Lyle Zielke was Executive Director from 1971 to 1995, where he led the medical division as well as the vocational division. In May of 1995, the Medical Services Division of Curative Workshop of Racine was transferred to All-Saints Medical Center along with ownership of the building occupied by Curative.  As part of this agreement, Curative was allowed to continue to occupy the building rent-free through December 2003. Following this transfer, the Vocational Services Division continued on as Curative Workshop of Racine with a portfolio of services designed for the rehabilitation of people with disabilities.

In January 2002, Curative Workshop of Racine purchased the Beere Precision Medical Instruments building at 2503 Lincolnwood Court.  Curative Workshop of Racine, Inc. also changed its name to Lakeside Curative Services, Inc.  (LCS).   In March, 2002, Chuck Kubicek retired as Executive Director and Maggie White was promoted from Vocational Director to Executive Director. 2002 also saw the expansion of services for participants. Examples of those services for 2002 and beyond follow.

LCS collaborated with Gateway Technical College to provide C.N.A. (Certified Nursing Assistant) training to individuals with special learning needs.  The training was given on-site at Ridgewood Care Center and students continued their work experience duties during the afternoon hours to comply with program requirements. (Note:  LCS no longer offers this program.)

In 2002, LCS and the Workforce Development Center combined efforts to create programming that would evaluate W-2 participants with vocational, educational, and medical barriers. This service is no longer provided

In 2003, LCS was granted a facility-based contract with the Racine County Human Services Department to provide prevocational services (short term – facility-based job training) for participants enrolled in long term care. Today this service is called Explore.

In 2005, LCS created a subsidiary company called Curative Commercial Services, CCS.  The purpose of CCS was to operate as a revenue-producing entity in support of LCS mission. It also provided work experiences for LCS Participants and other individuals with a variety of disabilities.  On December 31, 2012, LCS, consolidated Curative Commercial Services into LCS
In June 2007, LCS initiated a Day Service Program (now called Connect) which offered activities to enhance social development and other skills of daily and community living.  A full curriculum of arts, exercise, daily living skills, and education were offered.

In March of 2009, LCS was awarded the State Seasoning and Glove contracts from the State of Wisconsin Bureau of Procurement working through the State Use Program. This gave LCS the chance to fulfill orders for these products from a variety of state agencies/entities. LCS continues its responsibilities related to the glove contract but discontinued its connection with the spice contract in 2016.

In April 2010, Maggie White, Executive Director retired and Mary Beth Popchock became our new Executive Director, coming on-board with over 20 years’ experience.  Mary Beth expanded on new ideas to get LCS focused on community employment and engagement for all people with disabilities.

In 2011, and with the help of the Johnson Foundation, LCS was able to expand its services to provide year-round horticulture training.  A greenhouse was built and is utilized by the Day Service program and pre-vocational participants to learn a new skills. The addition of the greenhouse provided LCS with the opportunity to launch an Annual Pansy Day Fundraiser.  It is held each year on the Friday before Mother’s Day. Throughout the winter and early spring, Connect Participants grow pansies and other plants in the greenhouse which are sold at the event.

In 2011, a Pathways grant was awarded to LCS to help increase Supported Employment outcomes for participants. In October of 2012, LCS took the lead in our area for Employment First.  This was an opportunity to become a catalyst for change and to help enlighten our business community, state decision makers, neighbors, and others about the importance and benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities.

In 2012, Community Based Pre-Vocational (Explore) services began.  Our Pre-Vocational (Explore) Case Managers work with participants, on a small group basis, to help them explore all of the employment opportunities that are available in the community.

In February 2013, several LCS Staff Members were among the first in the nation to become Certified Employment Services Professionals (CESP). This credential is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated an essential level of knowledge and skill necessary to provide quality integrated employment services. Since then, all LCS Supported Employment staff members (QEST) are expected to achieve and maintain this certification.

In March 2013, LCS introduced a new service that offers participants the chance to more closely explore a variety of community employment options. This service, E-Now! offers individualized community-based prevocational services, and consists of four learning modules all designed to help a participant become employed in the community.

In July 2015, LCS was published by the University of Massachusetts Boston – Center for Community Inclusion.  The article entitled, “LCS in WI:  An Organizational Investment in Capacity-Building and Staff Training” focused on LCS’ emphasis on building staff capacity as a strategy for expanding integrated employment.

After engaging in strategic planning in 2015, LCS changed its tag line from “Helping People Help You” to “Potential is Limitless.”  LCS also changed its mission statement to “Provide training and community experiences for youth and adults of varying abilities to enhance their self-esteem and quality of life”