As we mark our 50th anniversary in 2025, Home and Community Options, Inc. (HCO) reflects on half a century of providing essential services and support for individuals with developmental disabilities. From our humble beginnings as Group Homes of Winona, Inc., in 1975, we’ve grown and evolved to meet the changing needs of the people we serve. This milestone is not only a time to look back on our achievements, but also an opportunity to celebrate our unwavering commitment to promoting independence, dignity, and inclusion for all individuals.

A Legacy Built on Compassion and Community

When our agency was founded in 1975, the world of care for people with developmental disabilities was vastly different. Institutionalization was still the predominant approach, and individuals with disabilities often lived in isolated, state-run facilities. But from the very beginning, our founders believed in a different vision: one where individuals could live in their own communities, supported by a network of services designed to help them thrive. This forward-thinking approach has been at the heart of HCO’s mission ever since.

As a non-profit organization, HCO began by providing group home services, and over the years, we have expanded our programs to include a wide range of residential and support services. These services are developed in collaboration with the individuals we serve, ensuring that their unique needs and aspirations guide the support they receive. Our dedicated Board of Directors, made up of passionate volunteers, and our professional staff work together to create an environment that fosters growth, independence, and self-sufficiency.

Looking Toward the Future

As we celebrate this significant milestone, we are reminded of how far we’ve come—and how much further we can go. We remain dedicated to the same core values that guided our founders: ensuring that every individual with a developmental disability can live a happy, productive life, close to family and friends. We believe in the power of community and the importance of creating opportunities for people to live as independently as possible.

Looking forward, HCO is committed to expanding our services and ensuring that we continue to meet the evolving needs of those we serve. As we celebrate this important anniversary, we also embrace the future with excitement and optimism, knowing that together, we can help even more individuals achieve their goals and live their best lives.

Thank you to all of our staff, volunteers, supporters, and the individuals we serve for being a part of this incredible journey. Here’s to the next 50 years of growth, empowerment, and community!

Join Us in Celebrating 50 Years of Impact

As we celebrate 50 years of service, we invite you to join us throughout the year as we reflect on our rich history and look forward to the future. We’ll be hosting special events, sharing stories from individuals whose lives have been impacted by our work, and looking ahead to the next 50 years of growth and community building.

Your support—whether through attending events, volunteering, or simply spreading the word about our mission—helps ensure that we continue to provide quality care and expand our services to meet the needs of the future. Together, we can continue making a difference and creating a world where every person with a developmental disability has the opportunity to thrive.

For more information about our programs and services, or to join us in our year-long celebration, please visit our website at www.hco.org.