Our History

1959

Founded in 1959 as C.O.R. by a group of parents, Corvilla initially provided respite care for children with disabilities expanding its services on Manchester Drive in South Bend. With the support of the Brothers of the Holy Cross, several fundraisers were conducted to raise support for this new and growing orgainization.

1970

Brother Falvius, C.S.C. took over as the director of Corvilla on January 6, 1970. Within one month, the home on Manchester Drive caught fire and the children were all evacuated. They spent several weeks living in Columbia Hall, the Holy Cross Brothers home until the home was repaired.  

1971

In April of 1971, the Bulla House was donated by a local family and became the new residence of the Corvilla family. Since then, Corvilla has added three more homes throughout the county in the 1980s and early 1990s.  

1980 - 2015

Here are the four group homes added in the 1980s and 1990s, Corvilla expanded and remained this way for several years serving 28 individuals with disabilities in our Fellows, Bulla, Roelke, and Myrtle homes. 

2015

Corvilla's new location surrounded by nature at 3620 Deahl Ct. South Bend, Indiana. Houses all Main offices and Connections day program. 

2015

In 2015, Corvilla opened its doors with a ribbon-cutting ceremony with CEO Rick Thompson and Board members.

2015

With the help of Lisa Kay, Julie Stroud, and Katy Gerring, Corvilla added Employment Services to reach those individuals with disabilities in need of employment support.

Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) program was created to work alongside area schools to reach High School Students who had the desire to transition from school to a career or college opportunity. With the training and support giving by our Employment Services Specialist, we began reaching over 250 students and their families. This expanded our reach into two counties, St. Joe and Elkhart Co.

2016

Supported Living began in the Spring of 2017 with our first consumer Faith who desired to live independently. We have grown to provide this service for several other individuals since. This opportunity provides individuals with the living options that are right for their needs.

2017

Black Friday 2018 was the Grand opening of Studio Five9. Housed within Corvilla's Connections day program, Studio Five9 was an addition that transformed Clients artwork into income. With the help of Art Coordinator, Torie Kelley, artists can explore new art techniques through ceramics, textiles, artisan pieces, woodwork, and fine art.

2018

Corvilla Furnishings opened online featuring great furniture and amazing people. Partnering with Amish woodworkers to provide heirloom quality furniture and employment for people with disabilities.

2020

Bremen day services opened in February 2021. This location expanded Corvilla's reach into Marshall County.

2021

Our Granger location opens to house Corvilla's Careers program, as well as programs for Young Adults and a Respite program serving individuals of all ages. It will also provide dedicated retail space for Corvilla Furnishings, which is the organization's online retailer of heirloom-quality Amish furniture.

2021