Since 1959, Corvilla has empowered individuals with disabilities in Michiana to live with independence, create community, find exciting employment, and make and sell vibrant art & furniture while learning vocational skills.
our mission
Corvilla provides life-enhancing services to enrich the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities while encouraging respect and dignity in the communities in which we live.
our history
1959
Founded in 1959 as COR by a group of parents, Corvilla provided respite care for children with disabilities on Manchester Drive in South Bend. With the help of the Brothers of Holy Cross, funds were raised to support our new and growing organization, starting our residential services.
1970
Brother Falvius, CSC, took over as the director of Corvilla on January 6, 1970. Within a month, our home on Manchester Drive caught fire and the children were evacuated. They spent several weeks living in Columbia Hall, the Brothers of Holy Cross’ home, until our house on Manchester was repaired.
1971
In April of 1971, a local family donated their house on Bulla Road and became the new residence of the Corvilla family. Corvilla continued to expand, purchasing three additional group homes in the 1980s and 90s, serving 28 individuals with disabilities.
2015
2015 marked the beginning of a new era at Corvilla, as former CEO Rick Thompson opened the doors of Corvilla’s South Bend Day Service. That same year, we added Employment Services to our programs offered, partnering with local businesses to find meaningful employment for the individuals we serve.
2018
With the help of Art Coordinator, Torie Kelley, Studio Five9 added to Corvilla’s South Bend Day Service to transform our clients’ artwork into income.
2021
Corvilla opened two new day service locations, in Bremen and Granger. Our Granger Day Service also became the dedicated retail space of our new Corvilla Furnishings, Amish-quality furniture with a mission.
