At A Turning Point for Life of Illinois, our journey is deeply rooted in personal experiences and a shared vision to create a meaningful impact in the lives of adults with intellectual disabilities. Together, Kenneth and LaShawn Scott bring nearly 50 years of dedication to educating, supporting, and advocating for individuals with disabilities. Their journey began long before they had a name for it, as they saw firsthand how their work with adults naturally evolved into the creation of CILA (Community Integrated Living Arrangements).
Kenneth’s upbringing shaped his heart for people, grounded his belief in the importance of inclusion and equity. His parents opened their home to foster numerous children which laid the foundation for his life of service.
Similarly, LaShawn’s mother, whose work in health communities and social services nurtured LaShawn’s desire to care for and advocate for others, instilled in her a deep compassion for those with unique needs. From early years of in-home care to broader work in community health, this nurturing environment shaped LaShawn’s enduring commitment to care and advocacy.
As a special education teacher, LaShawn carried this dream forward, envisioning a place where adults with intellectual disabilities could live with dignity, supported by the right services and housing. When she shared this vision with Kenneth, he wholeheartedly agreed, knowing this was the opportunity to make a lasting difference. Though LaShawn didn’t yet know the terminology for these services, the concept was clear: create living arrangements that would positively impact the lives of those with intellectual disabilities.
In 2021, the CILA model was defined and steps began in the direction to establishing the agency. Together, they created A Turning Point for Life of Illinois—an organization committed to empowering adults with disabilities and helping them lead fulfilling, independent lives. ATP, a fitting acronym, symbolizes the energy that drives the organization as it strives to be the source of support the couple aims to provide, energizing the lives of those they serve. Just as ATP (adenosine triphosphate) powers every cell, we aim to energize the lives of those we serve, fostering an inclusive, thriving community.
Help Us Grow
We need your support to continue providing life-changing services. With your help, we can reach more individuals. Contact us today to find out how you can help us grow.
