Hammond State School

Hammond State School
Established	1960
Opened	1961
Current Status	Active
Building Style	Cottage Plan
Location	Hammond, LA
Alternate Names	South Louisiana Training School Hammond Developmental Center North Lake Supports and Services Center (Current)

History

North Lake Supports and Services Center was created in 1960 by Louisiana Act 347. Initially named the the South Louisiana Training School, it was conceived as a place offering treatment, training, and rehabilitation to people with developmental disabilities. The first buildings were constructed on 100 acres donated to the state by W. L. "Buddie" Billups. On June 17, 1961, the doors opened to serve the first 45 men and women.

In 1962, the name of the facility changed to Hammond State School (HSS), growing in importance in the surrounding community and offering a wide array of educational and health-related services through clinics, a school district located on its grounds, and day programs open to people in the community . Education and training received at HSS allowed people with developmental disabilities to enter into the work force and pursue personal goals.

In 1991, Hammond State School’s name changed to Hammond Developmental Center, and in 2007 again changed to North Lake Supports and Services Centers to reflect its mission to enable people to select services and supports they need to attain their personal goals.