Hills & Dales was established on the belief that every child has a right to personal development in an atmosphere of love and affection.
In 1966, Jamie Barwick was born into this world and joined his mother Elaine Barwick and four sisters. While only a few days old Jamie became very ill, and what happened in the upcoming days, months and years forever changed their lives and the lives of many others with disabilities from throughout Eastern Iowa. Elaine’s love for her son, and her realization that services designed to meet his needs were not available in the area combined with her compassion to help others, and the fortitude to never give up became a reality when Hills & Dales was established in 1973. The organization was founded with the belief that every individual has a right to personal development in an atmosphere of love and affection.
What started as one family’s mission to take care of their son has grown to help hundreds of other children, young adults and their families who faced similar challenges.
1973 Hills & Dales was founded as a foster care facility serving 5 residents, one of whom remains living at the center today.
1976 Educational opportunities were provided on-site through the Dubuque Community School District.
1982 Residents began attending off-site integrated programs within the public school system.
1985 Licensed as an Intermediate Care Facility for Mental Retardation/Intellectual Disabilities.
1992 Received 501(c)3 non-profit status.
1992 In-home services program was established.
1995 Vocational Opportunity Center was established on-site.
1996 Jamie Barwick Hills & Dales Foundation was created.
1996 Apartment living program was established.
1999 Vocational Opportunity Center moved to an independent location.
2000 Established the Building Meaningful Lives funding program for facility renovation and expansion.
2003 Completed the renovation and expansion of the Residential Center at 1011 Davis Street.
2005 Hills & Dales purchased the property at 3505 Stoneman Road, in Dubuque, for expansion of Home and Community Based programs.
2006 Hills & Dales assumed the services at the Dubuque LifeTime Center.
2006 Established collaboration with the Dubuque Community School District for their Life Training Program at the Community Center.
2006 Five Hills & Dales programs received a three-year accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
2008 Celebrated 35 years of building meaningful lives with numerous events and celebrations.
2008 Launched the Building Meaningful Lives Now & Forever Capital Campaign.
2008 Established and opened an inclusive childcare and preschool center.
2008 Began the paid-work opportunity for adult clients through the creation and sale of all natural Bogey Tales Dog Treats.
2008 Created the MARS (Mentoring and Retaining Staff) program for new Hills & Dales employees.
2009 Reaccredited for three year period through the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) for five Hills & Dales programs.
2010 Partnered with the Step by Step organization to provide an additional community-living option in downtown Dubuque.
