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 out of bankruptcy the assets that will become 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 and 1990’s
- HIL continues to grow by creating community-based settings for adults with disabilities in new counties in Southeastern Wisconsin.
1997
- In response to requests from Indiana officials, ORP opens the doors to Indiana Developmental Training Center (IDTC), a residential treatment center outside 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
- ORP expands its residential treatment programs in Indiana, creating Indiana Developmental Training Center of Lafayette.
2002
- Building on its expertise in supporting children with Prader-Willi Syndrome, ORP opens the doors to Prader-Willi Homes of Oconomowoc, providing community settings for adults with PWS.
- The owners of ORP sell 30% of the company to an Employee Stock Ownership Trust, launching a new era of employee ownership.
2000’s
- HIL continues its expansion of community-based services to counties in Northeastern Wisconsin.
2008
- Paragon Community Services, providing day programs for adults with disabilities, is established.
2011
- ORP creates a new service platform by opening The Richardson School in West Allis, WI 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 become 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.
- ORP develops 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 with disabilities in Southeastern Wisconsin.
2016
- With the completion of the sale of the company to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, ORP becomes 100% employee-owned.
2018
- ORP articulates its 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.
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.
