Over 50 years of supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)
Our History
Since 1968, Search360 has supported people with I/DD in Chicagoland to lead rich, rewarding lives. Today, our mission to create inclusive communities where every person belongs is deeply rooted in our 50+ year history.
Search got its start in 1968 as a grassroots movement of parents in the Cabrini Green neighborhood of Chicago advocating for the inclusion of their children into the public school system. Standing up against the segregation of people with disabilities from their communities is core to our legacy.
1968
Beginnings: First program opens for 8 children
1972
Adult Learning: Earth Child Emporium opens to serve adults
1986
First Homes: Search opens first of 5 homes over 10 year period
1996
A Turning Point: Search opens 9 homes in 6 months for 56 people
2000
Visibility Arts Launched
2003
Search launched medical and behavioral health initiatives
2004
Search for Adventures begins with a trip to Graceland in Memphis, TN
2009
The Keystone Alliance was founded in 2009 through a unique partnership between two like-minded nonprofits with similar missions, Glenkirk and Search, Inc. The Keystone Alliance was created in the interest of generating administrative efficiencies and sharing best practices. Today, Search’s administrative overhead is just 8.5% of its total expenses. Glenkirk and Search have benefited greatly from sharing innovations and best practices with one another.
2013
Search acquires JJ’s List social enterprise, now our signature Disability Awareness Training
2015
Career Services supports launched, expanding job training and placement opportunities
2018
Celebrated 50 years of services and supports for people with disabilities
2025
Today: Still committed to creating inclusive communities where every person belongs
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