History
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 Workforce Development Services, Pathways Clubhouse, BridgeWays Case Management and Community Employment.
1940's
1940's
Small schools for children with disabilities are begun by concerned parents.
1950's
1950's
Programs merge into the Kalamazoo School for Retarded Children with the support of the Kellogg Foundation and Community Chest.
1960's
1960's
The school moves to the old Hoover School in Comstock.
1965
1965
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.)
1969
1969
McKercher Rehabilitation Center incorporates to provide vocational services for adults with disabilities.
1970's
1970's
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.
Mid 1970's
Mid 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.
1981
1981
McKercher Rehabilitation Center purchases the Shakespeare building at 205 E. Water Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan.
1982
1982
Both programs are consolidated at Water Street location.
1985
1985
Pilot program begins to provide supported employment.
Late 1980's
Late 1980's
MRC receives grants from the Developmental Disabilities Council, Michigan Rehabilitative Services, and Kalamazoo County Community Mental Health to expand its supported employment programs.
1991
1991
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.
1994
1994
MRC wins grant to begin School-To-Work employment services for young adults with disabilities.
1991
1991
Bank Street facility expands with new storage building. Pathways begins offering support to Universal & Universal, a member-run business.
1996
1996
Location MRC purchases 119 W. Vine building for Pathways. Pathways achieves CARF accreditation for its clubhouse and employment programs.
1997
1997
Pathways celebrates its 20th anniversary.
1999
1999
MRC begins Youth Transition program with a grant from Michigan Rehabilitative Services to serve youth with emotional impairments. The program is called Connections.
2004
2004
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.
2008
2008
Damaged by the Kalamazoo floods of 2008, MRC was forced to relocate from its Bank Street location.
2010
2010
MRC purchases the 2538 S. 26th Street building in Comstock Township for McKercher.
2012
2012
MRC redefines its focus to serving adults with disabilities. Connections is absorbed into the Pathways Program.
2015
2015
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.