Historic Lawton Loop property to be home for adults with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities

The Village of Merici Inc. is excited to announce that it has acquired property on the historic Lawton Loop on the Fort Harrison campus in Lawrence Township through a major donation from Dan and Betsy Brunette forconstruction of new residential opportunities for adults with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 

Dan Brunette, CEO and Principal of Brunette and Associates, has been assisting people with their insurance and financial planning needs for more than 45 years. It is his life’s mission to help people.  They shared, “We want to make a difference in people’s lives and help them plan and achieve their life goals.”

The Village of Merici takes a unique approach that respects the dignity of each person it serves to provide a supportive community and encourages growth in life skills toward his or her increased independence.

Through the Brunettes’ commitment to The Village of Merici, they are helping individuals with developmental and/or intellectual challenges to meet their goals and dreams of an independent future. 

Gaining skills for self-advocacy, employment, and affordable housing are among the most important factors in a person’s sense of independence and self-fulfillment. 

Community integration provides opportunities outside of the home or residence to individuals for gaining personal, social and vocational competence. These are critical to a sense of living successfully in community.

“A person centered focus and self-direction enables the individual to to identify compatible, comfortable and challenging community life experiences and interactions. 

The Village of Merici provides supports to the person to meet their goals and achieve increased independence and greater quality of life. We are excited to expand residential options in our city.” said Colleen Renie, Executive Director.

Dan Brunette has always been a big baseball fan and read once in a quote from Roberto Clemente that “Anytime that you have an opportunity to make a difference in this world and you don’t, then you are wasting your time on this earth.”  Helping with the acquisition of a second building on Lawton Loop is one way that Dan and Betsy Brunette are making a difference.