Our Story
Who will provide for my adult child when I am no longer able to do so?
The question that started Village of Merici, and the work it has carried since 2005.
How a question became a village.
It began with a handful of parents asking the same hard question. Two decades later, it is three communities, a team of coaches, and a hundred and fifty neighbors living their best lives.
The Beginning
In 2005, a small group of parents of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities met to talk through that question. Among them was the Renie family. They wanted a residential program rooted in mutual support and community. Out of that conversation, Village of Merici began.
In 2007, Village of Merici was recognized as a 501(c)3 public charity. The early years were patient. Property was identified. Funding partners were found. The Merici Book Club opened in 2009 so adults with disabilities could build friendships and connections around the city.
In 2012, the Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services certified Village of Merici to administer Medicaid Waiver services, and the first four individuals began receiving direct support. The same year, a partnership with Merchants Affordable Housing applied for the rental housing tax credits that would become Merici Village Apartments.
A first home, and a second
In 2013, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities awarded Village of Merici its first accreditation. In 2014, Merici Village Apartments opened in Lawrence. Twenty-one people moved into the twenty apartments. Nineteen of them lived on their own for the first time.
In 2020, Village of Merici partnered with Old Town Companies on a 168-unit master development in Carmel, with forty apartments designated for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. North End opened its doors in 2023. The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority later honored the partnership with the Excellence in Affordable Housing Award.
Ten years, and a third community
In September 2024, Village of Merici marked ten years since Merici Village Apartments opened. Lawrence Mayor Deb Whitfield declared September 12, 2024 Village of Merici Day. That same year, the renovation of The Brunette building was completed.
In early 2025, The Brunette Condominiums officially opened: thirty-four condominiums in Lawrence, designed for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and one of the first communities of its kind to offer ownership rather than rental.
A New Chapter
A founder steps back, a team steps forward.
In 2025, founder Colleen Renie retired. Kristy Hayes, previously Director of Services, stepped into the role of Executive Director. Michelle Harker, who had served as a Staff Support Specialist for more than three years, became Development Director. Chelsea Deel, who had grown with Village of Merici for more than nine years from coach to key leader, became Director of Services.
On the years behind
This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team over the past many years as Village of Merici, Inc. developed support services and housing opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live their best life.
Colleen Renie
Founder, on her retirement
On the year ahead
As I look ahead, I feel genuinely excited about our future. We are building on a strong legacy while embracing new opportunities to deepen our impact. With a clear strategic direction, a strengthened organizational structure, and a dedicated team, we are well-positioned for a future filled with possibility.
Kristy Hayes
Executive Director
2025 In Numbers
Where the work stands today.
In 2025, Village of Merici supported 150 individuals across three communities and delivered 51,938 one-on-one direct support hours. Coaches drove 98,199 miles to be where they needed to be. The Merici Kitchen Project welcomed Will Worley as Kitchen Manager. Brunette residents began a monthly dinner they organize and enjoy together. Village of Merici presented at the ATIA Conference and the Indiana Affordable Housing Conference.
The new Strategic Plan was published in January 2026. It runs through 2029.