KHDS (pronounced K-H-D-S) roots are firmly planted in Kenosha, for Kenosha, by Kenoshans.

Our earliest history dates by to 1973 where a citizen committee was established to create treatment homes for teens. Advised by the John Howard Association, an important early focus on family-centered services was established.

As an outcome of these initial efforts, Kenosha Area Group Homes (KAGH) emerged, initially aiding girls and offering round-the-clock parenting advice. By 1974, KAGH expanded to include a boys’ home.

KAGH expanded its services in 1975 with Shelter Care, a co-ed shelter for family support. In 1976, they initiated a Specialized Foster Parents Program. At this point, the services had evolved to become more therapeutic, and KAGH affirmed its commitment tomeeting the treatment and development needs of the youth and families of Kenosha County. By 1978, KAGH became Kenosha Youth Development Services (KYDS).

KYDS grew significantly in 1984, and reached another milestone by adding adult services under its new Crisis Intervention program. This, and other services under the Kenosha County Comprehensive Board were soon merged into the Community Intervention Center.

And the growth in scale and scope didn't stop there: with the 80s and 90s came new programs like the KARE Center, Columbus House, and case management for developmental disabilities.

The 1990's served as a growth and expansion period for KYDS. With new programs, opportunities, and resources, KYDS outgrew its name. In 1997, we formally adopted Kenosha Human Development Services (KHDS).

 From that point on, KHDS has continued to develop community-based resources and added new programs - at this point, over 40 - to meet Kenosha’s needs.

The "family"-centric foundation that was established early on during the KAGH days has remained a pillar in its approach to care, and many of its programs have been certified by the Teaching Family Association (TFA)..

In 2024, the agency celebrated a milestone: 5 Decades of serving the Kenosha County community. As part of that, the agency revamped its logo, shortened its name, and focused on client, community, and partner satisfaction as benchmarks for the next 50 years.

KHDS continues to grow, adapt, and innovate to meet the demands and needs of the community and partners.