Founded in the early 1970’s, ADVANCE is a private non-profit organization that supports more than 115 people with developmental disAbilities.  These disAbilities range from mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, sensory impairments, and congenital disAbilities, to conditions caused by accident, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or diseases such as polio or muscular dystrophy. ADVANCE empowers people to make life choices through individualized plans of education and support. ADVANCE provides an array of services at a variety of levels, which ultimately support people at home, at work and within their community.

ADVANCE is one of nineteen Adjustment Training Centers (ATC's) is the state of South Dakota. We have seven group homes and two apartment complexes. Funding is primarily through the purchase of service agreements with the State of South Dakota and its school districts. The primary source is the Title XIX Medicaid Home and Community Based Waiver Program. Other sources come from the production work done at the training center, Unted Way donations, county funds, private donations, and grants.

ADVANCE employs about 200 people working in a variety of areas all focused on fulfilling our mission and vision through personalized services and supports. Direct Support Professionals are the foundation to making sure people are living the life they want. This can mean going grocery shopping, going to the movies, passing medications, helping with activities of daily living as well as forming relationships with people.  Direct Support Professionals are essential in providing Education, Experience and Exposure as well as advocating for the person. 

ADVANCE supports, encourages and actively seeks connections and personal relationships in our community.  We have participated in the Hobo Day Parade; we volunteer for Brookings Area Habitat for Humanity and are very active in many churches.  We have also held food and clothing drives for the Brookings Domestic Abuse Shelter and have participated in ringing the bell for the Salvation Army for their Christmas drive.  In return many people and organizations volunteer time and resources in support of ADVANCE.  ABATE puts on an annual pancake benefit, local churches provide group and individual bible studies and many individuals spend time just hanging out with people supported.