Speech And Language Development Center Inc

Empowering minds, transforming lives: We provide accessible therapy and education to foster growth, resilience, and well-being in children and adults. Through compassionate support and evidence-based practices, we ignite hope and empower individuals to thrive.

Linden Oaks, originally known as Speech and Language Development Center (SLDC), was founded in 1955 by two pioneering speech therapists dedicated to supporting children with communication challenges. Over nearly 70 years, the organization has grown from a home-based community resource into a comprehensive center serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Orange County. Today, Linden Oaks provides a full range of services to over 200 children and adults each year. Our offerings encompass early intervention programs for young children, a K-12+ non-public school, and robust transition services designed to prepare young adults for greater independence. Additionally, our Adult Day Program provides ongoing opportunities for individuals to develop skills, engage with their community, and build confidence in a supportive environment.

Alongside educational and therapeutic support, in 2025 we are launching an intensive outpatient program (IOP) and in-home ABA services, further extending our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our community.

Linden Oaks is dedicated to empowering individuals to reach their fullest potential in a nurturing environment that celebrates growth, achievement, and possibility.

In the past year, Linden Oaks (formerly SLDC) has achieved transformative milestones in its mission to support individuals with special needs across Southern California. Recently recognized as a California Nonprofit of the Year by Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva, Linden Oaks is among only 117 organizations statewide to receive this honor out of 190,000 nonprofits. This distinction highlights our commitment to delivering innovative and impactful services to the special needs community.

Responding to the growing regional demand, Linden Oaks expanded clinical services by an impressive 181%, providing critical support in early intervention, speech therapy, counseling, and behavior intervention. This growth included opening a new office in Temecula, which now provides over 100 hours of therapy each month, further strengthening our reach and impact.

Linden Oaks’ non-public school program saw its highest number of referrals in 2023, a testament to the trust parents and public schools place in our specialized approach to education and therapy. In Orange County, our Adult Day Program has expanded to support individuals aged 22-30 in building essential skills for independent living, vocational training, and active community involvement.

Our commitment to excellence extends through collaborations with prestigious academic institutions like USC, NYU, Chapman University, UC Irvine, and CSU Fullerton. Together, we advance research, clinical training, and unique programs like diagnostic practicums in augmentative communication and immersive therapy experiences for graduate students.

Linden Oaks’ partnerships with local organizations, including the Anaheim Ducks Power PLAY! Foundation, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Cox Charities, have also led to valuable initiatives. From establishing a street hockey rink to renovating our occupational therapy gym with sensory motor features and investing in sustainable STEM modules for digital media, these efforts enrich the learning and therapeutic experiences of the remarkable individuals we serve.

At Linden Oaks, we prioritize partnerships that align with our mission of quality, integrity, and impact. We work closely with our community and grant partners, ensuring transparency and accountability in all that we do. Our dedicated leadership and board members continuously strive to foster meaningful relationships that amplify our capacity to deliver life-changing support to individuals with disabilities.

These achievements underscore Linden Oaks’ unwavering commitment to innovation, advocacy, and compassionate care, helping each person we serve reach their fullest potential.

To continue providing high-quality, accessible services for individuals with special needs, Linden Oaks requires essential support in several key areas. Our top priorities include:

1. General Operations Funding: Continued support for general operations allows Linden Oaks to maintain the high-quality services our students, families, and clients rely on while adapting to growing needs and expanding our reach across Southern California.

2. Personnel Funding for STEAM Programming: STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education fosters critical skills and creativity in our students. Dedicated funding for personnel would allow us to expand this programming, ensuring students gain essential knowledge and skills to support their development.

3. Technology Funding: Updated technology is crucial to delivering effective, accessible care. Funding is needed for infrastructure and IT support, along with devices like iPads and other assistive technologies that empower our students to engage, communicate, and learn in new ways.

4. Transportation Support: To increase access to our services, we require annual funding to maintain and replace vans. These vehicles provide safe, reliable transportation for students and clients, enabling them to participate fully in our programs and community activities.

5. Scholarship Fund for IOP Program Access: As we launch our intensive outpatient program (IOP), a scholarship fund is essential to help families who cannot afford these life-changing services. This fund would ensure that all individuals who need specialized mental health and behavioral support have the opportunity to participate in our IOP, regardless of financial circumstances.

With support in these critical areas, Linden Oaks can continue to enhance its services, reach more individuals in need, and provide the transformative care our clients deserve.

Linden Oaks serves individuals from across four counties: Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino on our Buena Park campus. Additionally, our Temecula clinic provides occupational therapy.

I believe in the transformative power of our organization. For a parent whose child has been expelled from school or declined admission due to behavioral concerns, Linden Oaks is the haven that welcomes them with open arms. Our commitment to providing free or low-cost services not only breaks down financial barriers but also brings peace of mind to caregivers. They can rest assured knowing their loved one is being served by experts with unwavering care and compassion.

Adrienne Kessler, ED.D., BCBA, CEO