NHTC was established to serve and support, in the least restrictive environment, individuals living in the Northern Black Hills area of South Dakota who have intellectual disabilities. The philosophy of the Northern Hills Training Center is based on the belief that people supported: Have human and legal rights which they do not have to work for or earn; Have responsibilities that are an inherent part of their rights; and Have the right to receive the supports and services they need to live in the community. Community life is important because social support and local environment influence the quality of life for all people, including people with disabilities. The common unifying task for NHTC, formal or informal, is to build social capital for people with disabilities, families, volunteers and employees.