TCH History

1967   -          Seeking an alternative to “institutional” care, parents of children with special needs banded together forming a Pre-school and Day Care Center managed solely by volunteers.  These were the forerunners of TCH, then known as Tempe Preschool for Retarded Children.

1970’s -         Tempe School for Retarded Children became known as Tempe Center for the Handicapped as services were expanded to include adults with disabilities.

Job training and job placement services are introduced.

Group Homes and apartment-based housing with transportation services are added to the TCH repertoire.

1980’s -         TCH built its first own 7200 sq. ft. facility at 250 West First St. in Tempe, used for job training day activity programs and administrative services.

TCH was awarded its first major contract with America West Airlines to refurbish more than 1 million entertainment headsets annually.

TCH became known as Tempe Center for Habilitation.

1990’s -         TCH became an affiliate partner of NISH building the capacity to contract with the federal government and secure more employment contracts throughout Arizona.

TCH built a new 26,000 sq. ft. headquarters on a 7-acre plot in South Tempe which remains the TCH hub today.

Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) were introduced, providing support to individuals with disabilities living in their own homes.

TCH was renamed The Centers for Habilitation to reflect its limitless geographic boundaries.

2000+ -          TCH adopted the Social Enterprise Philosophy with the     acquisition of multiple contracts with companies around the valley.

The Cutty Legacy Foundation was established as a private, charitable foundation for the support of individuals with disabilities and their families.

TCH Enterprises opened in 2003, now known as ASDD (Assured Security Document Destruction) currently employing 50 men and women with disabilities.

Today -         SunState Builders and TCH are working together to finalize details on the nearly completed 18,000 sq. ft. Employment Center on the 7-acre South Tempe campus.  Once completed, TCH will double the number of men and women with disabilities gaining employment through services at this facility.