History

The Adaptive Community Approach Program (ACAP) began in 1982 as a disability services organization serving people who have physical and developmental disabilities who did not fit into other human services programs. Commitment to community-based programming and advocacy grounded ACAP's ground-breaking programming from the very beginning. Starting out with 8 members and 2 staff, the program soon found its permanent home in the facilities of First United Methodist Church of Waukesha. As ACAP grew, a second site was added in 2007 on West Main Street in downtown Waukesha, consistent with our goal of community inclusion. At present, we serve more than 90 members, offering more than 70 classes every week.

Giving Back to the Community

ACAP uses a philosophy of inclusion and social valorization to conduct its operations. Individuals served have unique talents and abilities to share with society; therefore, efforts are made to discover, cultivate, and use those abilities within the context of community-based environments. Members of ACAP have made use of generic community resources, such as health & fitness centers, museums, leisure outlets, and cultural events to express their belonging to the community. In addition, such places as nature centers, historical museums, food pantries, shelters for people who are homeless, graffiti abatement programs, and other nonprofit organizations have received countless hours of volunteerism from members of ACAP. By giving back to the community in tangible and meaningful ways, members of ACAP have demonstrated to themselves and to the community as a whole, that they have a valued place in society and in our local communities.