Gov. Knowles acknowledging 20 years of outstanding service.

Assets, Inc. celebrated its 25th Anniversary in 2005, a major milestone that caused us to stop and reflect on our remarkable past. The organization was founded by determined parents and friends of individuals with disabilities, and for many years, was known as Alaska Specialized Employment and Training Services.

In 1980, a print shop, bindery and other in-house contracts provided employment opportunities for the initial 80 adults served by Assets. Today, the print shop is still in operation, still providing high quality work.

Assets, Inc., as we are now known, is the 78th largest employer in the State of Alaska, with a work force of over 400 employees, 65% of whom are individuals with disabilities. Each member contributes to the local economy and plays a valued role in the community.

Four years after Assets opened its doors, a contract was signed providing janitorial services at the Anchorage Airport. This was a pivotal moment in the history of the organization as it was the first of many contractual arrangements established between Assets and various entities. These contracts today provide a variety of employment options to over 200 employees, both disabled and non-disabled, in such environments as the Anchorage Area Commissary, Providence Hospital, and the Alaska State Court House System. Employees of Assets wash every dish at Providence, stock every shelf at the commissary and clean every square inch of the Courthouse!

Our Supported Living Services began in 1984, followed by Employment Services in 1986. In Supported Living, a combination of skill building, coaching, and resource coordination take place, assisting individuals to live in their own homes. Supported Employment assists individuals to obtain and retain employment within local businesses. Assets assists each employer in hiring the right person, helping with training and working to ensure job satisfaction for both employer and employee.

Supported Living Services for Children was the last to be added in 1988. These services support children who experience severe emotional disturbances. Assets provides skill training, service coordination, and crisis response services, always striving to bring out the best in each child.

Assets has embraced change and incorporated cutting edge thinking into its service delivery system. New understandings about how individuals with disabilities are best supported have been the foundation of the services we provide. We no longer fit people into programs, but now create individually designed supports that are provided in community settings, based on each person's needs.

Our overall purpose, to create opportunities for individuals with disabilities to thrive in and contribute to their community, inspires and challenges us each and every day. We invite you to join us in recognizing the accomplishments of the last 25 years, and in continuing our commitment to make an even greater difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities in the 21st century.