Working to develop the lives of people with disabilities— 

Lakeside Curative Services

Founder and first executive director of Curative Workshop of Racine, Katherine “Katie” Batten served on the board of directors until 1989.

She is shown here in 1965 with Meg Gleave, the organization’s first vocational director.  Katie's realization of helping people with disabilities help themselves has provided over 50 years of service to the local community's citizens and businesses.

YESTERDAY

Lakeside Curative Services (formerly Curative Workshop of Racine) is a non- profit vocational rehabilitation center which was established in 1949 and opened its door in 1951. Its founders, Katherine Batten and the Junior League of Racine, developed the center to provide occupational and physical therapy to Racine residents. Within ten years the facility grew to include vocational rehabilitation services for the community. Curative was the first organization in Racine to offer vocational programming, thereby matching the need for rehabilitation services with the labor needs of area businesses.

TODAY

Today, Lakeside Curative Services supports the principle that "talent has no boundaries" and the organization is focused on integrated employment as the ideal vocational outcome for individuals with disabilities. In addition to integrated and supported employment;  Lakeside Curative Services offers prevocational skill development and day services as well as continuing to offer vocational assessments, work adjustment training and services for youth through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). We are also pleased to have contracts with Racine County to provide cleaning and /or laundry services at Ridgewood Healthcare Center and to offer janitorial services at the Workforce Development Center. Both sites employ individuals with and without disabilities.

TOMORROW

Lakeside Curative Services will continue its rich tradition of  providing quality, responsive and creative services for citizens with disabilities in Racine County. As an organization we will focus on community employment and on offering relevant prevocational and day services that help participants build skills that will lead them toward enjoying greater independence and community engagement.