Here's to 50 Years!

by Wendy Peloquin, DAHLIA Board President

I am overwhelmed with memories and gratitude as I am writing this introduction to kick off DAHLIA's 50th birthday year. What an accomplishment. Over the past 5 decades we have served dozens of adults with developmental disabilities. We've been through economic booms and busts. Political upheavals. And, of course, one of the most challenging periods, the Covid pandemic.

Earlier this year I escorted one of our newest board members, Josh Friend, on a tour of our four programs. In my 30+ years volunteering with DAHLIA, the magnitude of what "we" do never is as strong as when you visit our residents at home. That was our founder, Barbara Barger's, vision - a home for her developmentally disabled daughter, Beth. In 1975, the state's only option was an institution, but Barb would not have it. Without the internet, without precedent, Barb's tenacity made her dream for Beth extend to a home for all the residents we have served over all these years.

So join us in celebrating this amazing milestone. We'll be sharing pictures and old newsletter articles throughout the year in tribute to all we have accomplished. If DAHLIA has touched your life, or that of a loved one, and you'd like to share your story, I would love to hear it. Please reach out to me.

We are keenly aware we would not be where we are today without all of your support. Thank you for donating, volunteering, showing up - even liking our social media posts. Don't stop now! Here's to many decades more!