Strive Behavioral Solutions opened the doors of its new building Nov. 12 with a ribbon cutting, eager to expand its work into helping children.
The company, which opened in 2020 in Shawano, has grown rapidly in the last five years, so Strive broke ground near the end of March on an 11,900-square-foot building on Engel Drive, as the old building, which was 5,000 square feet could no longer meet the demand. Originally, it had been hoped that Strive’s staff could move into the new building by September, and the agency is still waiting on furniture before services can be transferred.
Strive serves children with autism and related disorders to decrease problematic behaviors and teach functional replacement behaviors through applied behavior analysis.
“Standing here today surrounded by so many familiar faces, I’m reminded that none of this happens by chance,” said Kristin Floss, owner and executive director for Strive. “Strive was built with intention, and it started with a simple goal to feed a need that mattered deeply in this community. This community deserves more. I wanted to build a local program where families could receive exceptional services closer to home that was built on professionalism, collaboration and integrity.”
Floss said that the big day was about more than just opening the doors. It was about recognizing the hard work that has been done in just a short time, she said.
“To my team, you are the heartbeat of Strive,” Floss said prior to cutting the ribbon. “You show up every day with dedication and passion, even when the days are long and hard. I’m so thankful for this team and what you do to make Strive what it is today.”
Keller Inc. served as the contractor for the project, and Floss said the company listened to every detail Strive officials wanted for the project and made it happen. Keller didn’t just build a building, she said, but instead made it something that would serve people well and show what Strive stands for.
Having support from the city of Shawano and the Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce was a big help to Strive, according to Floss.
“From the beginning, you’ve supported our services that strengthen children, families and the local workforce,” she said. “This community has embraced Strive, supported our mission and shown what it looks like when people come together and change lives.”
Floss also praised the families who trust Strive with their children.
“You’re the reason Strive exists,” she said. “Every goal we set, every system that we create, every training we do, it all comes back to your children.”
Floss added that community partnerships make Strive a success, and that nothing is done in isolation.
lpulaski@newmedia-wi.com
