About Us
Mission
To enhance the lives of people we support by promoting their uniqueness and building their self esteem and independence in a safe and comfortable environment.
Vision
Happy, smiling people we support who are leading meaningful and enjoyable lives.
Core Values
Integrity
Treating all stakeholders with respect, honesty, and fairness to gain their trust.
Safety
Balancing safety while promoting Independence.
Individuality
Being responsive to an individual’s needs and wants and valuing those differences.
Dreams
Developing people we support to their full potential by helping them build relationships, gain independence, and integrate into their communities.
Teamwork and Collaboration
Working together with people we support, coworkers, parents and guardians.
Change
Responding positively to change and the future by supporting and educating all stakeholders.
Stewardship
Being fiscally responsible with all resources.
History
ABLE, Inc., standing for, “A Brighter Living Experience,” has been providing residential care to people with developmental disabilities within Houston County for over 40 years.
First named Houston County Group Homes, the 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation began as a grass roots effort by concerned parents who sought an alternative to sending their loved ones with disabilities to state institutions or keeping them out of the public eye.
ABLE focuses on enhancing the lives of the people it supports by promoting their uniqueness and building their self esteem and independence in a safe and comfortable environment.
At ABLE, employees are united in the belief that people with disabilities are best served by those who value them as individuals, fellow community members and friends.
The first group home opened in Caledonia in 1980, with the intermediate care facility in La Crescent opening shortly after in 1982.
In the intervening 30 years, Houston County Group Homes opened 15 single family homes and expanded services.
The agency now provides services to over 110 individuals through its Intermediate Care Facility, 12 single family homes, community-based programs and Teaching and Recreation Centers.
Services Offered
ABLE provides a broad range of services that enable people to pursue their dreams within their own homes or in one of the many homes located in Caledonia and La Crescent, MN
The services provided by ABLE encourage individuals to participate in decisions and choices which affect their daily lives.
ABLE helps each person maintain independence and gain a sense of self-direction, while ensuring that a reliable and nurturing support network is available.
Depending on the individual’s need for companionship, instruction and supervision, services may vary from a one hour visit a week to a full twenty-four hours a day.
Supported Living Services (SLS)
Supported Living Services (SLS) are residential based homes that can provide up to 24 hour supervision depending on the needs of the individual. ABLE operates 12 residential facilities throughout the Houston County area. Each home is customized to meet the unique needs of the people supported.
Intermediate Care Facilities
ABLE’s Intermediate Care Facility provides a greater level of care and supervision for residents with higher needs. This facility is the Lancer Apartments in La Crescent.
Board of Directors
President
Brett Kemmer
Vice President
Eric Minor
Treasurer
Heidi Harms
Secretary
Anne Trnka
Directors
Emily Wieser
Cathleen Swendson