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Aitkin County DAC has been serving local adults with developmental disabilities since 1967. Its humble beginnings were in a church basement, and over time we have grown and expanded into 3 different locations.

 First, we have folks at DAC-Mart Thrift Store that manage donations, loom upcycled denim rugs, and keep the store up and running.

Second, we then have DAC, located in the Aitkin Growth Innovations building, where our activities based Life Enrichment program is held.

Third, we have DACWORKS where clients run a worm farm, do a multitude of woodworking projects, make various seasonal crafts, making ice-dyed products, loom rugs, tend chickens, and more. DACWORKS' hand-crafted, high quality products are all sold in the Uniquely DAC corner of DAC-Mart, and provide an opportunity for our clients to earn an income.

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The leadership team has long dreamed of the ability to combine different parts of the program so our incredible clients can have more access to opportunities like learning new skills, the ability to collaborate with different groups, and more. 

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Our Mission states that The DAC helps plant the seeds for success by fostering growth for people with disabilities through creative solutions and customized support. We are dedicated to providing exceptional supports to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve success. With your help, we can continue and enhance our Mission by providing a large, beautiful, inclusive space for us to come together! 

Our dream is to build on to our DACWORKS location, as it has the most open space to expand. 

With this building add-on, it would provide the people we serve:

• Additional platforms for them to make a higher income (via worm farming, more wood projects, vehicle cleaning, etc.)

• greater access to a larger amount of new and exciting activities for our Life Enrichment crowd

• Safer outdoor spaces away from traffic that we could have bee and butterfly gardens within, as well as vegetable gardens for greater access to fresh produce

• Safer transportation practices - The ability to board and unload vehicles in a space away from traffic

• Better handicap accessible bathroom facilities

• A communal lunch space with enhanced kitchen capabilities

• A more inclusive space to help friendships grow, enhancing their social circle

• A recreational center for sports and games

• And more!

It would also provide better communication and collaboration abilities among staff to continue honing our ever-expanding, amazing services we provide.

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Your contribution to our campaign will make a significant impact on the lives of the people we serve - both now, and for the future!