Discover how Beverly Farm, founded in 1897, revolutionized the care for people with developmental disabilities by offering a caring home, socialization, proper medical care, healthy diet, physical exercise, education, recreation, and meaningful work.
Our History
Beverly Farm was founded in 1897 by Dr. William H.C. Smith and his wife, Elizabeth. They had been searching for a suitable track of land where they could establish a fundamentally different approach to caring for people who live with developmental disabilities. Dr. and Mrs. Smith found the perfect location in Godfrey, Illinois. Here they would offer a caring home, socialization, proper medical care, healthy diet, physical exercise, education, recreation, and meaningful work – a radical concept at the time.
The land was named Beverly Farm, in honor of Dr. Smith’s birthplace in Beverly, Massachusetts. With two residents and two buildings, the Smiths began their journey. Their vision still drives the mission and identity of Beverly Farm, shared by staff and the many families they serve.
Dr. Smith received notoriety at the 1904 World’s Fair for his pioneering concepts in the care of people who live with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Recognition and support for Dr. and Mrs. Smith’s innovation was a driving force behind the continuing growth and development of the progressive programming offered by Beverly Farm.
In 1979, Beverly Farm’s focus changed from providing services for children and adults to providing services for adults only.
Today, Beverly Farm is a safe and comfortable home for adults who live with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Beverly Farm Foundation is a loving, caring home for adults with developmental disabilities, providing each individual with physical and emotional security and a dignified quality of life, with opportunities and challenges, within each individual’s functional capabilities.
Beverly Farm is a planned community that nearly 400 individuals with Developmental and Intellectual disabilities call home. There are homes and jobs, a recreation center with a pool, a full dining facility; there is an equestrian center, shops, a pavilion, all kinds of activities, medical services, therapies, and much more. Cottages, group homes, apartments, and community-based options make up the landscape, people make it home.
DEVELOPMENTAL TRAINING
Located a mile off of our main campus, our Developmental Training Center promotes independence while allowing each individual to gain skills that will help them grow and become a desirable employee. From sheltered workshop production areas to small classroom settings, our facility provides each individual the right space and setting to be able to appropriately develop their skills. Some of the programs we offer include janitorial work, baking, fine motor skill development, and much more. We also have a specialized program setting for those who are ready to “retire.”
Buzy Bee Bakery
Through employment at Buzy Bee Bakery, individuals learn new skills, reach goals, and function at their highest possible level. Each person has opportunities to learn according to his or her abilities.
A variety of baked goods can be found at The Shoppes at Beverly Farm. The coffee shop is located on Beverly Farm’s main campus. Local businesses in the Riverbend area employ Beverly Farmworkers through contracts for bakery services. For more information, please contact Krystal Gruenenfelder at 618-466-2134 or email us at info@beverlyfarm.org
RECREATION CENTER
Another amenity that Beverly Farm offers is the state-of-the-art Groves B. Recreation Center. Equipped with a gym, stage, and indoor, heated pool, the recreation center is the hub of fun on the Beverly Farm campus. Some recreational activities include swimming, horticulture, art club, yoga, theater, dances, bingo, karaoke, and so many others. Special Olympics is one of the biggest activities our individuals participate in, with five options: track & field, equestrian, bocce, softball, and bowling.
Beverly Farm
6301 Humbert Road
Godfrey, IL 62035
(618) 466.0367
