| Agency History
FCS began in 1981 as a grass roots operation through the efforts of parents in the Kenai/Soldotna area with disabled children who had aged out of high school. The parents were concerned of the potential risk of isolation for their young adult children due to their spending the majority of time at home. The home atmosphere provided a minimal amount of interaction with peers and did not encourage further growth and development of their children.
The agency started operation under the name of Frontier Training Center and became incorporated and obtained 501 (c) (3) status. In 1985 Frontier Training Center successfully solicited funding from the State of Alaska and was able to begin a sheltered workshop providing laundry services that promoted some new skill development and growth for the consumers. In 1987 Frontier was awarded state grant funds to provide developmentally disabled individuals with residential, vocational, and respite services. In 1993, FCS expanded services by taking operational responsibility of the local Early Intervention-Infant Learning program and by purchasing a house in Kenai to provide residential habilitation services.
In1995, FCS was approved to provide services under the Home and Community Based Waiver system for individuals with mental retardation and developmental disabilities (MRDD waiver), children with complex medical conditions (CCMC waiver) and adults with physical disabilities (APD waiver). Also in 1995 Frontier built a four-plex to provide safe, affordable and accessible housing for developmentally disabled consumers. In 1996, there was a formal name change made from Frontier Training Center to Frontier Community Services to reflect the broad range of services Frontier had expanded into. Further expansion in 1996 was accomplished by grant funds to provide care coordination, chore services, and respite services for seniors with frail health, Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. During the year of 1997, FCS was approved to provide services under the Home and Community Based Waiver system for seniors; under the Older Alaskan’s Waiver (OA Waiver).
During 1998, FCS was awarded state grant funding for a Family Support Project (now known as the Short Term Assistance and Referral Program). The goal of this project is to provide support and referral services for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. In 1999, FCS built another community home for individuals moving out of the state run institution for individuals with developmental disabilities. During the year 2000, FCS expanded again by adding a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) program with funds from two grants. At the State’s request in 2000, FCS took over services from another agency in Valdez. This expansion provided FCS with two additional community homes and service provision to developmentally disabled consumers in Valdez.
In 2005, FCS applied for and was awarded the Behavioral Health Independent Case Management and Flexible Supports grant.
Under this grant the agency was given a mental health provider number allowing FCS to provide services for individuals who experience mental health issues.
Also in 2005, FCS was awarded the Healthy Families grant for the Kenai Peninsula and was the area grantee until the end of the program in 2007.
In 2007 FCS was awarded the Supported Employment grant to provide vocational services for individuals who experience behavioral health issues.
In 2009 FCS once again expanded the variety of services being offer for to the area senior population by opening Irons, our first senior assisted living home as well as assuming responsibility for the |
