Our Story

Aurora Community Services is an employee-owned organization rooted in Menomonie, Wisconsin, with a mission to empower people through personalized, impactful support. Founded in 1986 by Dave Barnard and Jim Neuman, Aurora began with a simple but powerful goal: to provide individualized, community-based services for people with disabilities. What started as a small, local effort has grown into a vibrant network of support services across multiple areas of need anchored in dignity, respect, and the belief that people thrive when they feel seen, heard, and supported.

Aurora Community Services (ACS) is the umbrella company uniting several specialized organizations that work together to support individuals and communities with compassion, innovation, and flexibility.

At the core of Aurora’s services is one philosophy: people first.

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 (ARSC) 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 and substance use 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 in person or virtually.

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), Comprehensive Community Services (CCS), and several county agencies to provide employment assessments, job development, and vocational coaching. Aurora specializes in IPS (Individual Placement Services) for individuals with mental health and substance use challenges.

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.