1938: The Milwaukee Jewish Foundation opens the doors of Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) on July 27 to meet the needs of Jewish immigrants.

1949: Creates the first educational program to demonstrate that children with IQs under 50 can learn in school programs. This project, sponsored by the United Association for Retarded Children, results in a change in state law and the establishment of such classes in communities throughout the state.

1955: Rehabilitation Work Adjustment is established as a sheltered workshop where individuals who are unable to adapt to work in industry can work under close supervision at a slower rate.

1963: Based upon the recommendations of the President’s Panel on Mental Retardation, the agency establishes a Structured Community Services Project to coordinate the medical, educational, and social services required by disabled persons.

1970: Selected by the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare as one of three vocational rehabilitation agencies in the nation to establish a model program that helps industry employ the disabled and the disadvantaged – and increase the job retention of those who become disabled while employed. Fifteen major Milwaukee corporations agree to participate.

1974: The Agency moves into the facility on Milwaukee St.

1979: Awarded national certification of its homemaker/home health aide program. The Southeast Campus is established in cooperation with Goodwill Industries.

1985: Chef-line Catering Services is established to continue training clients in food service and to generate revenue for other JVS programs. ProMark is established as a training site for clients and to generate revenue for other programs.

1988: The Supported Employment Program offers employment opportunities to individuals with severe developmental disabilities, provides long-term training on the job, and lifetime support services. Supported Apartment Training provides intensive community integration support services for institutionalized individuals moving into independent living situations.

1990: The agency’s name is changed to the Milwaukee Center For Independence.

1991: Senior day care programs are consolidated into the newly-named Westside Senior Day Center.

1994: MCFI enters into a cooperative venture to develop an innovative demonstration program providing managed health care and coordination of medical and social services to 3,000 persons with disabilities in Milwaukee County. The venture, Independent Care, Inc. (iCare) is incorporated on May 1, 1994. MCFI makes a major shift in emphasis to community employment. Agency sheltered workshops are downsized and there is a renewed commitment to community placement.

1995: A major shift in programming emphasis occurs in the Day Services department with the establishment of a community-based, community integration model.

1998: New Health Services is established with a grant from the Milwaukee County Department on Aging, in response to a growing need to provide in-home support to elderly individuals. The program trains home care workers and places them where they are needed.

2000: A capital campaign begins to raise funds to build a new MCFI facility that will house all programs in the main campus, along with New Health Services, mental health services, Birth to Three, and Westside Senior Day Services - currently known as Older Adult Day Center. Land is purchased on W. Wells Street between 20th and 21st Streets.

2001: The School for Early Development and Achievement (SEDA) opens, serving children with and without disabilities, in a temporary location on 19th St. and Wisconsin Ave. in Redeemer Lutheran Church.

2004: The new headquarters building is completed in September.

2006: MCFI launches Pediatric Special Care for children from birth to age 20 with special health care needs. The Agency receives the Better Business Bureau’s TORCH Award for business ethics and integrity.

2007: MCFI receives the 2007 Rehabilitation Leadership Award from Rehabilitation for Wisconsin. Pediatric Special Care expands to accommodate up to 27 children and receives Joint Commission accreditation.