About Us

About Us

History

In 1979, a group of Houston County parents started a grassroots organization focused on finding alternatives to sending their loved ones with disabilities to state institutions or keeping them at home, out of the public eye. They found no options close to home and decided to open their own group home. Under the name of Houston County Group Homes, our first home opened in Caledonia in 1980. An intermediate care facility opened in La Crescent in 1982. Our name was later changed to ABLE, A Brighter Living Experience, to better reflect our mission and vision.

About Us

Mission & Vision

MISSION:

To offer living and learning opportunities to individuals with developmental disabilities. Our services honor uniqueness and promote dignity, independence and self-esteem.

VISION:

An inclusive community where everyone belongs.

About Us

Values

Advocacy:

We believe in promoting and protecting the rights of our people supported, staff and communities by actively engaging in conversation and action that shape positive outcomes.

Community:

We believe in fostering environments that celebrate human differences by respecting opinions, demonstrating humility and acting with integrity.

Intentionality:

We will advance our work and mission by being thoughtful, purposeful and evidence based.

Grace:

We promise to be compassionate, forgiving and nurturing with our people supported, staff and ourselves.

About Us

Board of Directors

Eric Minor, President

Shannon Stremcha, Vice President

Heidi Harms, Treasurer

Anne Trnka, Secretary

Brett Kemmer, Past President

Emily Wieser, Director

Cathleen Swendsen, Director