Lamb's Farm
Lamb's Farm
Visit Lamb's Farm, a premier non-profit organization, when you are in the Chicago area, it is a very interesting place. Founded in 1961 by Bob Terese and Corinne Owen, who had an extraordinary vision. These people opened a pet store and employed 12 adults with developmental disabilities for customer service, to take care of the animals and manage inventory. By 1965 the Lambs Farm Pet Shop moved to Libertyville, Illinois, into a turn-of-the-century building, donated by philanthropist W. Clement Stone. Mr. Stone also donated his 70-acre farm for the program's expansion.
All these years later the program has remained true to the founding premise, and continues to employ people with developmental disabilities in many different jobs, from animal care to customer service. The co-founders Mr. Terese and Ms. Owens's vision took into consideration the life of those with developmental disabilities and the quality of their life.
Due to their concern and care they came up with this unique idea. Believing people with developmental disabilities could be productive and independent individuals. They established an alternative to the traditional sheltered workshop. The necessary skills on how to care of the pet shop animals, and how to manage the inventory was taught to these individuals. Giving them a real sense of accomplishment and pride in themselves and each other. Today there are 250 people with developmental disabilities working, living and calling Lamb's Farm home.
On your visit to Lamb's Farm Pet Shop you will find playful kittens, frisky puppies, interesting reptiles, birds of different varieties, and cute small mammals. The friendly and oh so experienced staff there will assist you in finding the right pet for you. They also can be of great help in assisting you in finding the necessary supplies your new pet will need to keep it healthy and happy.
