In 1955, a small group of parents came together to create a brighter future for their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In a donated classroom in an Evergreen Park church, these determined parents began teaching their children. As word of their heroic efforts spread, other families joined and soon they established Park Lawn School.

​In 1968, they were granted state funding to hire professional staff and construct the first permanent school in Oak Lawn. Shortly after, Park Lawn expanded to include programming for adults and a variety of community day services and residential facilities. Today, over 500 individuals are enrolled in Park Lawn's programs and encouraged to pursue a life of productivity, independence and happiness – the same as everyone else.