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History of TSE

capital steps Jan 61

Six people dressed in winter clothes stand in between two white columns on the steps of the capital building.

TSE was one of the first organizations in Minnesota to serve people with developmental disabilities, beginning in 1961.  Responding to the needs expressed by a group of parents, North Suburban Day Activity Center (the original name) began serving a small group of adults in the basement of a church.  Services were designed to provide individuals with leisure, recreation and socialization opportunities.TSE history

In the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, TSE began additionally serving infants and preschool-aged children up to the age of five years.  In the late 1980’s, due to changes in Minnesota education laws, the responsibility for infant and preschool services transferred to the local school districts.  Since then, TSE has continued to provide services for adults ages 18 and above.

The focus of services has changed as well, to primarily work, in the form of community-based employment or in-house production work.  From the first years to the present, TSE continues to serve individuals with a wide range of disabilities and a variety of interests and needs.  TSE has grown to serve over 300 individuals in four Community Resource Centers and at over 100 businesses throughout the Metro area.