It was a time of uncertainty and challenge when Carl Iverson and his colleagues embarked on the journey of establishing an organization that would grow to become Home and Community Options. Looking back, Carl reflected on those early days, noting how monumental every step felt—steps that now seem ordinary, but at the time were anything but.
“Even now, it seems like no big deal,” Carl said, “but it sure was at the time.” The hurdles they faced, from securing funding to navigating inspections and approvals, were daunting. “Nothing went ‘bang, bang, bang’ and was done. Everything got refused the first time,” he recalled. Yet, their persistence paid off. Carl’s vivid memory of moving a door from one wall to another, using the same nails, was emblematic of their resourcefulness and determination.
A Community Effort
Carl’s account brought to life the collective effort that laid the foundation for the program. “We worked 15-16 hour days, trying to get everything resolved,” Carl said. It was a testament to their shared commitment.
One of the pivotal figures Carl remembered was Mary Jansen, one of the first employees. “She stayed with us for years and contributed so much,” he said. He also spoke of another early team member who moved to Wisconsin, a reminder of the many hands that helped build the program’s foundation.
Facing the Unknown
The fear of the unknown loomed large. “Nothing can put fear in your heart like the words ‘state inspector,’” Carl joked, capturing the anxiety of those initial visits. Without prior experience, the team could only rely on documentation and their collective ingenuity. The result was a learning process that Carl described as both challenging and rewarding.
Carl shared memories of hiring the organization’s first paid Executive Director, Sharon Kannenberg, who’s involvement became instrumental. “She started pretty quickly, and she was good—very capable,” Carl said.
Reflecting on the program’s legacy, Carl expressed a mix of pride and awe. “50 years is a long time,” he said. His anecdotes revealed the humanity behind the milestones, from reconnecting with old friends to marveling at technological advancements unimaginable in the early days.
A Legacy of Perseverance
Through Carl’s words, a picture emerges of a group of people who came together to create something extraordinary. Their perseverance and ingenuity overcame countless obstacles, leaving a lasting impact on the community. “Everything we did was a challenge,” Carl said, “but we made it through.”
As Home & Community Options celebrates its 50th anniversary, Carl’s story stands as a testament to the power of resilience and collaboration. It’s a legacy built not just on achievements, but on the determination and heart of the people who made it all possible.
