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History

Founded in 1897, Allendale is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to excellence and innovation in the care, treatment, education and advocacy for families, children and youth with serious emotional, mental and behavioral health challenges.

We proudly serve children, youth, and their families from all walks of life. These children, often victims of abuse, neglect or severe mental and/or behavioral health problems, come to Allendale with the devastating experiences of failure in the classroom, misunderstanding in the home, and isolation in the community. 

Helping these children to heal and prepare for a brighter future requires highly sophisticated therapeutic programs and services. Allendale’s educational, residential, clinical, vocational and recreational programs are provided within safe, aesthetically-designed facilities. The main campus in Lake Villa, Illinois, houses the Elizabeth Morse Special Education School and the Bradley Counseling Center, and provides intensive residential treatment programs for youth 6 to 18 years of age. Additionally, Allendale has a residential treatment program in North Chicago, IL;  group homes in Waukegan, IL; an outpatient community based child/family counseling center in Gurnee, IL; and an extended day treatment special education satellite program for children and youth from surrounding communities in Woodstock, IL.

Today, we serve over 650 children, youth and families annually.

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