Our History

In 1972, a small group of Dakota County parents and volunteers demonstrated innovation when they formed a non-profit corporation called Dakota's Children and created one of the first community-based residential facilities in Minnesota for children with developmental disabilities. With no models for their project, these pioneers built a broad base of local support including banks, community groups and individuals. Their commitment raised funds to break ground and build Marie Avenue, the first facility.

Respect of individual and family needs was the philosophy of Dakota Communities from the beginning. A homelike setting at Marie Avenue was created and parents were invited to visit any hour of the day. As the years passed, a "person-centered program" was developed to emphasize what each person with disabilities wanted, needed and hoped for in his or her future. Along the way, Dakota Communities, growing ranks of employees and volunteers strived for excellence in the way we delivered our services. Our organization was recognized as one of high integrity - as one of the best in its field.

As Dakota Communities has grown from one home in Dakota County to 32 homes in 18 communities in Minnesota, we have focused on good stewardship -- stewardship of our organization, our relationships and our finances. More than 500 people work for Dakota Communities today. The vision of the organization, however, continues to be the same: to stay true to the purpose and practices that have made Dakota Communities a well respected, high quality provider of services to people with disabilities, and to branch out - in our tradition of innovation and creativity - to develop new services that meet the changing needs of people with disabilities.