RCS History
In 1952, a group of concerned citizens met to plan a place where persons with disabilities could learn skills that would help them to be more independent. In 1955, the Sheboygan County Association for Retarded Citizens (S.C.A.R.C.) began holding classes at 617 Niagara Avenue in Sheboygan.
An old school house located at 307 Lincoln Avenue was purchased to provide extra space and in 1958 the S.C.A.R.C. Opportunity Center opened its doors with the help of many friends, parents, and local businesses.
The Opportunity Center was full of activity. Programs for pre-schoolers, an adult workshop, and classes in living skills soon resulted in the need for more space. In 1968, with the assistance of private and government moneys, the old Hayssen factory was purchased and remodeled and serves today as the Main Plant for RCS Empowers, Inc.
In 1977, RCS received a gift from the estate of Ella Klemme, and during the following year construction of Ella Klemme Hall began at 1251 Geele Avenue. Ella Klemme Hall was a 12 bed group home for individuals with developmental disabilities. Completed in 1999 the current Ella Klemme Home is located at 2013 North 38th Street and provides assisted living to 4 individuals. In 1980, construction of an eight unit apartment complex located at 929 Niagara Avenue began to provide housing for persons with chronic mental illnesses. RCS has since sold this property, but continues to serve persons with chronic mental illness through a community outreach program.
In 1989, RCS began providing assisted living services in the community through its Supported Living Arrangement (SLA) program. SLA services are provided wherever the person lives
Due to ever-increasing production demands, the former Larson Plywood Company building was purchased in 1984 to serve as RCS North Plant. With the completion of a major remodeling project in 1988, RCS North Plant is a factory site dedicated to subcontract production for many area businesses.