Our 35+ Year Legacy

1973

The Impetus Behind Our Vision

After visiting a large institution, founder Terri Williams committs to improving the lives of people living with disabilities. 

1981

Terri’s Journey Commences

Terri Williams joins Residential Alternatives, which later evolves into Mains’l Services.

1984

Beginnings and Waivered Services

Minnesota authorizes waivered services, shifting care from institutions to homes and communities. That December, Independent Alternatives (later Mains’l) earns its first Home and Community-Based Services contract to support people in their own homes.

1985

Supported Living Servives Start

Independent Alternatives opens its first Supported Living Services home.

1989

Mains’l is Formally Incorporated

1990

Personal Care Assistant (PCA) Services Begin

1997

Respite Services and First Accreditation

Mains’l begins offering Respite Services. Later that year, Mains’l receives the Accredited with Distinction recognition from The Council on Quality and Leadership.

1999

Growth in Leadership, Services, and Impact

Chuck Jakway, Director of Operations and husband of Founder Terri Williams, joins Mains’l. The same year, Mains’l becomes a Fiscal Support Entity for people who self-direct. By year end, Mains’l supports 265 people with a crew of 419.

2000

Mains’l launches in Florida

Mains’l begins supports people in behavioral health and support living services in Florida, a support offered until April 2008.

2007

The First Florida FMS contract

Mains’l is awarded its first contract for Financial Management Services (FMS) with an agency in Florida. 

2008

Expansion to California

The company begins offering services in California’s Far Northern Regional area.

2009

Two Decades of Growth

By the end of the second decade of operations, Mains’l supports 540 people and employs 900+ crew members.

2011

Impact From California to Zimbabwe

The first Zimbabwe mission trip launches a tradition of service, in partnership with The Mother Africa Trust. That same year Mains’l secures its first California FMS contract for self-directed care. 

2013

Alaska Expansion

Mains’l begins offering residential and behavioral services in Alaska, which continues through June 2016.

2015

Expanding FMS and Advancing Person-Centered Care

Mains’l secures its first FMS contract in New York, broadening access to self-directed services. That same year, Mains’l evolves its systems, policies, and practices to fully integrate person-centered approaches.

2017

“The Business of Hopes and Dreams”

Mains’l unveils The Business of Hopes and Dreams, a rebranding initiative that reflects the long-standing commitment to empowering people in achieving their own hopes and dreams.

2018

Minnesota Dept. of Human Services

Mains’l enrolls with Minnesota Department of Human Services to be a Financial Management Services entity for people in self-directed programs, previously referred to as Fiscal Support Entity. 

2022

Center On Me Launch

With a grant from the California Department of Developmental Services, a web-based person-centered planning platform for people to create their own life plan is launched.