MDS realizes fund-raising goal

Mesa Developmental Services has achieved its goal to raise $2.3 million to pay for the construction of three homes in Grand Junction for people with complex disabilities and medical issues.

A $25,000 grant from the Boettcher Foundation finished the effort to pay for the homes, which were completed in 2010.

The homes offer a residential care setting for people who need around-the-clock medical attention, services they received at the Grand Junction Regional Care Center until that facility was closed. The homes now serve as a model for similar facilities offering high-level care in a home setting.

Kevin Bray, development coordinator with Bray Real Estate, and Bryan Huff of Huff Homes Construction designed and built two homes. Constructors West in conjunction with RE/MAX 4000  built the third home.

Hundreds of local businesses and residents contributed to the fund-raising effort, dubbed “A Home of Their Own..”  The Colorado Division of Housing and statewide grants also provided financial support.

Bill Graham served as chairman of a volunteer fund-raising committee that also included Herb Bacon, Tillie Bishop, Walid Bou-Matar, Rod Christ, Jay Seaton, Frank Wagner and Bob Wilson. They were assisted by MDS development staff and consultant Erle Reid.

“All of us on the fund-raising committee are deeply appreciative of our community’s response to this critical situation and are thankful for the tremendous generosity shown by so many in our community,” Graham said.