1956

Association for Retarded Children started a class for handicapped school-age children called Stepping Stone

1957

The “Bartholomew County Chapter of crippled children and adults” and the “Association for Retarded Children” organized a committee to study the needs of the handicapped.

1959

Stepping Stone School was founded in Bartholomew County.

Opportunity Center was first chartered.

1960

Opportunity Center was first incorporated.

1963

Opportunity Center, Inc. commenced operations serving six clients with one staff and an annual budget of $8,000.

1964

The Sunshine School opened at 321 E 16^th St. in Seymour through the combined effort of the Crusade for Children, Seymour Jr. Chamber of Commerce, The People of Jackson County, and The Jackson County Council for Retarded Children.

1965

The total operating budget for Opportunity Center, Inc. was $17,350. The motto was “To help the disabled to become part of the community-not apart from it”.

1969

Opportunity Center, Inc. moved into a 10,000 sq. ft. building at 14^th and Hutchins.

1970

Formation of Region X Mental Retardation, Inc. The board consisted of representatives from four counties ARC’s (Bartholomew, Decatur, Jackson, and Jennings) 

United Developmental Services was incorporated. The projected budget was voluntary support by Bartholomew, Decatur, Jackson, and Jennings counties.

1971

Region X Mental Retardations, Inc. projected a budget of $23,595 

Region X Mental Retardation, Inc. changed its name to United Developmental Services. (UDS)

1972

Through a Federal grant, The Opportunity Center committed themselves to serve Jackson, Jennings, Decatur and Brown counties as satellite programs.

Opportunity Center, Inc. changed its name to Opportunity, Inc.

1973

Opportunity Center received a grant to regionalize.

The organization which Opportunity Center operated under was renamed Opportunity, Inc. and reorganized to serve 5-county Region XI

Opportunity, Inc. developed a satellite program in Jackson County established through funding from Indiana Rehabilitation Services (IRS) and the Jackson County Association for Retarded Children (JARC). It was located at 1040 A Ave in Freeman Field in Seymour with 12 clients.

Opportunity, Inc. developed a program in Decatur County. Decatur Training Center was established through funding from Indiana Rehabilitation Services (IRS) and Decatur Association for Retarded Children (DARC). It was located at the Decatur County Fairgrounds with one client.

Brown County was added to UDS.

UDS made an application to the state to fund a comprehensive training center

Opportunity, Inc. began busing Brown County clients to Opportunity, Inc.

1974

UDS opened the Columbus Camelot Group Home with two men and one houseparent

By the end of this year UDS and Opportunity, Inc. served: 

• 102 clients in evaluation and training program
• 80 clients with sheltered employment work activities
• 27 clients with placement in local industry
• 6 clients in residential living at Camelot
• 87 children enrolled in preschool training
• 5 children placed in Bartholomew County School System
• 65 children with a recreation program
• 18 adults with recreation programs

1975

Cooperative efforts began to create a comprehensive facility for education, residential and rehabilitation programs.

It was determined by the UDS and Opportunity, Inc. Board of Directors that a United Delivery system would be instituted for handicapped services in the five-county region.

The final merger was completed of Opportunity, Inc. and United Developmental Services, Inc. and was named Developmental Services, Inc. (DSI)

1976

DSI opened Carver group home in Greensburg. This home housed five females with moderate mental retardation.

The adult daily living (ADL) programs began. This program provided trainings to prepare individuals to perform daily activities in the home, at work, and in the community.

DSI implemented a social service program covering intake of clients served, assisting families in adapting to special demands, and program coordination.

1977

DSI opened Mill Street home in Seymour.

Nine handicapped adult men and women moved into Steinhurst Apartments in Columbus under a program called semi-independent living.

Jennings Training Center opened on O & M Avenue in North Vernon.

A new 74,000 Sq.Ft. facility was built at Seymour’s Freeman Field for Jackson Training Center. 55 clients were served in this facility.

1978

Plans were put together for a proposed Comprehensive Training Center (CTC) for DSI.

DSI’s plant manager implemented CARF (Committee for the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) policies, programs and procedures.

Jefferson/Switzerland for Retarded Citizens Association (JSARC) opened a sheltered workshop on the Madison State Hospital grounds with five paid staff.

Groundbreaking ceremonies for The Comprehensive Training Center were held.

1979

DSI opened the Comprehensive Training Center with funding from Department of Mental Health, Indiana Rehabilitation Services, Community Development, Bartholomew County Council, and Cummins Engine Foundations. CTC was located at 2920 10^th St. in Columbus.

1980

CTC was dedicated.

Construction started for Decatur Training Center on Highway 421 in Greensburg

DSI expanded social services with programs of outreach, counseling, program coordination and follow-along.

1981

Funding cuts affected DSI programs and layoffs of DSI staff occurred as well as consolidation of programs and program cuts.

DSI contracted with Carver Governance Design, Inc. to provide governance assistance and management for one year.

The State of Indiana recognized the advantages of accepting federal dollars to develop group homes.

1983

DSI opened Franklin St. home in Greensburg to house six women

DSI began delivery of respite services.

A grant was approved to add 5,000 SQ. FT. to Jackson Developmental Industries.

DSI held a competition for Ivy Tech commercial arts students to develop a new logo for DSI. The winner received $50 and public recognition.

1984

JSARC merged with DSI and became known as Sandstone Industries. Expanding DSI’s services to Jefferson and Switzerland counties.

DSI coordinated with New Hope Services, Inc. and Madison Developmental Center (MDC) located at the Calvary Baptist Church in Madison.

Jennings Rehabilitation Industries moved to Highway 7 in Scipio

DSI received The Gold Award for leadership

1985

DSI expanded the Jackson Developmental Industries facility by 5,000 SQ.FT.

DSI opened Hoover Road residential home for adolescent girls in Brown County.

DSI implemented training programs in grounds and custodial care and food services.

DSI purchased a new mobile evaluation unit through an IRS Grant. This allowed DSI to provide evaluation services at New Horizons Rehabilitation in Batesville.

DSI extended the respite program to Jefferson and Switzerland counties. The program was funded through DMH.

Speech Therapy program was extended to Madison and Seymour facilities.

DSI extended ADL to Decatur and Jennings County Workshops. The start-up funds were provided by the two County ARCs

DSI extended ADL to Sandstone Industries

The Adult Day Activities (ADA) program changed it’s name to Prevocational and Basic Skills Training (Pre-Voc)

DSI’s Projects with Industry (PWI) Training Program received an award for program excellence from The Association of Retarded Citizens of The United States (ARC-USA)

1986

Groundbreaking was held in Madison for the Sandstone facility.

Federal legislation had been passed (P.L. 99-457) requiring the State Department of Education and Local School Corporations to provide services for 3-5-year-old children with handicaps by the 1990—91 school year or face cuts of federal funds.

DSI received a grant for supported employment

1987

DSI completed construction of the expansion of Decatur Developmental Industries. This expansion created a 16,000 SQ. FT. building. The funds were acquired by the Decatur County ARC.

DSI implemented prevocational and basic skills training at Decatur Developmental Industries in Greensburg.

DSI implemented an Annual Golf Tournament

DSI constructed a 9,000 SQ. FT. addition to Sandstone Industries.

DSI constructed a 15,500 SQ.FT. facility for Sandstone Industries

Because all Sandstone clients receive services in one building, Adult Daily Living (ADL) Services are expanded to high priority clients in Bartholomew County

1988

DSI opened the Jennings Group Home for the physically disabled

Pre-Vocational services became available at Decatur Developmental Industries in Greensburg

DSI completed phase II of Sandstone Industries. It is an addition 9,500 square feet

DSI added 3,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space at Jackson Developmental Industries.

The Swap and Step program were implemented at Decatur Industries.

A mobile evaluation unit, funded by Indiana Rehabilitation Services was purchased.

DSI purchased two 28-passenger buses with wheelchair lifts from an UMTA Grant.

DSI employees were given the opportunity to become involved with a tax shelter annuity plan

1989

DSI opened Elm Street geriatric group home in Seymour

A day program for older adults was initiated serving those individuals who live in the geriatrics homes in Seymour and Madison

1990

DSI re-organized, dividing into two major areas: Consumer Services and Administrative Services. Those two areas have eleven divisions: Business & Industry, Residential Services, Children Services, Support Services, Adult Services, Clinical Services, Secretary, Fiscal, Communication, Development and Personnel & Property.

Madison Developmental Preschool moved into a new modular building at 801 Green Road

DSI’s clinical services expanded to include referrals from outside DSI, including children

DSI staff presented information at the Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities on the parent information and skills building (P.I.S.B.) Program

1991

DSI implemented a staff advisory council at each county and the regional office, having representatives from each division. Representatives from each of these councils are  on the all agency council that meets with the Executive Director.

The respite program began using the Medicaid Waiver for autism.

The office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) ran out of funds. Services funded by OVR, including evaluation, work adjustment training, vocational skills training and placement services, were temporarily terminated until funding was restored.

The residential division added medical staff to meet Medicaid requirements.

1992

Government funding for some programs was uncertain. DSI adopts a new vision. 

DSI started developing its infant/toddler program to work closely with local related providers and First Step and Step Ahead councils.

DSI worked with the Columbus Parks Department to integrate children with disabilities in community recreational programs

1993

Gross industrial profits exceeded budgeted target by 32%

DSI continues commitment to the principles of Total Quality Management and CARF

DSI Board and management conducted long-range planning and established priority goals through state-of-the-art computer technology.

1994

Many clients almost lost their home due to proposed State cuts in Medicaid funding

DSI received a three-year accreditation after their first CARF audit

Two new group homes opened in Greensburg

Continued to enlarge facilities in Greensburg and Columbus

1996

DSI has increased communication with various partners of the agency

Opportunities were expanded for each individual to choose from

New positions were hired in Children’s services to expand 

About 350 families being served monthly

DSI added MIS (Management Information Systems) Department into the Administration Division

1997

DSI transitions from sheltered workshop to community-based programs

DSI implemented System Point of Entry services for Bartholomew, Brown, Jackson, Jefferson and Switzerland counties.

To improve the quality of services, DSI added a Qualified Mental Retardation Professional (QMRP) to the Home-Based Support Service Program.

2000

DSI worked with many local leaders to provide insight on industry work

DSI celebrated its 25^th Anniversary

DSI self-advocacy group attended conferences with other counties advocates

DSI implemented Person-Centered Planning (PCP)

2003

DSI was placed in the Top 1% in the Nation on CARF results

DSI implements Special Needs Resource Coordination Program with funding provided by Indiana Association for Child Care Resource & Referral and Riley Hospital for Children’s Child Development Center

DSI begins the implementation of hiring and providing services with diverse backgrounds. Implementation includes language translation, language instruction, and more.

2005

Decatur Industries breaks ground on new facility

DSI works closely with Columbus Parks and Recreation and Columbus Foundation for Youth to provide experiences for adults with disabilities in the community

This program also allows clients to volunteer and give back to their community

2006

Changes were made to community living program

CARF accredits DSI for three years

Ron Mumaw completed a 3,000-mile ride across the country to benefit DSI

2007

DSI collaborated with Hanover College Best Buddies chapter to implement programming

DSI implements a ground-breaking training program for Client Service Specialists

DSI obtains Industry component ISO 9001:2000Certification

2008

New State Medicaid rates force a transition from facility-based programs to limited community based choices and service options.

DSI faces local funding sources reduced or eliminated

Many sub-contract work and manufacturing opportunities for industry facilities declined

DSI works with Brown County Community Foundation and citizens to preserve historic Hoover Home for residents with disabilities.

DSI adopts Green Technology for cost-saving measures

DSI implements the D’Vine Wine Festival

2009

Cost reduction strategies to enhance existing operational efficiencies

DSI merged with Raintree Programs in New Castle

2010

Jennings County Day Programs were consolidated into one to reduce operating costs.

Tree City Estates apartment complex opened in Greensburg in partnership with Keller Development Corporation

2011

DSI merged with Spectrum Services through Hamilton Center in Terre Haute

2013

DSI maintained and enhanced the Quality Improvement Program

DSI earns ISO9001-2008 Certification of Industrial Facilities

DSI works with SixSigma to make better practices

2014

Long time CEO, Bill Hadar retires; Shane Burton named new CEO

2015

Multi-scensory room opened in Decatur County

DSI Kitchen in Columbus updated and modified for accessibility through Cummins, Inc, Foundation

New strategic planning process has been implemented

2016

The strategic plan includes measures to address challenges and possible scenarios regarding changes in the Home and Community Based Settings (HCBS) waiver.

DSI implements the Education & Enrichment model to provide a platform for clients to explore talents and interests such as fine art, cooking, computer literacy, wellness, recreation and gardening.

DSI celebrates 40^th Anniversary

2017

DSI merged with Four Rivers Resource Services, Inc. to become the largest disability non-profit provider in the State of Indiana.

DSI hosted a community event for all individuals with disabilities in the community

2018

DSI hosts the First Run, Walk, & Roll to benefit DSI preschool programs

2019

DSI implements internal SPIRIT campaign to better recognize the employees

DSI works with Keller Development to open Broadway Flats affordable housing complex in Greenfield, Indiana

2020

The gymnasium at DSI Columbus gets a remodel to better implement activities for staff and clients through funding from multiple local foundations

DSI staff and clients change programming to keep everyone safe and healthy through COVID-19

Late 50's/Early 60's

Daviess-Martin Green County Sullivan Programs for individuals with disabilities focused on school-age

1973

Mandate for Special Education.

Rosemary Kennedy School became Daviess Martin Rehab Services.

GC became Greene County Area Rehabilitation Center.

SC became Sullivan County Area Rehabilitation Center.

70's/ Early 80's

Daviess Martin Rehab Services,  Greene County Area Rehabilitation Center, and Sullivan County Area Rehabilitation Center build first buildings.

1986

State Regionalization was recommended. These three boards had already started meeting.

In April 1986, Steve Sacksteder was hired as ED for Four Rivers Resource Services and it was officially recognized in July 1986.

Services included pre and post aged students, Home Start, Pre-school in Northern Counties, ADL Training, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Sheltered Work.

Three separate boards and one regional board were maintained.

Later 80's

Three group homes were licensed: Washington, Plainville, and Carlisle.

All buildings expanded.

Daviess County added Kidstuff Preschool and 10,000 sq. ft. on other end for industry.

Sullivan County added Pre-school and industrial shop.

Early 90's

Community Based Employment

Supported Employment

Supported Living over and over basic SILP was added.

1995

Beginnings of Medicaid Waiver Services in Daviess, Martin, Greene, and Sullivan counties.

1997

IMPACT Welfare to Work Program started in Daviess, Martin, Greene and Sullivan counties. Pike and Monroe were added in 1999.

Late 90's

Over one million long underwear pieces were made in Sullivan, Daviess, and Greene county for the US government.

Early 2000's

Closure of state institutions for people with DD. Medicaid Waiver Services ramped up to get people out of those settings. We went from serving 28 individuals to 45 individuals who are receiving support 24/7. CL staff now exceeds 120 employees. Four Rivers also began developing a new public transportation system called Ride Solution to address a growing need for rural transportation.

2001

Our public transportation was now in our 4-county area, but also in Pike County.

Our supported Employment Program was also showing great success and we had 4 successful VR closures.

2002

We closed Washington Group Home and individuals living there moved into their own community home or apartment rentals. Individuals being served in residential continues to grow due to Supported Living and the Medicaid Waiver. We now supported 77 individuals in 7 different counties.

2003

IMPACT expands again with Long Distance Dads, Job Readiness, and the Child Care Development Fund.

First Steps Early Intervention, Preschool, and Healthy Families Services remain strong, as does Community Living/Medicaid Waiver; however, affordable, safe, accessible housing is not easy to obtain.

Ride Solution prepares to add Dubois County to their service area.

2005

Four Rivers took on a new initiative with efforts to develop safe, affordable, accessible housing in Daviess, Greene, Martin, and Sullivan counties for individuals with disabilities, low-income families, elderly and the general population.

FRRS attained certification as a Community Housing Development Organization and this allows them to access state and federal funding to develop new housing in our four counties.

We received our first $40,000 housing grant for rehab of our Plainville Group Home to make it more accessible.

2006

FRRS began working with Milestone Ventures, who assisted us with a housing grant, to develop 32 units in Greene County.

2007

Behavior Management Services were added to Supported Living expanded into three new counties, bringing us to a total of 11. We were serving 88 individuals.

Funds were awarded to build a 32-unit housing development in Linton to be called Independence Place.

2008

Ride Solution expanded its territory to Dubois, Warrick, and Gibson counties.

Four Rivers Housing Department completed 32-unit Independence Place in Linton and began moving people in.

Industrial Services were booming and there were two new Department of Defense Contracts.

2009

Independence Place was at capacity and another housing project was approved for Greene County for 20 more units.

FRRS was also approved to build a 24-unit complex in Daviess County to start in Spring 2010.

2010

Ride Solution added Spencer and Perry counties and became the largest rural transportation provider in the state. They were also awarded a stimulus grant which allowed them to build a new state-of-the-art facility in Washington.

2011

Four Rivers Resource Services celebrated its 25th anniversary. 

A summary of where we were as a private not-for-profit organization:

• 14 counties served
• 325+ employees
• 224 Adult Day service recipients
• 178 tenants served by FRRS
• 75 individuals in Community Living
• 30 individuals in Behavior Management
• 15 individuals in Group Homes
• 94 families served by Healthy Families
• 45 kids served by KidStuff Preschool
• 25 new job placements by JobSource
• 11 students served by Life After School
• 4,174.93 sq. miles covered by Ride Solution

2012

Ribbon cutting at Covered Bridge Phase 1 and CL offices.

Covered Bridge Phase II will begin late 2012.

2013

Four Rivers Gang Self-Advocacy Group was formed and board members elected.

There were 10 more housing units completed at Covered Bridge Phase II.

2016

FRRS celebrated its 30th anniversary.

Some interesting facts/accomplishments:

• 280 individuals in Adult Day Services
• 220, 263 total public transit rides
• 60 employment sites
• 12 Life After School project sites
• 102 individuals served in residential
• 20 individuals served in OBRA
• 79 individuals received Level 1 and 2 Behavior Services
• Completed 11,900 large web doors
• Completed 1,240 other industrial products
• Year-long discussions about merger with DSI

2017

Four Rivers merged with Developmental Services, Inc.

1958

Bona Vista opens the doors for children who were without services. Bona Vista School for children with disabilities begins in September at 317 West Walnut Street in Kokomo, Indiana.

1959

School bus added to Bona Vista Programs! Bona Vista receives a used school bus donated by Robert Boughman so that children may be transported to the school. Mary Kay Brown is named Director of the Bona Vista School.

1962

The Bona Vista Beacon connects us with the community! Bona Vista publishes its first newsletter called the "Bona Vista Beacon."  

1964

The Kokomo Firefighters begin a long-standing tradition of a Christmas party for Bona Vista's students, families and supporters.

1965

In December of 1965, 33 students begin going to class at the newly built Bona Vista building, located at 1220 East Laguna Street in Kokomo.

1966

A sheltered workshop is opened at Bona Vista.

1967

A 700 sq. ft. addition to the current building creates an industrial area for adults with developmental disabilities. Enrollment in the Bona Vista School reaches 53 students. Danny M. Tye is named Executive Director of Bona Vista.

1969

A preschool pilot program begins. Thomas J. Jones is named Executive Director of Bona Vista.

1970

Bona Vista begins training individuals for community employment. Paul F. Wagner, Jr. is appointed Executive Director of Bona Vista Programs.

1971

The Bona Vista Workshop moves to 1257 East Morgan Street in Kokomo.

1974

An independent-living training project starts in Kokomo.

1976

Bona Vista receives funds through the state's Title XX program. First early childhood/preschool screenings by professional staff offered at Laguna Street facility.

1977

Bona Vista receives Kokomo's first summer speech camp and hearing clinic. The first residents begin living in a new group home in Kokomo. The Bona Vista Workshop expands its services to 1205 South Plate Street in Kokomo. Bona Vista opens an outpatient rehabilitation therapies center.

1978

Groundbreaking for the East Laguna Street building expansion. Bona Vista's community newsletter, the Companion, begins distribution. Beginning of "Infant Follow Along" program designed for early detection and intervention of children in their first three years with delays in developmental growth. Jill Dunn is named Assistant Executive Director of Direct Services.

1980

Bona Vista Programs offers a new job development program that includes yard and handyman work as well as janitorial services. Bona Vista begins aluminum can recycling center.

1981

Bona Vista Programs becomes CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) accredited.

1982

Bona Vista receives an audiology booth, expanding current audiology services. The City of Kokomo and Bona Vista join together for a cooperative transportation system for individuals with disabilities.

1983

Bona Vista leases building on East Dodge Street to expand BVI.

1985

Bona Vista expands its preschool services to Peru. Bona Vista begins providing vocational evaluations and work adjustment services to clients at Gateway Center in Peru.

1987

Jill Dunn accepts appointment as President of Bona Vista Programs. Bona Vista begins an independent living program. Bona Vista begins a homebound intervention program for infants and toddlers as well as adviser services for parents.

1988

Bona Vista in Kokomo and Gateway in Peru officially merge. Two new group homes in Kokomo and one new group home in Peru are planned. Bona Vista celebrates 30 years of services.

1989

Bona Vista begins community support employment services and the beginning of the WorkForce Diversity program is born.

1990

Bona Vista hosts first Street Strut event to raise funds for pediatric services. Building Visions capital campaign lays the financial groundwork for a major renovation to the Kokomo facility and a new facility in Peru.

1991

Jill is appointed to new Step Ahead program governor's council. Bona Vista opens a group home on North Broadway in Peru..

1992

Bona Vista opens the new 7,000 sq. ft. addition to East Laguna Street in November.

1993

Bona Vista at Gateway moves into the newly built 105 South Benton Street facility.

1994

Bona Vista begins providing early childhood intervention services in homes. The Bona Vista Angel Sale begins, thanks to a partnership with Z92Five and WIOU. The angel Shining Star makes its first appearance.

1995

Soupley's Wine and Spirits starts "The Greatest Spectacle in Tasting" to benefit Bona Vista. Sycamore Financial begins the "Penny Harvest" later named "The Coin Harvest" to benefit Bona Vista. Gateway/Bona Vista renames two of its services, Positive Results Therapies and Keys For Kids Preschool.

1997

Bona Vista opens Keys for Kids daycare service in Peru.

1998

Bona Vista receives Early Head Start grant to help fill the needs of pregnant women and children birth to three years of age who meet low-income standards. Bona Vista makes and sells "Valentine Bears" Positive Results Therapies opens a facility on East Hoffer in Kokomo. Bona Vista on Benton Street in Peru offers free developmental screenings.

1999

Keys For Kids Preschool holds its first graduation in Kokomo. The Laguna Street playground is built.

2000

A grant is received through Bona Vista's Early Head Start Program to develop a free parenting program for Early Head Start and Head Start families. This is the beginning of an education piece through EHS that grows to be a key part of EHS through the years. OBRA (Omni-Bus Reconciliation Act of 1987) is started at Bona Vista, which provides transportation for adults living in nursing homes to necessary services.

2001

Bona Vista receives the building at 1221 South Plate Street in Kokomo from Miller Beverage Company. Renovation begins in February and is completed in August. Positive Results Therapies opens outpatient office at Miami Medical Plaza in Peru. Bona Vista begins Parent's Night Out, Sizzling Summer Science and other enrichment classes for children.

2002

The Box Store becomes part of the Bona Vista family. Bona Vista's Kids Construction Zone offers constructive community activities and enrichment classes.

2003

Bona Vista receives a grant through Child Care Resource and Referral and establishes Child Care Solutions. Amie Shurig is the first recipient of The Betsy Mason Scholarship fund for students accepted into a speech and hearing program at an accredited college or university. The City of Firsts Kiwanis Aktion Club, established by consumers working at Bona Vista Industries, begins regular meetings at Bona Vista at the Crossing. The American Montessori School opens at Laguna Street.

2004

Early Head Start earns the NAEYC accreditation for programs that meet the highest quality in early childhood programs. Bona Vista purchases preschool computer lab equipment through a grant from Tech Point Foundation of Indiana. First art project event entitled "Steers on the Square." "Putt-Around-Kokomo" special event begins.

2005

Bona Vista presents "The Dog Days of Summer", its second art project event. Bona Vista Industries becomes ISO 9001 - 2000 certified. This achievement opens up international job possibilities for Bona Vista's consumers. Bona Vista receives the NAEYC accreditation for their full-day preschool program. Bona Vista moves WorkForce Diversity office to the newest building on the corner of Buckeye and Walnut in downtown Kokomo.

2006

The "Last One Standing Dodge Ball Challenge" annual fundraiser begins. Auction-Packed is acquired and joins already established Box Store. American Montessori Academy opens at Laguna Street facility. Bona Vista presents "Beautiful Benches," its third art project event. The Bona Vista Foundation is established.

2007

Habitat for Humanity home built for a family who receives services at Bona Vista. The Adapt-Abilities program begins. Mobility Solutions, a driving evaluation program, is established. WorkForce Diversity begins School to Work Transition Program to help high school students transition into the workforce. Child Care Solutions occupies the third floor of the Buckeye Street building, donated by attorneys Bayliff, Harrigan, Cord & Maugans, P.C. The WorkForce Diversity School to Work...

2008

St. Joseph Hospital purchases Positive Results Therapies in Howard County from Bona Vista Programs. Bona Vista establishes Positive Results for Kids and begins focusing on additional services for children with autism. The Bona Vista Foundation holds its Tapas for Tots fundraising event. Positive Results for Kids offers free parent education classes.

2009

Cinderella Ball, a Foundation event, begins. Bona Vista holds the 11th annual event at the Kokomo Country Club. EHS receives expansion funding. The Box Store now offers metered mail and courier service. EHS Federal Review. The agency intranet was established.

2010

Paths To QUALITY press conference and provider level recognition. The Box Store & Auction Packed move to a new location, 1226 E. Hoffer St. Early Childhood Service began a Kindergarten Readiness program for children ages four and five years old. New agency trademark was announced. Bona Vista luncheon held featuring Oz Nelson, former UPS Chairman and CEO.

2010

Paths To QUALITY press conference and provider level recognition. The Box Store & Auction Packed move to a new location, 1226 E. Hoffer St. Early Childhood Service began a Kindergarten Readiness program for children ages four and five years old. New agency trademark was announced. Bona Vista luncheon held featuring Oz Nelson, former UPS Chairman and CEO.

2011

Two new group homes in Kokomo begin. "A Knight to Remember" Mother & Son special event begins. The building at 1800 S. Plate St was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Max Hinkle. Adapt-Abilities and Personal Care Services will operate out of the Hinkle building.

2012

Personal Care Services began in May. A satellite office was opened at 593 Westfield Drive in Noblesville. WorkForce Diversity and Supported Living Services are offered to the community. A new event, Baby and Kids Expo, is announced. Supported Living Services at Bona Vista begins offering Participant Assistance Care.

2013

"The Vista" houses across from BVI are completed and marks Bona Vista's first supported Living model project. Bona Vista opens Imagine That! Innovation Center at 1800 S. Plate Street in Kokomo. Bona Vista was named a finalist for the 99th Annual Celebration of Commerce and Community--Large Business of the Year! Due to a tornado that destroyed the building, The Imagine That! Innovation Center begins operating out of a temporary location.

2014

Bona Vista starts a new pre-vocational training program. The Greatest Spectacle in Tasting event celebrates 20 years of raising funds for Bona Vista. The plans to rebuild the Imagine That! building begins in the Summer of 2014!

2015

In March, Bona Vista kicked off their first crowd funding site, gofundme.com/bvrebuild to help raise much needed funds for the Imagine That! building. We also broke ground at the 1800 S. Plate St. Imagine That! location. Bona Vista launches new and improved website on April 1. The "Laguna Commons" homes Bona Vista's second set of homes for individuals receiving Supported Living services begins. A new adult day service "Sky's The...

2016

Bona Vista receives $50,000 for preschool programming through Early Learning Indiana. The Laguna Commons supported living homes are completed. Bona Vista holds Once Upon a Time: Frozen in August, father and daughter fund raising event. New adult day services continue to be added at Bona Vista including A.I.M. (Action, Inspired and Motivated) and BV Bistro. Bona Vista’s new building at 1800 S Plate opens April 20th and the Community Connections adult day program begins services there. Tom McKinney turns unused lot into the “BV beans” field and donates $25,000 from sales to Bona Vista.

2017

Bona Vista develops a new job training program called Opportunity Knocks! Bona Vista begins a new casino style fund raising event called Viva Las Vista. Bona Vista breaks ground on it’s third supported living housing project at Meridian Park. Bona Vista opens a state licensed infant and toddler preschool class room. Bona Vista opens two gift stores and an online etsy store for persons served to sell their products that they make in the A.I.M. studios program. We Care Wednesday free developmental screenings begin. Bona Vista holds first fashion show featuring persons served and KHS students modeling clothes.

2018

Jill Dunn announces retirement from CEO/President position of Bona Vista Programs after 42 years of service through the agency. On My Way Pre-K enrollment open spots are available through state funding to provide free preschool to eligible families, Bona Vista’s Key for Kids Preschool is a qualifying facility. Bona Vista’s board of directors name Brianne Boles as the new CEO/President. Bona Vista celebrates 60th anniversary. Meridian Park, Bona Vista’s third supported living project, opens.

2019

After the sale of Bona Vista's Benton Street location, Ivy Tech Peru facility became the primary Miami County site for Bona Vista's Adult Day programs for people with intellectual and developmental delays.

2020

The new renovating of the Crossing will allow Adult Day programs to expand by adding a gym, recreational areas, sensory room, an art gallery, art creation room, Kiln room and more! The project slated to begin in February 2020, will include "a facelift" of Bona Vista's Crossing building, located at 1221 S. Plate St. in Kokomo.

1981

Christole & Better Living for Special People were created

BLSP wrote and received its first grant to provide respite services to individuals with developmental disabilities.

1983

First Group Home Opens

BLSP opened its first group home on Grandview Avenue to provide services for six adult men.

1992

Medicaid Waiver

The agency began providing services through the Medicaid Waiver, one of the first in Indiana.

2000

Employment & Habilitation

The agency added supported employment and individual habilitation services.

2001

20th Anniversary Fund opened & CARF Certification

The Grandview group home closed. People living there moved into their own homes. Proceeds from selling Grandview funded the 20th Anniversary Fund, the agency’s first endowment. The agency achieved CARF certification for employment services.

2005

$300K from Monroe County

The agency was approved to receive $300,000 per year from the Monroe County Government tax levy for services to people with disabilities in the community.

2007

Covey Lane & Karst Farm Playscape

The agency purchased Covey Lane properties to provide rental units for people with disabilities. The agency, in collaboration with Monroe Parks and Recreation Department, spearheaded the Karst Farm Playscape project for a universally accessible recreation area at Karst Farm Park.

2008

Susan Rinne named Staff of the Year, CEO of the Year

Susan Rinne was named Staff of the Year by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority and CEO of the Year by INARF.

2012

Formation of LIFEDesigns

Options merged with Christole to form LIFEDesigns.

2013

Housing Options II & Crawford Apartments completed

The agency completed two affordable multi-family housing projects: Housing Options II and Crawford Apartments. The new Winslow office provided long term stability. The agency was awarded $30,000 to participate in a consortium of agencies aimed at developing SIPN, a managed services organization. CARF awarded LIFEDesigns another 3-year accreditation.

2014

Awarded the Lt. Governor’s Award for Excellence

Crawford Apartments won the Lt. Governor’s Award for Excellence in Affordable Housing & Urban Community Development. The City of Bloomington gifted a home on Orris Drive to LIFEDesigns as part of the affordable housing program. LIFEDesigns helped two clients realize their dreams of independence.

2016

McKinley in Columbus, IN

LIFEDesigns at McKinley opened in Columbus, Indiana. Eight individuals transitioned from residential settings to a supported living environment.

2017

Russell Bonanno becomes CEO after Susan Rinne retires

Susan Rinne retired after serving as the CEO for nearly 20 years. Russell Bonanno became the new CEO. Crawford II opened to 36 formerly homeless residents with disabilities.

2018

Reforming Employee Procedures

LIFEDesigns cut employee turnover by 20%. The Agency rolled out a new Employee Handbook and improved employee benefits.

2019

Improving Employee Benefits

LIFEDesigns increased pay for permanent employees by $3.00/hour to attract and retain more skilled Direct Support Professionals. For the first time in over 10 years, the Agency was able to let go of temp staff, cut turnover down to 40%, and increase retention by 66%. Overall, employee morale dramatically improved.

2021

Russell Bonanno received Executive Leadership Award

CEO, Russell J. Bonanno received the Executive Leadership Award at the INARF Conference.