An organization that serves Washington and eastern Iowa marks its 50th year of providing services to people living with disabilities and mental health needs.

Systems Unlimited opened its Iowa City location in 1971 and later opened the Washington office in 1979. The original intention of the group of parents who founded Systems Unlimited was to provide local services for their children that allow them to become as independent as possible. Today they still hold onto the original mission of community inclusion and choice in daily life activities with an emphasis on independent living. They serve around 46 clients who live in small-home settings in the Washington area through their residential program.

Development and Communications Director Jolene Sorenson shares what she feels the organization has accomplished in five decades, “Well, I think that the main thing that we have done is to really help people be a part of the community. Back when we first started it was very rare to see a person with a disability just out and about in their community, and now I don’t think most people would really blink an eye if they see somebody using a wheelchair or has Down syndrome or whatever it might be. So I think that the past 50 years what really we have been about is making sure that people are included, that they can get jobs, that they can be a part of their community and I feel that we have done a really good job of doing that.”

As the pandemic largely affected the Systems Unlimited clients and staff as many with underlying health conditions had to self-isolate, it also changed the organization’s 50th anniversary plans. After delaying several celebrations toward the end of 2021, Sorensen says they eventually had to cancel the plans due to COVID-19 upticks. She hopes they can possibly host 51st anniversary in-person events in 2022.