Our Timeline

Sheltered Work, Inc. Opens Its Doors

Sheltered Work, Inc. opens its doors under the direction of Don Wurtzel of Decorah. Together with the Depot Outlet, it constructs a new building between Railroad Avenue and Railroad Street, where the Depot Outlet still operates.

WDC and Sheltered Work, Inc. Merges.

WDC and Sheltered Work, Inc. merge to become Spectrum Industries.

New Headquarters Built

New headquarters built at 105 Railroad Avenue.

Recycling Facilities Begin Operation

Recycling facilities begin operation in Cresco for Howard County, and in Freeport for Winneshiek County.

Adult Day Services (Day Habilitation) Opens

Adult Day Services (Day Habilitation) opens to offer weekday activities for clients, while providing respite to their caregivers.

Spectrum Industries Transfers Ownership of Its Can Redemption Business

Spectrum Industries transfers ownership of its can redemption business to four clients who found the Pearl Street Can Redemption Center.

Woodworking Program & Venture With Featherlite, Inc.

Woodworking program and venture with Featherlite, Inc. provide new opportunities for clients. Artworks Studio moves into the Pearl Street train depot building.

Spectrum Industries Changes Its Name to the Spectrum Network

Spectrum Industries changes its name to The Spectrum Network, to reflect its vision of strengthening the “network” of support and community inclusion for clients. With this change, the organization opens the doors to its new headquarters at 607 Washington Street.

The ReCompute program is introduced to offer training opportunities for clients while providing a valuable electronics recycling service to the community.

Work Crews Begin Providing On-The-Job Training

Work crews (also called enclaves) begin providing on-the-job training for clients at local businesses.

The Spectrum Network Continues to Grow & Expand Services

With about 100 clients, The Spectrum Network continues to grow and expand its services even as it discontinues its recycling operations in Winneshiek and Howard Counties and discontinues operations of the Depot Outlet. (The Depot Outlet is a separate entity, unaffiliated with The Spectrum Network.)



The organization begins serving clients with mental illness and chemical dependency.

The Spectrum Network Wellness Garden Created

The Spectrum Network Wellness Garden was created. With donations from local people and businesses the garden started from nothing and grew to a beautiful and bountiful site.

Expansion of the Wellness Garden & Day Habilitation Participates in the Winneshiek Farmer’s Market

Expanded The Spectrum Network Wellness Garden and Day Habilitation began participation in the Winneshiek Farmer’s Market.

Thrift Store Opens

Decorah thrift store opened to help create integrated employment opportunities in the community.