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A Lions of Michigan State Project
 

History of Welcome Homes

Bella Mae, one of Welcome Homes FoundersBella Mae Seeks Assistance

Welcome Homes began over 50 years ago when Bella Mae, a blind woman from Iron Mountain, Michigan, sought a safe and supportive home. Unable to live alone, she could not find residency because the blind were considered "high maintenance."

Through the generosity and foresight of a teacher for the blind at The Foundation, a new service organization was born. Her property in Saginaw was left to the newly formed Welcome Homes for the Blind.

 

Original Welcome Homes house on Charles St. in Grand Rapids, MILions of West Michigan Adopt Welcome Homes

Though the house was sound, it needed many repairs and required furnishing. Many groups and organizations helped with contributions of money, labor and services.



Lions members and residents enjoy StrawberriesThe Grand Rapids Lions Club was a major contributor and even sponsored a "furniture shower." Support for the concept of a home for the blind was so strong that the Lions of Michigan adopted Welcome Homes for the Blind as a "State Project" in 1952.

 

 

Welcome Homes building on Monroe StreetA New Building

Welcome Homes outgrew it's first location and moved into a new building which was much larger and uniquely designed to meet the special needs of many more blind and visually impaired residents.

The building became an icon in the Grand Rapids area and served to capacity until the late 1990's.

 

Woman and CaregiverChange is Inevitable

It was determined that modernizing the facility was not practical. Additionally, the growing population of older adults wanted to remain in their own communities and/or close to family and friends. Thus, our new model came to be.

 

Welcome Homes Member Plaque and Residents

 

Welcome Homes Residential Services is affiliated with Gerontology Network.

MISSION STATEMENT
Welcome Homes Residential Services is the premier provider of training and educational programs,
services and resources to residential communities to improve the quality of life for the visually impaired.

 

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