History

On September 16, 1974, an activity center opened its doors to 13 clients in the basement of Grace Episcopal Church in Decorah. Over the next 35 years, the center grew and transformed. Now called The Spectrum Network, the organization employs 25 professionals who help 100 clients from ten Iowa counties.

Over the years, we have expanded our services and refined our mission. Today, we are keenly focused on helping people achieve new competencies so that they can thrive in the community.

1974-75

Winneshiek Development Center (WDC) begins operations in the basement of Grace Episcopal Church, providing services to 13 clients. WDC then moves to the Carlson building south of Railroad Street with new enterprises including furniture finishing and sub-contracts to perform work for local businesses.

1982

WDC opens a can redemption business for Winneshiek County.

1984

Sheltered Work, Inc. opens its doors under the direction of Don Wurtzel of Decorah. Together with the Depot Outlet, it constructs a new building between Railroad Avenue and Railroad Street, where the Depot Outlet still operates.

1986

WDC and Sheltered Work, Inc. merge to become Spectrum Industries.

1990

New headquarters built at 105 Railroad Avenue.

1993-96

Recycling facilities begin operation in Cresco for Howard County, and in Freeport for Winneshiek County.

1998

Adult Day Services opens to offer weekday activities for clients, while providing respite to their caregivers.

1999

Spectrum Industries transfers ownership of its can redemption business to four clients who found the Pearl Street Can Redemption Center.

2001-02

Woodworking program and venture with Featherlite, Inc. provide new opportunities for clients. Artworks Studio moves into the Pearl Street train depot building.

2006

Spectrum Industries changes its name to The Spectrum Network, to reflect its vision of strengthening the “network” of support and community inclusion for clients. With this change, the organization opens the doors to its new headquarters at 607 Washington Street.

The ReCompute program is introduced to offer training opportunities for clients while providing a valuable electronics recycling service to the community.

2007

Work crews (also called enclaves) begin providing on-the-job training for clients at local businesses.

2009

With approximately 100 clients, The Spectrum Network continues to grow and expand its services even as it discontinues its recycling operations in Winneshiek and Howard Counties. The organization begins serving clients with mental illness and chemical dependency.