Under John Schreiber's Directorship, there was a continuing de-emphasis of silviculture.  By the mid-70's, subcontracts for work with the local Christmas tree farms were dissolved and firewood production had become the primary source of income.  This trend continued until the late 1970's when creek cleanup contracts with Simpson Timber Company and the U.S. Forest Service became an important financial resource.

Major changes in program emphasis were adopted in 1976 in order to meet State guidelines.  In that year, Exceptional Foresters  adopted a model of providing training for the whole person.  The majority of residents began spending one-half their time in pre-workshops and the other half in the Adult Living Skills Program.  Here they were instructed in the skills they would need to reach independent living status.

The mid to late 70's was a period of explosive growth.  In 1975, funding from the State became available in unprecedented amounts.  It was a thrilling, though disorienting period, as Exceptional Foresters sought to cope with the massive influx of Government money.  This financial boon was not only confusing at the administrative level, it was also confusing to the local townspeople who saw "their" community-sponsored facility going big time.  Part of the concern lay in the real estate purchases which Exceptional Foresters made during this period.

Dr. Boyd Collier, an old family friend of Bob and Louise Kimbel and a long-time supporter of Exceptional Foresters, made an extremely generous offer to the Board.  He would sell his large brick medical building to the Foresters for $57,000.  It was a giveaway.  On July 14, 1975, the Board members passed a resolution to purchase the clinic from Dr. Collier in order to use it as a training center for the Adult Living Skills Program.

In response to pressures from the State to provide facilities for independent living training, Exceptional Foresters purchased a house at 724 Cota Street in Shelton in January 1977.  Here four men and a part-time housekeeper worked together to establish a successful program to learn independent living skills.  One year later, in May 1978, a separate group home for four women was established at 601 Bellevue, and in December 1979, a third facility for men was added at 325 South Fifth Street.

• Chapter 1 -- In The Beginning

• Chapter 2 -- The First Foresters 

• Chapter 3 -- Growing Pains

• Chapter 4 -- Exceptional Manor

• Back to  Company History

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Last Edited August 31, 2011