MRC Industries, Inc. began in the 1940's when a group of parents took the initiative to provide alternatives for their disabled children. Incorporating officially in 1969, MRC has remained close to its family roots while evolving into a non-profit agency that administers innovative and diverse services through its programs: McKercher Skill-Building Services, Pathways Clubhouse, BridgeWays Case Management and Community Employment.
Small schools for children with disabilities are begun by concerned parents.
1940's
Programs merge into the Kalamazoo School for Retarded Children with the support of the Kellogg Foundation and Community Chest.
1950's
The school moves to the old Hoover School in Comstock.
1960's
First industrial contracts for the Kalamazoo School for Retarded Children come from the Shakespeare Co. and the Upjohn Co. (Public Schools begin offering Special Education Classes.)
1965
McKercher Rehabilitation Center incorporates to provide vocational services for adults with disabilities.
1969
McKercher begins offering a wide range of production services such as assembly, sorting, collating, packaging, drilling, machinery and woodworking. Rehabilitation services were funded by the Kalamazoo County Community Mental Health Board.
1970's
The McKercher Non-Profit Housing Corporation is formed to operate three group homes: Stanton House, Douglas House, and Hoard Manor. Residential Opportunities Incorporated (ROI) is formed to manage these group homes and develop others.
Mid 1970's
McKercher Rehabilitation Center purchases the Shakespeare building at 205 E. Water Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan.
1981
Both programs are consolidated at Water Street location.
1982
MRC Industries, Inc. is adopted as the official name to reflect the desire for a higher profile within the business community.
1983
Pilot program begins to provide supported employment.
1985
MRC receives grants from the Developmental Disabilities Council, Michigan Rehabilitative Services, and Kalamazoo County Community Mental Health to expand its supported employment programs.
Late 1980's
MRC moves to a new location at 1310 Bank Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan. MRC becomes administrator for Pathways, a membership organization for individuals with mental illness.
1991
MRC wins grant to begin School-To-Work employment services for young adults with disabilities.
1994
Bank Street facility expands with new storage building. Pathways begins offering support to Universal & Universal, a member-run business.
1995
MRC purchases 119 W. Vine building for Pathways. Pathways achieves CARF accreditation for its clubhouse and employment programs.
1996
Pathways celebrates its 20th anniversary.
1997
MRC begins Youth Transition program with a grant from Michigan Rehabilitative Services to serve youth with emotional impairments. The program is called Connections.
1999
MRC's BridgeWays Case Management is started to provide case management and support services for individuals who are living with a diagnosis of mental illness.
2004
Damaged by the Kalamazoo floods of 2008, MRC was forced to relocate from its Bank Street location.
2008
MRC purchases the 2538 S. 26th Street building in Comstock Township for McKercher.
2010
MRC redefines its focus to serving adults with disabilities. Connections is absorbed into the Pathways Program.
2012
Through a technical grant funded by the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), MRC expands its Community Employment program to dedicate more resources to fully integrated employment.
2015