Todd County Developmental Achievement Center Inc

Serving, Teaching and Empowering People, STEP, serving clients with Developmental Disabilities since 1974

STEP, formerly the Todd County Developmental Achievement Center (DAC) is a non-profit organization that employs persons with physical and mental disabilities. Those individuals work at our main facility in Browerville and at our four thrift stores: STEP On In Thrift Browerville, MN; STEP On In Thrift Staples, MN; Baby STEPs Staples, MN (new and used children's items),  and STEP On In Thrift Sauk Centre, MN. Much of our inventory for these stores is donated by the surrounding communities. We accept and resell clothing, shoes, household and many miscellaneous items.

The first step in recycling clothing is sorting each item. If the quality is good with no rips or tears, we will process it and put it in one of the stores.  We can’t hold on to everything too long so if items haven’t sold in a set amount of time we offer them at special sales prices. Items that can't be used or if not sold within a certain amount of time are passed on to a foundation that accepts such items. Some jeans, curtains, sheets and blankets are cut into strips for weaving rugs. STEP has two looms used by our clients to weave beautiful sturdy rugs. T-shirts are cut and bundled for use as rags.

Another great job for our clients is the making of fire starters. They are made from empty toilet paper rolls, shredded newspapers and left over wax from donated used candles. They are amazingly efficient and have been a huge hit. These fire starters are sold wholesale to area convenience stores, hardware and grocery stores. They're also sold at all STEP thrift stores.

STEP also has work teams that go out into the community for a variety of jobs. One team works regularly at the county's recycling center. Several teams help keep area businesses spic and span and others work in processing vegetables. STEP also offers job coaching to assure successful independent employment. Browerville has a population of around 800 people and STEP is a large employer in the community.

STEP offers a senior program which provides services for an aging population of developmentally disabled people.  Among the many activities available are reminiscent therapy, relaxation, community outings, and social time. 

Many of the 75 individuals who are served by STEP are transported by the STEP. STEP operates several routes each day with with up to 60 miles, round trip. Several of the vehicles have wheel chair lifts making transportation possible for people who would otherwise be unable to work.

Check us out at www.stepbrowerville.org and on Facebook, STEP.