In 1962, a group of concerned
citizens in Anoka County began meeting to discuss a daytime activity
center (DAC) for children who were mentally retarded.
The result was that in the fall of 1964, the Anoka County Daytime Activity Center
opened at St. Phillips Lutheran Church in Fridley. Seventeen children
attended. Over the years, the program moved to different locations to
increase its capacity on a limited budget.
In 1972, a new center was built at 6633 Arthur Street in Fridley with
a satellite program operating at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Anoka.
The budget for the program at this time was $54,900.
By the mid-1970s, communities began to de-institutionalize. County
residents recognized the value of having people with developmental
disabilities living in the community. Assimilation, however, meant
providing services that met the needs of these citizens. So, a day
program of services was initiated for adults with developmental
disabilities who now lived in the community.
By 1974, four adults were enrolled in a new program at the
Resurrection Episcopal Church on University Avenue in Spring Lake Park.
The program continued to serve children.
Then in 1980, the combined children and adult program moved to the
Blaine Elementary School on 89th Avenue in Blaine.
Achieve continued to serve hundreds of children in centers and homes
until 1988 when school systems took over services for all children with
developmentally disabilities. It was at this time that Achieve became an
adult-only facility. The focus of services then turned to vocational
training and community based programming.
By 1991, Achieve had moved to its present 24,000 sq. ft. facility -
which was built particularly for its programs - at 1201 89th Avenue in
Blaine.
As of 2002, Achieve serves an average of 120 participants, 60 percent
of whom have community jobs. Achieve averages a staff of 50 and has a
$3.7 million annual budget.
During 2004, Achieve separated from Anoka County and developed it’s
own private non-profit agency. Staff members at Achieve with support
from Anoka County and the development and support of a strong Board of
Director’s, Achieve began it’s official operations as a
private non-profit on August 2nd, 2004.
Achieve Services, Inc. serves approximately 145 participants
with a variety of abilities and desires.
Achieve Services, Inc. continues to look towards the future at new
opportunities while focusing on maintaining the excellent level of
service Achieve has provided for over 40 years.
