Our History
More Than 60 Years of Service, Growth, and Community
Early Years
- 1963
A group of concerned citizens in Fayetteville, led by Dr. Wade Burnside, recognized a need for services for children with developmental delays or disabilities who were not being served by the public schools. On September 29, 1963, the school that would eventually become the Elizabeth Richardson Center opened in the basement of Fayetteville's First United Presbyterian Church with four students. Mrs. Elizabeth Richardson served as the first teacher and went on to become ERC’s first Executive Director.
- 1973
With a growing need for services, a school on Woodland Avenue in Fayetteville opened to serve 61 children (ages 2 to 18). This building continues to serve families today as one of ERC’s Child Development Centers.
Expanded Services
- 1987
A building on Ford Avenue in Springdale opened as a vocational training facility for adults with disabilities. Now known as the ERC Life Skills Building, it houses classrooms, a leisure activities program, and special activities.
- 1988
Three group homes opened in Springdale, providing adults with disabilities residential options with 24/7 staffing and medical oversight. These homes were funded by a generous donation from Bernice Jones and named in honor of the Jones family, Elizabeth Richardson, and the John O. Norman family.
Facilities Growth
- 2001
ERC purchased the Richardson Industries building on Old Missouri Road in Springdale as an integrated work training center where adults and high school students with disabilities complete contract work for local companies. ERC’s administrative offices are also located in this facility.
- 2003
A home in Springdale was purchased and named for Leon and Virginia Burdick. It has been used by adults in ERC's residential program and has recently served as a temporary training facility.
- 2005
Five acres adjoining the Richardson Industries site were purchased to create a 10-acre campus on Highway 265 for future expansion of services.
Western Expansion
- 2006
A second preschool serving 25 children opened in Springdale. ERC’s combined programs supported more than 300 children and adults.
- 2007 – 2008
A new Child Development Center in Siloam Springs was built and opened in 2008 to serve western Benton County. That same year, ERC earned a three-year accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
- 2015
To meet increasing demand, the Springdale Child Development Center moved to a larger facility offering expanded classroom, therapy, and outdoor play spaces.
Refocusing on Adults | A New CEO and a New Direction
- 2024
After decades of providing services to both children and adults, ERC made the strategic decision in 2024 to discontinue children’s services and focus exclusively on empowering adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
This shift allowed ERC to strengthen its core programs: residential services, life skills training, and vocational development, ensuring adults receive the highest level of support, dignity, and opportunity.
In 2024, ERC welcomed a new CEO, Leslee Post, to lead the organization into a modern, mission-driven era. Under this leadership, ERC is undergoing a transformational shift:
Streamlining operations for greater efficiency
Strengthening and expanding adult programs
Modernizing facilities and campuses
Enhancing workforce development opportunities
Preparing to serve more adults than ever before