Our Story

Aurora Community Services was “born” on April 18, 1986, in Menomonie, Wisconsin. On that day, Dave Barnard and Jim Neuman – the two founders of Aurora Community Services – stood in the rain at an auction, waiting to bid on two beds for the new residential home they were opening in the community.​

Dave and Jim stood in the rain because they were committed to a unique vision of serving people with disabilities. They believed that those with disabilities deserved to live in the communities of their choosing and that support programs should be built around them and support their individual needs. Not finding this type of support widely available, they left their jobs in a local health facility where they had worked together for years and launched Aurora Community Services.

​Since that first day in 1986, Aurora has grown from a single organization with two employees into a diverse family of companies with hundreds employees. Despite this growth, Aurora remains committed to building programs around people regardless of what service or resource is being provided.

Our Driving Force: The Aurora LIFE Philosophy

Our Family of Companies

ACS is the Aurora umbrella company under which the other companies reside. The Aurora Community Services headquarters building is in Menomonie, Wisconsin.

ARA was founded in 1986 and has over 30 years of experience in providing compassionate and professional residential alternatives for individuals with developmental/intellectual disabilities, challenges related to mental health or substance use, and traumatic brain injuries. ARA provides homes for more than 150 individuals in over 30 residential homes in Wisconsin and Colorado and emphasizes that programs should serve people and be customized for each individual. In keeping with this same philosophy for customized services ARA created a remote support solution that is available 24/7 365 days per year. The Aurora Response and Support Center is a technology/telephone based support option providing unique support to a variety of customers. Additionally, ARA operates 3 Day Services Programs which provide opportunities for individuals to develop skills, build relationships and engage in their community.

ACH is a state-licensed, Medicaid/Medicare-certified Home Health Agency that began services in 1996. Our registered nurses have a combination of 25 years of nursing experience with varied populations, including individuals with developmental/intellectual disabilities, mental health and substance use, traumatic brain injury, as well as the frail elderly. ACH’s community-based (versus hospital-based) philosophy has made each nurse a strong advocate for individuals living in the community.

ACC was established in 1996. ACC currently operates state-licensed outpatient mental health clinics in the following communities: Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, Ladysmith, Menomonie, Phillips, Siren, and Spooner. ACC therapists work with individuals, couples, families, groups, and employees. Therapist specialties include Substance Use, Mental Health and Life challenges.

Aurora has provided vocational services since 1998. AVS provides individualized vocational services to assist individuals in obtaining employment that matches their skill levels. AVS contracts with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and several county agencies to provide employment assessments, job placement, and vocational coaching. Aurora specializes in IPS (Individual Placement Services) for individuals with mental health and substance use challenges.

AIM Wisconsin originated in 2009 and consists of the management group for Aurora Community Services. Aurora’s management is a diverse and experienced group of professionals with backgrounds in medical, mental health, and business fields.

When you are a person who strives to be your BEST, in every part of your life, where do you draw your inspiration? When you are a business owner who wants the best for your business and your employees, where do you point people for resources? When you want to focus your energy directly at a spot that says EXCELLENCE, how do you find that spot?

REALiving, a sister company of Aurora Community Services, focuses on helping people to be their BEST. Our training products, inspirational/motivational speakers, executive/professional/life coaches, Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), wellness packages, and publications, are all designed to help you, and your company, to be the very BEST you can be.

​To find out more about REALiving, to go www.REALiving.com.

Our Leadership Team

Dave Barnard

Dave Barnard

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Jim Neuman

Jim Neuman

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Don Andresen

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

Cindy Smith

Cindy Smith

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Avis Wolske Baker

Avis Wolske Baker

Director

Marni Waznik

Executive Director of People and Culture

Dustin Doornink

Dustin Doornink

Executive Director of Information Technology

Terri Bollinger

Terri Bollinger

Executive Director of Community Services

Deena

Deena Black

Executive Director of Residential Services

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you’re looking for personalized support, meaningful employment, or solutions to help your business thrive, Aurora Community Services is here to guide you. Our compassionate team is ready to walk alongside you on your journey to growth and transformation.

Email us today to explore our services and discover how we can help you or your organization achieve new possibilities. If you need assistance immediately, call us at our main office: 715.235.1839 or 888.301.5897.