Citizens Development Center was founded in 1951 by Jean Walker Bentley, a young single mother and Junior League volunteer who recognized an unmet need in the community and set out to address it. Children's Development Center as it was then known was the answer to the prayers of parents of children with mental retardation. It was an era when little was known about mental retardation and institutionalization was the norm. Little thought had been given to the possibility that children with mental retardation could learn and grow academically and socially. As the public became more aware of their capacity to learn, Congress passed legislation that mandated a public education for children with disabilities beginning in 1976. By 1981, the mission had shifted entirely to adults with disabilities who had completed their education, but still needed vocational training and employment support. The name of the agency was changed to Citizens Development Center.
Throughout the years, Citizens Development Center has empowered tens of thousands of children and adults in their journey to become productive members of our community. Whether getting a quality education or performing contract packaging and assembly in our work center or finding and maintaining employment in area businesses, our clients experience the reward of accomplishment and success, two of the most fundamental human needs.
Timeline:
| 1951 - | Founded as a school for children with mental retardation. It was the third of its kind in the nation, and the first to offer scholarships so that children from all walks of life could attend. |
| 1952 - | Enrollment increased to 40 children with five staff plus volunteers. |
| 1954 - | Purchased two adjacent residences with funds from Hoblitzelle Foundation and converted them into a school. |
| 1960 - | Secured funding and began construction of a five classroom facility on Pearl Street in Dallas. |
| 1963 - | Contracted with UT Southwestern Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, Division of Psychology for on-site doctoral candidate training. Created Adult Activity Center for students 18 years and older. |
| 1965 - | Became a certified agency of the United Fund, now known as United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. |
| 1975 - | Congress enacted Public Law 94-142, currently known as Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). |
| 1976 - | Children with mental retardation and other disabilities began attending public schools. |
| 1981 - | Phased out services to children and focused exclusively on the employment needs of adults. Changed name to Citizens Development Center. |
| 1983 - | Moved into current 30,000 square foot facility on Ambassador Row in Dallas. |
| 1990 - | Congress passed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibiting private employers, state and local governments, employment agencies and labor unions from discriminating against qualified individuals with disabilities. |
| 1994 - | Raised badly needed funds through the first Annual Mike Doocy's Stars of TX Challenge at White Rock Lake. Today this event is known as the Doocy Dash for Dignity. |
| 2006 - | Provided vocational and employment services to nearly 400 adults with disabilities. |
| 2007 - | Opened a distribution center to provide new training opportunities and skills for work center employees. |
