Southwest Opportunities – SOC

Southwest Opportunities Center, Inc. (SOC) is a private, non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization. Since 1988 we have been providing services to individuals with disabilities throughout Grant County and the surrounding communities of Southwest Wisconsin. Our objective is to be persistent in supporting, educating, and empowering each individual to reach their fullest potential. Our mission is to provide opportunities to grow in everyday life.

Agency History

In 1960, the Personal Development Center was created under the name of Twin Platte. The center was located in Platteville, Wisconsin and began as a public, non-profit facility that was owned and operated by the Unified Board of Grant and Iowa Counties. In the early 1980s, the Twin Platte Center received a grant from the Wisconsin Council for Developmental Disabilities to provide consulting employment placement services. The agency developed the goal to successfully place and supervise individuals into competitive employment with area businesses. With success, the agency developed tremendously.

In 1988 Southwest Opportunities Center Inc. (SOC) was incorporated as a private, non-profit organization created by six community and family members. SOC employed 16 staff members and provided services to 43 facility-based clients. Thirty years later the agency is now governed by 8 Board Members, employs 20 full-time and 17 part-time paid staff members and serves over 100 individuals within Grant County and the surrounding area.

Your Neighborhood Thrift & Gift Store

The thrift store is located in downtown Lancaster and provides work opportunities to individuals with disabilities. All proceeds support member programming and recreation at SOC. Donations are accepted. “Recycle, Repurpose, Reuse!”
Read more about Your Neighborhood Thrift and Gift Store >>>

Board of Directors

Steve Barry, President

Jo Rolling, Vice President

Andy Custer

Katie Bohl

Marcia Leibfried

Ellen Adrian