Charles Lea Center

History

45 Years & Counting

It has often been said that families have chosen to live in Spartanburg County due to the services and care offered at the Charles Lea Center. That is a testament to the outpouring of community support the CLC has enjoyed since it opened in 1971. But long before then the Spartanburg community was known for caring for people with disabilities. That compassion is evident today as the CLC continues to receive tremendous support.

Originally the CLC housed the Speech and Hearing Clinic and the School for the Handicapped. Throughout the years those services evolved into the array of supports offered today. While adults, along with children, now receive services, this quote from the dedication of the CLC is as fitting today as it was when written.

"The culmination of the dreams and efforts of hundreds of volunteers, both living and dead, the Center is a landmark in the diagnosis, treatment and training of handicapped children. It is certainly the most complete center for such a program in the Southeast and perhaps the nation."
Spartanburg Herald-Journal, October 24, 1971
Dedication of the Charles Lea Center

We are proud of the fact that we are able to touch the lives of more than 1,500 individuals in Spartanburg County. And we’re even prouder when get to watch them succeed and reach their goals.

1940s
Spartanburg begins to develop programs for the disabled
1960s
Partnership between the Speech and Hearing Clinic, The School for the handicapped and the Charles Lea Center forms
1971
A large facility housing the Speech and Hearing Clinic, The School for the Handicapped and the Charles Lea Center opens
1986
The Charles Lea Center Vocational Program Opens which is now called WorkAbility
1986
The Charles Lea Center Foundation forms
1990
WorkAbility moves to a new, larger campus off Business I-85
2003
The McCarthy-Teszler School moves into its own building beside the Charles Lea Center
2008
The Center purchases a new building for WorkAbility in Inman, and is officially renamed WorkAbility.
2009-2010
The Charles Lea Center completes an 18- month program to move to a person centered program philosophy through a partnership with Support Development Associates
2011
The Center opens a state-of-the art computer lab for use by the individuals it serves.
2012
The Life Skills Center, 1,200 square-foot on-site facility is constructed. Serves as a hands-on training facility that helps to prepare adults with special needs for living independently and as a part of the community.
2013
The Charles Lea Center introduces technology as a means to support individuals in their homes through a partnership with Simply Home. CLC develops several new supported living programs including the CLOUD program.
2014
The Customized Career Network was established to provide training and assistance for community jobs.
2015
The CLC receives a three-year accreditation from CARF. CLC developes two homes for medically fragile individuals.
2017
The CLC opens an eight-unit apartment complex in downtown Woodruff.
2018
The CLC opens a new campus in Chesnee, ChesLea.
2018
The CLC expands into North Carolina, proving residential services.
2018
Opens Chesnee Day Services (ChesLea) • Opened office in Greenville North Carolina • Hydroponic Program (SimpLea)
2018
Began providing services in North Carolina (Wilmington & Greenville)
2020
Started providing consulting services in Tennessee
2021
Started providing consulting services in Tennessee • 2021 –Obtains National Accreditation with the Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL)• Opened new Employment Center (Career Start) • Opened new Industrial Center (Charles Lea Industries and Services)
2022
Obtained a contract with Ohio to provide training and education on Technology First. • Received a contract to provide Case Management Services in Tennessee