History

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  • In 1957, sixty-seven parents of children with cognitive disabilities established the Brown County ARC (now ASPIRO) to help inform our community of the needs of people with cognitive disabilities and to provide educational programs for children with developmental delays.
  • In 1967, the Community Service Center was constructed serving 112 people through education and day programming for a previously unserved population.
  • In 1977, two classrooms were equipped to provide educational and therapeutic services to children under the age of three.
  • In 1981, the Respite Care Services began.
  • In 1983, the ASPIRO - Stiles facility, which provides vocational training and work contracts, was completed.
  • In 1985, the Positive Parenting program was established to support parents with cognitive disabilities in raising their children. 
  • In 1988, Employment Services began to develop jobs for individuals served within the community.
  • In 1991, ASPIRO was recognized by the Defense Contract Management District for contractor support of Operation Desert Storm/Shield.
  • In 1993, ASPIRO began administering  a Division of Vocational Rehabilitation school to work transition program.
  • In 1994, an expansion and renovation of the Dousman Street facility was completed. 
  • In 1997, Residential Services were established to enable individuals to live, with support, in their own residences.
  • In 2003, the Board of Directors adopted a new name for the organization, ASPIRO - a Latin word which means to reach, climb towards something.
  • In 2005, ASPIRO was awarded the first Excellence in Business Award for a nonprofit organization by the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce.
  • In 2007, ASPIRO celebrated 50 years of service.
  • In 2008, ASPIRO received the very first American Foundation of Counseling Services's Ethics in Business Award in the non-profit category.
  • In 2008, ASPIRO consumers sew 4,425 black wool scarves for President Barack Obama's inauguration. 
  • In 2014, ASPIRO was named the lead agency in the Project SEARCH expansion to Green Bay.
  • In 2016, ASPIRO, CP and Curative Connections collaborate to launch No Limits - Ability Awareness Week; a campaign to demonstrate the abilities and contributions of individuals with disabilities in our community.
  • In 2017, ASPIRO celebrates its 60th Anniversary.  Click here to see and read the 60th Anniversary scrapbook.