History of Lambs Farm

On a warm day in September 50 years ago, 12 young men and women showed up to work at The Lambs, a pet shop, on Chicago’s State Street. There, they reviewed the training they had received on store cleanliness, pet care, customer service, inventory and more, and were ready for the first customer.

The employees showed up every day, on time, and were determined to provide great service to those customers looking to buy a puppy, kitten, bird, fish or perhaps a more unique pet such as a lizard. It was a nice little pet shop, unassuming in nature except for one thing – the workers had developmental disabilities and were capable of working and earning a living. And so a dream was realized.

Revolutionary Idea

This idea driving Bob Terese and Corinne Owen, revolutionary in nature and unrealistic to many people at the time, is now a basic tenet of organizations serving men and women with developmental disabilities – this population can be taught skills that translate to meaningful experiences at work, in relationships, during classes, in the community, in sports competitions and more.

As the little shop hummed along serving no more than a dozen customers on any particular day, Terese and Owen continued to advocate for the men and women they employed. Soon, they were visiting influential individuals and noted philanthropists, touting their successes and asking for support.

From Pet Shop to Farm

In 1965, intrigued by their immense belief and strong passion, W. Clement Stone ultimately provided support by purchasing a 50-acre farm just outside Libertyville in northern Lake County and leasing it to The Lambs (three years later Stone would waive the leasing agreement and donate the property outright). The pet shop was leaving the bright lights of the big city behind to provide opportunities for more people in the country.

Thirty five miles away from the first footprint of a successful model of support, Terese, Owen, family members and dedicated volunteers revamped the main barn and set up the pet shop’s new home. Although the pet shop was able to provide employment opportunities for additional men and women with developmental disabilities, the new site initially didn’t provide more customers or the revenue needed to continue the program.

The outlook was bleak and there was even greater disappointment when the garden stand later created by The Lambs was destroyed. However, the careless act of vandals, and the resulting newspaper coverage, brought much needed attention to the organization and its mission. As Lambs Farm grew, new businesses opened and customers flocked to “the farm” for hearty meals, tasty treats, and family pets, and to learn more about those with developmental disabilities.

Challenging Stereotypes

Since its early days, has challenged the general assumptions and educated the public on the real abilities of men and women with developmental disabilities. It was Terese and Owen's position that when tasks are broken down into simple steps and repeated, this population can do a host of jobs never thought possible including making edible items, silk screening, creating set props for performances, waiting on customers, and so much more. Today those same basic practices are readily apparent and experienced at Lambs Farm through the wide range of programs and services.

Terese and Owen knew their work wasn’t done; that the young people deserved more opportunities. Owen said once that they needed to create a place that would “offer a workday, something to come home to, and a full social life.”

Proving a Full Life Expedience

The dream of a campus with options for a full-life experience was formed in 1976. The first residence – the Dorm – was opened for 37 men and women. During the past 30 years, Lambs Farm has opened additional residences to provide a greater range of support options. The group homes opened in 1980 giving participants the opportunity to assist in meal preparation and household chores.

The first community home also opened in 1980 giving a few men a semi-independent lifestyle and access to all Lambs Farm services. Today, residential options also include a senior residence, an apartment building on campus, and additional homes in the surrounding communities.

Information provided by Lambs Farm.

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Lambs Farm Celebrates its 50th Anniversary

Seven original members of Lambs Farm are still residents of the community and are taking this time to reflect on their experiences.

4. Dennis Moss shares memories of Lambs Farm's annual events, such as the Arts and Crafts Show, Father's Day Ski Show, and the Jamboree.
5. Michael Hechtman, 74, has been with Lambs Farm since his early twenties and also has fond memories of the pet shop.
6. Janice Small says Lambs Farm has helped her become an independent person.
7. Matt Wigton, a music fan, recalls a trip he took to Graceland with Lambs Farm.