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| Ann, Donald, and Ewen McIntyre |
The Services Center for Independent Living (SCIL), was incorporated in 1980, by
a number of Claremont residents with disabilities, their families and friends. Among those pioneers were Ann and Ewen McIntyre,
Reverend James Angell, Robin Olson and Nancy Groener, who served as the indestructible foundation that saw the agency grow
to a fully certified Independent Living Center by the State Department of Rehabilitation in 1992.
Each Center shares the independent living philosophy of teaching, mentoring and preparing
others to make informed choices, live independently and develop leaders of the future. Dedicated to expanding access to programs,
services, employment and housing, Services Centers for Independent Living offer community outreach and education as a means
of building community capacity to advance the goals of full participation and improvement in the quality of life for
individuals with disabilities.
From 1980 to 1992, The agency was supported solely by private donations and a $5000 annual grant from the
city of Claremont. Today the agency represents more than 150,000 individuals with disabilities living in 22 cities and unincorporated
areas of Los Angeles County: from Azusa South to El Monte, East to Hacienda Heights and North to Pomona and Claremont.
The Services Center for Independent Living, now
identified as the SCIL serving the East San Gabriel Valley, is a part of a network consisting of 29 such Centers throughout
the State of California, and one of 480 that make up the nationwide network of Independent Living Centers. Recognized as a
powerful force for change, together, we have worked closely with Governors and Presidents: Republicans and Democrats
alike.
