Since 1968 Eastco has touched the lives of hundreds of developmentally disabled adults and their families throughout Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties. Our programs have proven to be a great success including a variety of social activities, jobs at integrated worksites, a supported living program that facilitates semi-independent living, and residential homes around Gresham, and East Multnomah County. We support individuals in exercising choice, increasing independence and participating in society.

In August of 1968, Eastco was incorporated as the MeRe Center, a nonprofit agency with a 501(c)(3) status. In the 1980’s the name changed from MeRe Center to Eastco Diversified Services, Inc. The agency became a reality when a parent of a developmentally disabled daughter, Barbara Place, and a group of parents with similar needs banded together to start a school program. It quickly grew from one donated classroom in a church school to four classrooms to provide special education under contract with the Gresham School District.

In the mid 1970’s when P.L. 94-142 became effective and the school districts assumed responsibility for special education, Eastco’s focus was directed to serving adults in an activity center. The agency opened one of the first state licensed residential homes in the 1970’s, and added four additional homes throughout the next few years. Today, Eastco operates six group homes.