| 1966:
 Horizons
began in 1966 when the Palo Alto County ASSOCIATION FOR RETARDED
CITIZENS started a program for adults with disabilities in
the basement of the home of Mr. and Mrs. Kermit Reeves.
|
 1968:
The program moved in 1968 to the PALO ALTO COUNTY HOME. Several
rooms were remodeled allowing space for piece work for Pamline
Mfg. Legally incorporated in 1969, it was renamed the HANDICAPPED
WORKER'S ACTIVITY CENTER. It was located on the south edge of
Emmetsburg along Highway 4 at 3862 460th Ave. |
1970:
The Program moved to the "Open Door
School" building on 16th Street in Emmetsburg. In the setting,
the men worked on Pamline contracts and wood working while the
women learned sewing and rug making skills. The ladies also
packed sample products for Style Craft Furniture of Milford.
 |
| 1975:
A new building was constructed at King
and 7th Streets in Emmetsburg and the program moved there.
Ceramics and providing congregate meals to senior citizens
were the main activities at this time.
1982:
In July, the program almost doubled in
size as Willing Workers merged with Project Learning, a program
at Iowa Lakes Community College. On November 17, the name
was officially changed to Horizons Unlimited of Palo Alto
County, Inc. |
1983:
Horizons
Unlimited received accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation
of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). |
1985:
Horizons opened their first group home at 2201 21st Street,
providing housing for eight individuals. |
1989:
In April, Horizons purchased a new building (3104 Main), which
was remodeled to serve as our Can and Bottle Redemption Center. |
1990:
Horizons rented the former convent in West
Bend to house five men in a group home setting.
The Commission on Accreditation
of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) gave full approval to
Horizons with the highest accreditation renewal of three years.
The supported employment program was added to our service
space. |
1991:
Horizons received a $203,000 recycling grant from the DNR.
The recycling center moved to the newly acquired building along
Highway 4 South in Emmetsburg. |
1993:
The INCH (Independent Community Housing) expanded to include
Alliance living and privately rented apartments. |
1994:
In April, the recycling center began receiving materials from
Kossuth and Pocahontas Counties, in addition to Palo Alto County.
An expansion was necessary to accommodate the increased volume
of recyclables. This addition was funded by a grant from the
DNR for $270,000. |
1996:
Horizons received the Commission on Accreditation
of Rehabilitation Facilities three year Certification (CARF).
In July, Horizons completed an OSHA Safety
and Health Consultation. |
1997:
This was the beginning of Horizons' embroidery business called
Creative Stitches |
1998:
Horizons Unlimited became the first facility
of its kind nationally to win OSHA's Voluntary Protection
Program/Star Award.
A four-head Melco embroidery
machine was purchased to enhance productivity at Creative
Stitches. |
2000:
In June, Horizons received a charitable
gift from the Arthur and Audrey Smith Foundation.
In December, Horizons received
a no-interest credit line from the DNR to be used for the
expansion of the workshop area. |
2001:
In June, received a charitable gift from
the Smith Foundation.
In August, the construction
of a 6,600 square foot addition was completed.
In September, Horizons was selected
as the winner of the Iowa Recycling Association's 2001 Recycling
Facility of the Year. |
2003:
In February, Creative Stitches began silk screening.
In June, received a charitable gift of $4000 from the Arthur
and Audrey Smith Foundation.
In July, purchased a new silk screening machine. In
November, purchased a new dryer for the silk screening. |
2004:
In May, Horizons received a charitable gift of $3000
from Smith Foundation.
In June, held Annual Appreciation BBQ. In October, began
initial planning for HUBB. |
2005:
In April, began remodeling for HUBB. In June,
held Annual Appreciation BBQ.
In September, opened up the HUBB for business. |
2006:
In April, CARF 1 year accreditation. In May,
received a charitable gift of $10,000 from the Arthur and
Audrey Smith Foundation. |
2007:
In March, received $5,000 charitable gift from the
Lorraine Morling Estate.
In May, C.E.O. Ronald C. Ludwig resigned
after 19 years.
In June, sold the HUBB building. |
Currently:
Serving approximately 90 individuals from
18 counties: Black Hawk, Carroll, Cerro Gordo, Clay, Clinton,
Dickinson, Emmet, Henry, Humboldt, Ida, Jasper, Kossuth, O'Brien,
Palo Alto, Pocahontas, Story, Webster and Wright. |
