Our Story
Individuals with developmental disabilities are important members of our community. Each individual has the right to live the life they choose. The gifts and abilities of the individuals we support have not always been as valued as they are today. Many families were encouraged to place their child with a disability in one of the five large institutional training centers of Virginia and move on with their lives. In the late 1960’s families who were able to keep their children with disabilities at home were concerned about what would happen to them if they were no longer able to care for him or her. In May of 1948, John R. Mumaw’s nephew, Chester Mumaw, was born with Down syndrome. Chester inspired John R. Mumaw to encouraged the Virginia Mennonite Conference to find a place in the community for individuals with developmental disabilities as an alternative to the large institutions. Pleasant View, Inc. grew out of these concerns.
The doors to our first home, now known as Turner House, opened in March 1971. Through the intervening years, Pleasant View, Inc. has grown from a six-person group home to a multidimensional agency that serves over 170 people through a variety of day and residential services and supports. We have been in the forefront of promoting philosophies that enhance the self determination and rights of people who have disabilities. Although many came from all areas of Virginia and beyond, the majority are from the Harrisonburg/Rockingham community. Many religious backgrounds are represented including Mennonite, Brethren, Presbyterian, Jewish, Catholic, Rise, Seventh Day Adventist, and United Church of Christ.
Pleasant View, Inc. is a nonprofit 501 (C)(3) agency. We receive Medicaid funding for about 89 % of our budget, but depend on donations to fund costs not covered by these payments or mission driven supports that don’t qualify as billable. If you would like more information about Pleasant View, Inc and the services we provide, please check out our website (www.pleasantviewinc.org) or contact our Social Work Director at 540-433-8960.
Comments
One way you can volunteer at Pleasant View is to share your musical talents. We received a call asking if we would be interested in having the Baptist Youth Choir from North Carolina perform and get to know people at Pleasant View. We invited them to our Harrisonburg Day Program . They were great. Thank you for thinking of us.
Last night, we gathered with friends at Purcell Park to walk and enjoy a beautiful evening together. Everyone from Harrison House came to the walk. I often take for granted the opportunity to walk in this beautiful park. Because of the paved trail, we are able to include individuals who use a wheelchair. Look at the smiles.
Thank you Harrisonburg Parks and Recreation and the City of Harrisonburg for building accessible trails we can walk together. We are also thankful for grants and donors that make accessible vehicles affordable for Pleasant View. --Pam Miller, Development Director
Hazel works at Domino's Pizza in Elkton, Virginia with the help of her job coach. Her primary job duties currently include washing dishes and cleaning. Yesterday she was able to make her first pizza. She was incredibly excited. Domino's Pizza in Elkton-- Thank you for the opportunities you provide your employees to learn new job skills.
Here is our grand finale. Everyone really enjoyed making very hungry caterpillars!
More caterpillar fun.
We made Catapillers today for Eric Carle week. Everyone really enjoyed making very hungry caterpillars!
Over the weekend Morgan, from human resources, volunteered at Turner House and led an art project. Morgan said, "It was so much fun seeing the Carrie and Cindy's creativity. Getting to see the smiles on their faces was so rewarding."
Last week individuals in the day program created these “Crazy Ties.” Dennis picked out a crazy tie for Kevin, our Executive Director, to wear. Kevin has agreed to wear a crazy tie when he is in the building.
Derek led the day program in reflections about Father's Day. He enlisted the help of our Renew Camp volunteers. It was fun!
Yesterday morning, the volunteers from Renew Camp helped in the computer center finding cat or chicken videos, worked on puzzles and crafts, planted flowers, decorated "ugly" ties, and played games. We had a great time getting to know new people. We felt the mutual blessing of connecting with new people.
Yesterday morning we had volunteers from Renew Camp come to the Harrisonburg Day Program. The volunteers helped with art projects, visited with individuals attending day program, worked on puzzles and played games. Some of the volunteers helped move unwanted furniture to the dumpster. Thank you to all of our volunteers! We have three more groups coming this week. We are so excited.
Jon loves service vehicles of any size. This past Saturday, Blanca Correa took him to the open house at the Harrisonburg Rescue Squad on Reservoir. He looks like a natural.
For most of the people on this trip, it was a goal to go back to the beach. But, for some it was the first time they saw the ocean in person. When everyone returns, we will find out just what they thought about their trip. These pictures show some happy faces.
Cassy researched the best affordable & accessible hotels and had a beach wheel chair waiting for them when they arrived. The last picture is Stone and Cassy supporting Joanie in the water with Watkins nearby.
Yesterday Pleasant View staff members Cassy, Stone, and Phylicia took six individuals who live at Moyers Apartments to Virginia Beach for an overnight trip. Joanie, Genny, Watkins, and Winston are ready to go.
Can you believe it? Thursday, June 2, 2022, is the first Thursday of the month and Pleasant View day at Domino's Pizza, Domino's Pizza, Domino's Pizza and Domino's Pizza Bridgewater. Do you have a busy schedule? Treat yourself by ordering Domino's Pizza. You will be raising money for and individuals with developmental disabilities. Your support of this fundraiser will help individuals who have disabilities live out their goals for meaningful work, relationships, and spiritual development.
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