The Marie Mills Center is a private nonprofit organization that has been serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Tillamook since 1969. Governed locally, we are a well-established and recognized agency within Tillamook County.
In 1969, Marie Mills Center was started at the Port of Tillamook Bay by parents, friends, and others who wanted to create meaningful and fulfilling opportunities for intellectually and developmentally disabled adults in Tillamook County.
We were among the first of our kind in Oregon. Through this “grass roots” effort, we initially began with vocational services. By 1978, we expanded our operations to provide residential services to intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals.
Evelyn “Marie” Mills was the daughter of Lewis and Barbara Mills. Marie, a very special person born with a disability, passed away in 1962 at the early age of 13. However, her “specialness” was not because of her disability, it was because of her inspiration. Marie’s family encouraged, taught and supported her in living a full life. She learned to ride a bike, she was a Camp Fire Girl, and she had a pony. She even served tea to President Kennedy when he visited Tillamook in May of 1960.
In many ways, Marie was well ahead of her time. Because of this, she taught others around her that anything was possible if one had desire and support. What Marie inspired in her family and friends during her short time among us is what benefits those with disabilities today.
Marie’s inspiration led to the creation of the Marie Mills Center. Following her inspiration led to the creation of the Marie Mills Foundation in 2002. This Foundation was created to benefit Marie Mills Center programs for the intellectually and developmentally disabled and to assure that Marie’s inspiration lives for many years to come.
