About Us

History - in 1972 the state of Wisconsin began the process of "deinstitutionalization" in which 1800 developmentally disabled residents of state centers were returned to their home communities. In Outagamie County, the Outagamie County Association for Retarded Citizens (now known as the ARC) set up a committee to study "how best to provide for the residential needs of these people."

As a result a non-profit, non-stock corporation was formed on March 22, 1974 to establish and operate residential facilities. Agape, a Greek word, was chosen as the name because it means unconditional love for humanity and it was hoped that this organization would show that kind of love and service to the developmentally disabled population in Outagamie County

The first two homes opened in 1975, each with 8 residents. In 1977 the third group home opened as well as the Transitional Living training for group home residents getting ready to progress to apartment living. In 1981 the fourth group home opened along with expansion in the Apartment Program serving 24-30 apartment clients annually. The first Children's Group Home opened in 1983 for six children. The following year a Sheltered Apartment Program was initiated where clients lived in an agency owned four-plex with a manager on the premises assisting the residents in their journey toward more independence based on their individual capabilities.

David Gogian
In 1997 we built our own corporate facilities to allow all our administrative staff to be under one roof rather than at scattered rented offices and as efficient use of limited resources. Agape was assisted with the realization of that goal with a bequeath from the John Gogian Family Foundation in honor of the founder's brother, David Gogian, who's life inspires us in our mission "to provide quality residential support services".

Our corporate office is dedicated to the memory of David Gogian.

David Gogian was born June 17, 1931 in Los Angeles, California. The second son of Rosalia and John Gogian, Sr. He was an outstanding student (straight A's) and an even better athlete. He was well liked and loved by all who knew him. In June of 1942, at age 11, he was afflicted with encephalitis and because no antibiotics were available, extreme infection and brain damage occurred. He did survive and was able to finish a school for the handicapped. Seizures started to occur and progressed over the years. He did stay home and was cared for by his mother. By the year 1959, these seizures were becoming so intense that his doctor recommended surgery to remove the build-up of scar tissue. David did survive the surgery, but succumbed to pneumonia on December 8, 1959.

We are thankful to the John Gogian Foundation for their generosity and their recognition of the value of the services Agape provides.
To learn more about the John Gogian Foundation go to www.gogianfoundation.org

Basic Facts - Agape of Appleton, Inc. is a non-stock, non-profit corporation. There is a volunteer Board of Directors from all walks of life, who offer their professional and personal expertise in guiding the agency in its mission
"to provide quality residential support services for individuals in a variety of community settings".

The day to day operations and programs are the responsibility of the Executive Director, Lee Bishop. The agency has a full-time Staff Development Specialist who is responsible for insuring that the extensive required training for all direct care staff and above is successfully completed. We know that our direct care staff are the front line providers of the quality our agency is known for, and recognize their training is exceedingly important.

As a non-profit our funding comes primarily from contracts with surrounding county departments of health and human services. We maintain a sound financial structure in order to continue our mission of quality service into the future.

Currently there are 10 group homes with 4-8 residents, varied apartment and in-home services. In 2007 we served 122 people and provided respite services for several others. We provide services in several surrounding counties and our services encompass developmental and other special needs.