Michael Garcia Staff writer July 31, 2024

A Willis-based nonprofit community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2025 with plans to expand its facilities to provide more affordable housing to future residents, additional classroom space, a community and recreational center and assisted living services. 

Mike Painter, president and CEO of New Danville, says the population in the city of Willis has exploded in the past several years. 

“And with that comes a population explosion of folks that have (intellectual) disabilities,” he said. 

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The Meadowbrook Community, which sits on 42 acre ranch off Shepard Hill Road and is owned by the nonprofit, already houses 36 residents with a waitlist of more than 80, Painter said. 

“We suspect the residential portion, even with the huge expansion that we’re doing…the need will start to grow again,” Painter said. “And the good news is that we have the space to do it. And as long as we have the community support for it, I’m all in.” 

What is New Danville?

New Danville has served the community since 2005, according to the organization’s website. It serves adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities, with both residential and day programs to maximize personal independence by offering an environment that allows opportunities to learn social and work skills.

Expansion project plans

The expansion project, also refereed to as Vision 2025, is broken up into three phases. 

The first phase includes 15 new homes to house an additional 35 residents. By the time construction is finished, the community will be able to hold about 90 residents, Painter said. 

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Phase two includes the building of the community and recreational center the will provide social, dining, and fitness areas for residents and clients, according to the organization’s website. Phase three includes assisted living facilities with space for six men and six women to start, the website states. 

Plans also include additional classroom space and a country-style, non-denominational church with a social hall that can be rented out for weddings and events.

While the construction for the additional residential homes is expected to take up to 18 months, construction on other facilities is dependent on funding from community members, Painter said. 

However, the organization plans to wait until phase one is finished before working on funding efforts for the other phases, he said. 

‘The need is out there’

New Danville isn’t the only organization to announce an expansion this year. 

In April, the long-standing Montgomery County community Bridgewood Farms, a community for teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, announced plans for a new $2.5 million building on the farm that would encompass all the programs and administrative duties of the group. 

According to a 2023 report by the nonprofit Providers Alliance for Community Services of Texas, approximately 475,000 Texans have an intellectual or developmental disability.

In Montgomery County, Painter said there’s about 17,000 people with these disabilities. 

“The need is out there,” he said. “If we can provide it, I want to be a part of the solution.” 

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