The Nora Project to Join CEL in Mission-Aligned Integration
Creating a More Connected, Compassionate World - Together
After years of promoting disability inclusion by empowering educators and engaging students, we are thrilled to announce that The Nora Project is being integrated into CEL (Center for Enriched Living), a well-established nonprofit organization based in Riverwoods, IL. This strategic alignment provides us with critical infrastructure support while also allowing us to maintain programmatic independence and a distinct identity.
Like us, CEL is deeply committed to creating a world where people with and without disabilities are valued and included members of the community. By joining forces with CEL, we will have the opportunity to bring The Nora Project’s programs to even more communities, strengthening and expanding our work. CEL’s 50+ year history of providing social, recreational, educational, and employment programs makes them the ideal partner to carry forward The Nora Project’s vision and impact.
We want to assure you that our goals, programs, and learning systems will remain unchanged: fostering empathy, inclusion, and understanding among young people is still our goal. With CEL’s support The Nora Project’s curricula and initiatives will not only continue— they will grow and thrive.
CEL’s current programs begin at age 13, so our integration into their organization expands the impact into earlier stages of life and broadens our shared capacity to make a world difference. When advocacy and inclusion start early and continue through life, the long-term benefits are powerful: better relationships, stronger social-emotional skills, and a foundation for self-advocacy and success later in life.
“Joining CEL is an incredible opportunity for our work to grow in both scope and impact,” said Lauren Schrero, Co-Founder and Board Chair of The Nora Project. “We’re aligning our mission to a broader vision—a world where people with disabilities are fully included in their communities at every stage and in every aspect of life. Together, we’ll reach more people, share more resources, and create even more meaningful opportunities for people with and without disabilities to thrive together.”
We’re grateful to be growing and learning, together, toward a more inclusive future. If you are interested in learning more about CEL or have any questions, please visit ExperienceCEL.org
More About CEL:
CEL provides valuable programs and services for teens, adults, and seniors with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Lives are changed every day through social programs that foster friendships, paid employment that matches individual skills and interests, REACH and Catalyst Adult Day Programs, and mental health resources.
CEL is independently funded and partners with the community for donations, regular volunteers, advocacy, and collaborations that support people with IDD.
