The mission of The PLUS Company, an acronym for People Learning Useful Skills, is to empower individuals with developmental disabilities by providing support and services that maximize independence. With offices in Nashua, New Hampshire and Lawrence and Tewksbury, Massachusetts, The PLUS Company provides a supportive environment that assists individuals with disabilities to develop skills, increase self-reliance, and become vital, productive members of their community. The services offered allow individuals to explore residential and life skills, along with educational, vocational, and social opportunities. Programs are created with the vision that all people with disabilities have the confidence, dignity, and skills needed to lead lives of independence and quality. Established in 1972 by the Nashua Association for Retarded Citizens, The PLUS Company was incorporated as a non-profit entity in 1978. In 1980, a State of New Hampshire court order mandated that residents of Laconia State School return to live in their communities. This increased the need for community-based services for people with developmental disabilities and resulted in the rapid growth of The PLUS Company. Several group homes were established in the Greater Nashua area, and an emphasis was placed on vocational training. Over the years, The PLUS Company has continued to grow, creating innovative, individualized programming to serve the changing needs of individuals with disabilities and their communities.