Founded by a small group of concerned community members
Our History
Founded 1965
No Services for Intellectual and Developmentally Disabled
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.

Marshall-Starke Development Center Founded
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.

First Classes Begin in January
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.

Everyone needs a job and a salary
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.

MSDC adds transportation
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.

MSDC adds new space
A new mobile classroom was added outside of Argos.
New Adult Services building opens up in Plymouth offering a variety of programs.

MSDC opens PIDCO Drive Location
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.

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

Kaleidoscope Children's Center Opens
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.

Manitou Center Opens
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.
MSDC Purchases Real Products
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.

Early Head Start program begins
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.