Prior to 1965, there were virtually no services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Marshall or Starke Counties, aside from four public school classrooms for mildly disabled children.

When a group of passionate individuals gathers, incredible things are created. In 1965, a small group of concerned and dedicated individuals focused on how to provide services and programs to individuals with disabilities.

Most of these individuals were parents of children with a disability.

In a renovated motel on Old 31 West, the first classes began with a new director, Shirley Amond. Twenty-two children were enrolled in the first semester.

In the first year, goals for the start of a summer program and a  sheltered workshop were set.

This was the focus of MSDC beginning in 1967. A committee was appointed to look into adding a Sheltered Workshop.

The Center also struggled financially and made a strong appeal for donations in order to stay open. The Century Club was established.

Two new 11-passenger vans were added to MSDC.

A Sheltered Workshop certificate was also awarded by the US Department of Labor allowing individuals to earn a wage for contracted labor.

A new mobile classroom was added outside of Argos.

New Adult Services building opens up in Plymouth offering a variety of programs.

The new expansion at PIDCO Drive in Plymouth allowed for expanded services and room for growth. The vision included offering programs for the full age spectrum from infant to adult.

An application was submitted to serve as the Head Start provider in Marshall, and Starke Counties was approved.

Thanks to the support of our community, Kaleidoscope Children’s Center opens as the home to our Head Start, Early Head Start, and Early Childhood Vocational Educational programs. By partnering with the North Central Area Vocational Cooperative and Ivy Tech College our dual credit Early Childhood Vocational Education Program provides instruction and field experience for local high school students aspiring a professional teaching career.

In June of 1994, Marshall-Starke and the Fulton County ARC, d.b.a., Manitou Center, merged to enhance and expand adult programs and services.

This industry is housed in the Marshall-Starke workshop and manufactures wooded reels for the wire industry. While employing traditional workers, Real Products also provides job placement and work opportunities for individuals enrolled in Marshall-Starke programs.

Marshall-Starke continued to grow with the addition of the Early Head Start program in 1998. The Early Head Start program provides services to pregnant women, infants/toddlers and families.