The year was 1971 when Rolling Meadows was established by a group of concerned parents and individuals for the care and services of the Mentally Retarded. The local Association for Retarded Citizens was instrumental in our organizations’ development.

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This group researched other services throughout the State of Iowa that could provide training and work opportunities to their children. Their children were entering the age of adulthood and being faced with little or no activity upon graduation from the special education class in the local school district. A work activity center (Rolling Meadows) was established in the basement of the First Christian Church in Washington.

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After one year Rolling Meadows moved to a schoolhouse located on the Washington County Fairgrounds. Limited space hampered work opportunities that were similar to those found within the Washington Community. Therefore another search began for adequate facilities to achieve age appropriate work and social opportunities. Remembering that Rolling Meadows started with volunteerism, causing the lack of funding which hampered its every move. It soon became apparent that the services provided to the mentally handicapped and disabled were beneficial and people became interested in the organization. People provided personal support of expertise, money and leadership. The Work Activity Center was now administered by the Grant Wood Area Education District.