to developing a self-sufficient attitude and is emphasized through nutrition and exercise programs as well as many opportunities for recreational, leisure and spiritual activities.

LAKEMARY’s commitment to those we serve is strong and enduring. It is our goal to remain a constant partner as individual needs evolve over time and to help all of those we serve achieve the lifestyle they desire.

LAKEMARY is about choices. Providing a lifetime of opportunities – we’re there for those who need us!