In 2025, Benchmark Human Services celebrated 65 Years of Stories. During this anniversary celebration, we recorded stories from Benchmark employees across the country. Learn more about our history and watch the collection below!
History
Benchmark Human Services helps people live as independently as possible, be included in the community, and reach their full potential. We work with people at home, at work, and in the community, through a variety of programs.
Benchmark’s history dates back to 1960, when the Community Coordinating Center for Rehabilitation and Health Services was founded because of a community volunteer committee that launched a study to consider the provision of work-related services for individuals with disabilities. The Community Coordinating Center was renamed Anthony Wayne Rehabilitation Center (AWRC) in 1972, and AWRC was restructured into three separate entities in 2007: AWRC (nonprofit), Benchmark Human Services (for-profit), and AWS Foundation (philanthropic nonprofit).
1960
The Community Coordinating Center for Rehabilitation and Health Services was founded.
1975
Benchmark opened its workshop, employing 25 clients.
1976
Benchmark received one of the first federal Title XX grants, with subsequent awards accelerating the integration and deinstitutionalization of people with disabilities in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
1985
Benchmark names Bill Swiss president. Swiss served as the leader of the Company until 2017.
1986
Benchmark opened its first two group homes in Fort Wayne.
2004
Benchmark makes history by opening the first ever group homes in the state of Indiana for individuals with complex behavior and medical needs.
2007
The Company restructures with a newly formed LLC (Benchmark), the existing nonprofit (AWRC), and the AWS Foundation.
2013
Benchmark enters the behavioral health industry after winning a contract through a competitive RFP process to provide mental health mobile crisis response services in Georgia.
2017
Benchmark names Doug Beebe President/CEO.
2020
Benchmark formed the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee.
2024
Benchmark reaches new milestone with 3,400+ employees serving over 20,000 individuals throughout 18 states and the District of Columbia.
2025
Benchmark celebrates its 65th anniversary of Connecting People and Potential.
MY BENCHMARK STORY
We asked our team members to share their Benchmark stories.
Contact
Want to learn more about our team, our services, or our 65th anniversary celebration? Contact us at (260) 744-6145 or [email protected].