History
Since 1984, MyPath has created innovative, cost-effective solutions that empower children, adolescents and adults with significant needs to live their best lives.
1984
- Jim Balestrieri purchases the assets out of bankruptcy that will become Oconomowoc Residential Programs (ORP), now MyPath.
- Oconomowoc Residential Programs (ORP) includes:
- Oconomowoc Developmental Training Center (now Genesee Lake School), a residential treatment center for children with disabilities in Oconomowoc, WI.
- Homes for Independent Living (HIL), an operator of eight group homes for adults with disabilities.
1980’s
- HIL's business adds dozens of clients in Washington, Manitowoc, Racine and Sheboygan counties in Wisconsin. They also developed settings tailored to the needs of their clients.
1997
- In response to requests from Indiana officials, we open the doors to Indiana Developmental Training Center (IDTC), a residential treatment center on the north side of Indianapolis.
1999
- In Olmstead v. L.C. the U.S. Supreme Court rules that unjustified segregation of persons with disabilities constitutes discrimination in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- ORP and disability rights advocates work side by side to challenge exclusionary zoning rules in Wisconsin, ultimately prevailing in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.
2000
- Indiana Developmental Training Center of Lafayette (now T.C. Harris School & Academy) opens expanding our residential treatment programs in Indiana.
2002
- Growing from our expertise in supporting children with Prader-Willi Syndrome, we open the doors to Prader-Willi Homes of Oconomowoc, providing community settings for adults with PWS.
- We convert 30% of the company to an Employee Stock Ownership Trust, launching a new era of employee ownership.
2007
- Paragon Community Services, providing day programs for adults with disabilities, is established.
2011
- Responding to needs in our community and the innovation of our employee-owners, The Richardson School in West Allis, WI opens offering an alternative education program for children with disabilities who live at home but who struggle to succeed in the public schools.
2012
- Oconomowoc Developmental Training Center becomes Genesee Lake School.
- Indiana Developmental Training Center of Lafayette becomes T.C. Harris School.
- Indiana Developmental Training Center in Indianapolis closes its doors in response to changes in funding and service requirements.
2013
- The Richardson School opens its second campus in Beloit, WI.
- T.C. Harris Academy, a therapeutic day school, opens in Lafayette, IN.
- We develop and publishes the ORP Library, a series of books and resources for families that include individuals with disabilities.
2014
- Transitions Academy opens in the former IDTC building, serving at-risk youth in a 24-hour structured setting.
- Genesee Community Services is created to provide in-home services to families with children who have disabilities in Southeastern Wisconsin.
2016
- With the completion of the sale of the company to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, we become 100% employee-owned.
2018
- As part of significant cultural initiatives we establish our core Beliefs and Behaviors: Passion, Accountability, Teamwork, Openness, and Continuous Education and Innovation.
2019
- Oconomowoc Residential Programs, Inc. rebrands as MyPath.
- Corporate support becomes MyPath Support Services.
2020
- MyPath creates LGBTQ+ and Race & Ethnicity Committees
2021
- MyPath Founder Jim Balestrieri steps down as Chief Executive Officer.
- Terry Leahy becomes the second CEO in MyPath’s history.
- MyPath celebrates its fifth anniversary of 100% employee ownership and is named the Wisconsin ESOP Company of the Year.
- MyPath ranks #50 on the NCEO list of Largest Employee-Owned Companies in the United States.
- Previous LGBTQ+ and Race & Ethnicity Committees now become Owner Resource Groups(ORGs) called Pathfinders.
2022
- T.C. Harris School & Academy earns Cognia Systems Accreditation
- MyPath selected by Mogul as one of the Top 100 Companies in the nation with Best DEIB(Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging)
- Abilities & Neurodiversity, Women, Environment, Mental Health, and Generations Pathfinders groups are created
2023
- MyPath creates Environment, Social, Governance(ESG) department
- Paragon Community Services begins Employment Services programs across several counties in Wisconsin
- The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) formally recognizes MyPath for earing Tier 1 for All Children All Families (ACAF) certification
2024
- MyPath celebrates its 40th anniversary and eight years of 100% employee ownership!
- Homes for Independent Living acquires Our Way LLC
- Salute to Service Pathfinder group created
