Life Skills Training Center began in 1971 when local advocates sought a workshop for people with disabilities. Their vision became reality with the incorporation of the Plymouth County Work Activity Center in June 1972, specializing in wood products. The center opened in January 1973 with five clients and quickly expanded. By 1975, a new facility was built with community support, and continued growth led to further expansions in 1977 and 1979. Client numbers reached 42 before declining in the early 1980s as some transitioned to a new program.
In September 1982, a sheltered workshop laundry facility opened to provide more advanced vocational opportunities. Starting with one contract and four clients, it steadily grew, purchasing its building in 1986 and expanding again in 1987. In 1988, the organization was renamed Life Skills Training Center. By 1990, it employed 30 clients and 18 staff, producing 30,000 pounds of laundry.
Facing funding cuts and declining wood product demand in the early 1990s, Life Skills consolidated services at the laundry facility and secured funding for a major renovation completed in 1994. Capacity doubled, serving 60 clients with 30 staff, while the original work activity center was phased out. The organization also expanded supported employment services, growing from seven sites in 1994 to twelve by 1999, along with partnerships with local businesses.
Since then, Life Skills has continued improving operations through technology upgrades and facility improvements, including modern software systems and equipment. In 2018, it launched a Day Habilitation program, which outgrew its initial space. In 2024, Life Skills purchased and renovated a new facility, moving the program there in June 2025.
Today, more than 50 years after its founding, Life Skills serves around 60 clients with 30 staff and continues to expand services for adults with disabilities.
