Growing the Mission

“We’re here to make people’s lives better. I love what I do and the clients I get to spend my days with. They’re incredible people. We are lucky to have them as members of our community.” 

When you walk into the new Corvilla building in Bremen, artwork and smiles greet you. A large and sunny space invites the visitor in. Corvilla provides life-enhancing services to enrich the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities while encouraging respect and dignity in the communities in which they live.

“Ultimately, we want our clients to go home with a sense of pride and accomplishment,” said Joe Paris, Director of Day Services for Corvilla. A 2021 Community Fund grant helped Corvilla purchase a washer, dryer, refrigerator, stove, and a commercial kiln to better serve their clients. 

The new appliances and kiln will support multiple aspects of Corvilla’s mission. The Bremen Corvilla site offers a comprehensive day program and serves as a hub for Supported Living and Employment Services in Marshall County. An art storefront features unique one-of-a-kind artisan pieces available for sale made by the people Corvilla serves. 

When a Corvilla client sells a piece of their art, 50 percent of the sale is paid directly to the artist who made it and the other 50 percent goes into the purchase of more supplies. Each piece is as unique as the individual who made it, a way to see through art the unique gifts each adult with intellectual and developmental disabilities brings to the community they call home. 

With daily scheduled activities, Corvilla creates a positive atmosphere where clients feel safe and engaged. Corvilla encourages client participation and leadership in daily events. Everyone can choose what activities they want to participate in; resulting in a meaningful and productive day.

“The exciting thing is being able to offer programs and opportunities that help our clients develop life skills,” Paris noted. “We are grateful for the welcome we have received from the Marshall County Community Foundation and this grant. I see the results of your investment every day, and let me tell you, it’s incredible.” 

Learn more about the work of the Marshall County Community Foundation in our 2021 Annual Report