CHOICE, Inc. was founded in 1969, thanks to a group of parents who were searching for services for their eight school-age children with developmental disabilities. They had arranged for a program that was being held in a church basement in Excelsior, Minnesota. The program included academics, and provided recreation and leisure programs. Each child also received speech, occupational and physical therapy.
By 1972, the program had grown to provide “Day Activity Services” to 35 adults with developmental disabilities. Not long after the adults joined the program, the Minnesota education laws changed and the children returned to their home school districts to receive their education.
Now, CHOICE serves over 180 individuals across three sites in the West Metro area of the Twin Cities. We provide on-site programs, community engagement, employment support, and facilitate partnerships with community organizations to provide meaningful services to adults with developmental disabilities. You can view our current strategic plan here.
Our Mission:
Our mission is to provide personalized support to people with intellectual disabilities through innovative programming and meaningful partnerships, creating spaces where everyone is valued for who they are.
Our Vision:
Our vision is a world where everyone is empowered to thrive.
Our Values:
Individuality
We celebrate each person’s unique identity, strengths, and voice. Everyone at CHOICE is empowered to be themselves and shape their own path with pride and purpose.
Community
We celebrate the strength found in connection, both within CHOICE and beyond. We create a welcoming space where everyone belongs while fostering meaningful engagement with the wider community.
Opportunity
We celebrate growth through new experiences. We believe people flourish when they have the freedom and support to discover what excites them.
Creativity
We celebrate innovation and self-expression. At CHOICE, creativity fuels exploration, problem-solving, and collaboration, leading to deeper impact.
Well-being
We celebrate health and happiness. CHOICE promotes an environment where everyone can feel safe, balanced, and energized to live their best lives.
Integrity
We celebrate honesty, respect, and doing what’s right. At CHOICE, we lead with our values and treat everyone with dignity.