Great River Homes has successful Thomas Peyla Golf Fundraiser

Great River Homes has spent more than 50 years helping people with disabilities live, work, and participate in their communities. This summer, community support is helping the Wabasha-based nonprofit continue that mission.
On June 5, Great River Homes hosted its 34th annual Tom Peyla Golf Fundraiser and Dinner at Lake Pepin Golf Course in Lake City. Golfers, sponsors, donors and community supporters came together for the annual event, which raised approximately $24,000.
Of that total, $21,000 was raised toward the organization’s goal of purchasing a much-needed accessible vehicle. Transportation plays an important role in helping the people Great River Homes serves remain active in their communities, whether that means getting to work, appointments, activities, or other opportunities outside the home.
The fundraiser is one example of the strong community support behind an organization that has been part of Wabasha County for more than five decades.
Great River Homes was established in 1975 by a group of local citizens seeking community-based residential alternatives to institutional placement for people with disabilities. The organization opened Wabasha County’s first community-based residential alternative in 1976 and has continued to grow and diversify its services since then.
More than 60 individuals benefit from Great River Homes’ community-based residential and in-home support services.
Great River Homes provides community residential services, individualized home supports, respite and crisis respite services, employment services, and vocational rehabilitation services.
The organization’s person-centered approach is designed around each person’s individual needs and goals. Depending on the individual, that can include developing daily living skills, managing a household, improving communication and social skills, participating in the community, finding employment, or simply having the support needed to live more independently.
Employment has also become a focus for Great River Homes. Through employment exploration, development, and ongoing employment support, individuals can receive assistance in identifying their interests and abilities, preparing for employment, and receiving support once they enter the workplace.
That work reflects a larger goal of Great River Homes: creating opportunities for people with disabilities to be active participants in the communities where they live.
Community fundraisers help make some of those opportunities possible. Donations to Great River Homes can support activities and supplies, personal needs, equipment, building improvements, and other areas not necessarily covered through traditional funding sources.
With thousands of dollars raised toward an accessible vehicle, the support received at the golf course will ultimately help provide greater access and opportunity for the individuals Great River Homes serves.
More than 50 years after residents first came together to establish Great River Homes, that community involvement continues to play an important role in its mission to promote independence, inclusion, and meaningful participation for people with disabilities throughout Wabasha County.