The Beginning
From humble beginnings in 1966 to today’s organization that serves more than 200 individuals daily, MALCOLM EATON Enterprises has evolved to continually meet the demands of people with disabilities in Stephenson County.
About
Mission
Malcolm Eaton Enterprises is a not-for-profit organization in Freeport, Illinois that serves 200 people with developmental disabilities every day. Through a variety of programs, these individuals learn vocational and life skills that are enabling them to contribute to the community. The goals outlined in our mission statement guide all actions:
“MALCOLM EATON Enterprises encourages and assists people with disabilities, and those who touch their lives, by promoting informed choice and creating opportunities which foster independent community living, work, and play.”
Our History
1966
1967
Production Center
The organization incorporated as the Association for Retarded Children of Stephenson County and was originally a day care center providing classroom services for children with disabilities who were not being served in the public school system. In January 1967, the group opened its first production center in downtown Freeport with major support from both individuals and local industry. Eight consumers attended.
1967
1968
Name Change
In 1968, the organization changed its name to the Association for the Handicapped of Stephenson County. By 1974, a Birth to Three, Early Intervention Services program started. Early Intervention eventually served hundreds of children before progressing into today’s Respite program.
1970
Production Growth
Production center growth boomed during the 1970s with the downtown location adding 6,000 square feet for more contract work.
1970
1980
Facility Relocation
By the early 1980s, it was time to move. A property donation and public fund-raising campaign made the June 1983 relocation to the current facility at 570 West Lamm Road possible.
1982
Name Change
The organization changed its name to MALCOLM EATON Enterprises, honoring Malcolm Eaton — a longtime volunteer “who made a difference.”
1982
1987
Community Employment Program
The late 1980s saw the start of the Supported Employment Program, now known as the Community Employment Program (CEP). CEP assists individuals with developing job skills that will help them find independent employment in the community.
1990
Community Integrated Living Arrangement
In the 1990’s, the Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA) program began. In the CILA program, individuals are given a chance to live in the community while under the supervision of trained staff. In the CILA program, people are taught basic living skills such as cooking, cleaning and laundry so that they can work towards greater independence.
1990
2002
Bathroom Tissue
In 2002, MALCOLM EATON Enterprises took its production center to a new level by manufacturing a product of its own: bathroom tissue. You might wonder why a not-for-profit agency would decide to make and sell bathroom tissue. The answer is simple: Because of the opportunities. Spirit allows us to grow the spirit of our organization. It teaches important job skills and instills pride in the individuals receiving services at MEE.
2006
Retail Product
After four years of success, selling bathroom tissue to government agencies across the state of Illinois, MALCOLM EATON Enterprises decided to add a retail product. In 2006, MEE launched the Spirit brand, and began distributing it to stores across our region.
Today, Malcolm Eaton provides high quality services to individuals in Stephenson and Winnebago Counties. Each day, over 200 adults with developmental disabilities attend Developmental Training services at Malcolm Eaton.
2006
Spirit™ bathroom tissue is proudly made by the men and women of MALCOLM EATON Enterprises, a not-for-profit agency which trains people with developmental disabilities.
You might wonder why a not-for-profit agency would decide to make and sell bathroom tissue. The answer is simple: Because of the opportunities. Spirit allows us to grow the spirit of our organization. It teaches important job skills and instills pride in these individuals.
We also needed another source of financial support that didn’t rely on government grants or funding. So, in 2002, we began producing bathroom tissue for state agencies. Soon, rest areas, parks, prisons, and office buildings throughout Illinois were using our product. Encouraged by the success of our commercial tissue, in 2006 we created a special line of bathroom tissue to sell through grocery, retail and convenience stores. Later that year, we expanded that successful offering. Although we don’t have the resources or advertising clout of big-name competitors, our Spirit is spreading.
More importantly, this business provides more than 18,000 hours of work each year for people with disabilities. Profits from Spirit sales go back into the programs that benefit the people we serve. What other brands can say that?
If you haven’t guessed by now, Spirit is more than just a clever name. It honors the heart of each individual in our organization. It’s how we live our lives – with spirit!
