Enriching the lives of children and adults with special needs since 1946

ECF was founded in 1946 by a group of parents and community activists who sought to establish a day training program as an alternative to institutional care for individuals with developmental disabilities. Over the years, ECF’s services expanded to meet the changing needs of its target population, successfully developing and implementing early intervention programs for infants and toddlers, as well as residential, work and day programs for adults. In 2008, ECF merged with Kayne Eras Center (KEC), adding a K‐12 school and a comprehensive Mental Health Program to its services.

Today, with an annual operating budget of $28 million and 375 staff, ECF has become the only organization of its kind in California, offering a full continuum of lifespan services for children and adults with developmental disabilities and other special needs.

As a regional service provider, ECF currently supports nearly 4,000 children, adults, and their families at 14 service sites, in clients’ homes, and in community settings throughout L.A. County. We are dedicated to providing a lifetime of services for clients so that they can live as independently as possible, and with the right support, all of ECF’s clients are examples that anyone can grow and succeed.

ECF Vision

ECF envisions a society in which people of all abilities are valued and included in educational, social, employment and residential settings.

People First
We place the highest value on the people involved in our organization (students, consumers, clients, families, employees, volunteers, supporters, and friends). We respect and appreciate each person’s unique abilities and contributions.

Service Excellence
We provide choices of progressive educational, therapeutic, employment, residential and community programs to our students, consumers and clients. We are committed to recruiting, developing and retaining professionals and volunteers who are highly skilled and possess the values consistent with those of ECF.

Integrity
We provide services and conduct business with strict adherence to the highest values of society. We are committed to maintaining those high standards in all that we do.

Empowerment and Inclusion
We are committed to providing our students, consumers and clients the tools they need for self-determination and to make the best choices in their lives.

Fiscal Responsibility
We honor and embrace our fiduciary responsibility to manage our resources efficiently and effectively, and to remain accountable.

Community Building and Advocacy
We are committed to educating and encouraging the general public and legislators to integrate and include people with developmental, learning and emotional disabilities in all aspects of community life. Our services and programs are designed to maximize choices and opportunities for the people we serve.

Life-Long Learning and Enrichment
We are dedicated to offering a wide range of experiences and opportunities to encourage individuals to discover and develop their unique talents and abilities, understanding that each individual learns differently.