EMPOWERING POSSIBILITIES

Brightening Futures

Welcome to

Cornerstone Special Care

If you're searching for a place where people with developmental disabilities can thrive to the best of their abilities, you've found it. For nearly half a century, the dedicated team of compassionate caregivers at Cornerstone in Sterling, IL (formerly Exceptional Care & Training Center) has provided skilled care and innovative programs that enable residents to enjoy happier days and brighter futures.

Cornerstone Special Care

Our Services

We offer a wide range of services to meet the diverse needs of each individual in our care. From 24-hour skilled nursing care to sensory stimulation to teaching daily living skills, our specialized services support the care and development of the whole person.

A New Chapter Begins at Cornerstone

We are excited to share that Cornerstone has successfully transitioned into our newly constructed home at 815 W. 23rd Street, Sterling, IL. Purpose-built for individuals with developmental disabilities, this modern environment enhances safety, comfort, and opportunities for meaningful engagement.

We invite you to discover what’s new as we continue our commitment to compassionate, person-centered care.

Watch OUR TIMELAPSE VIDEO
Our passion is to provide assistance and service to persons with severe and profound intellectual disabilities. We know that our work is successful by the collective effort of our employees, community volunteers and supporters.
Melissa Francque, Executive Director
2026 Deficiency-Free Survey

2026 Deficiency-Free Survey

Cornerstone is proud to announce it has completed its first probationary licensure survey at its new Sterling facility with a deficiency-free result from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).

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Cornerstone Receives Holleran Choice Community Award

Cornerstone Receives Holleran Choice Community Award

Cornerstone has been recognized for its exceptional satisfaction scores, placing it among the highest-performing specialized residential care communities in the nation.

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Ribbon Cutting and Completed Move

Ribbon Cutting and Completed Move

Cornerstone Special Care marked two major milestones last fall: an August 12 ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house celebrating its new 45,000-square-foot facility, and the completion of its move to that new Sterling home on October 15.

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