New Danville celebrates 20 years of purpose; announces Spring Thing Luncheon for April 25

THE WOODLANDS, TX – New Danville, the master-planned, integrated community in Willis, is celebrating 20 years of empowering adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to live, learn, and thrive with purpose.

Founded in 2005, New Danville was created to fill a gap in adult services – offering a place where individuals, known as “Wranglers,” can enjoy meaningful programs, safe residential options, and a strong sense of community.

Over the past two decades, New Danville has become a beacon of hope for families seeking a dignified, enriching future for their loved ones. From its Day Program to Meadowbrook residential living and robust enrichment activities, New Danville continues to grow in reach and impact, grounded in the belief that everyone deserves a life of purpose and belonging.

As part of its year-long celebration, New Danville will host several community events – including the annual Spring Thing Luncheon on April 25, a beloved gathering that raises awareness and support for the mission. Additional anniversary activities will highlight the stories, milestones, and partnerships that have helped shape New Danville’s journey.

Mike Painter, CEO of New Danville, feels honored to be heading the organization at this benchmark. “This milestone is not just about looking back – it’s about looking ahead. Every year, we see more lives changed through the power of community, dignity, and opportunity. I’m honored to be part of a mission that creates lasting impact for our Wranglers and their families,” he said.

Intellectual disabilities affect more than 70,000 people in Montgomery County, with the population growing annually. New Danville’s residential community, Meadowbrook, is located on a 42-acre campus on the New Danville property and has on-site live-in staff that is available at any time to offer counseling and support to the residents. Thirty-six individuals live at Meadowbrook, while 125 attend the day program. With the expansion starting this year, the residential program population will soon grow from 36 residents to 92.

The Residential Program is the epitome of independent living, providing New Danville’s clients the opportunity to live, learn, work and grow while building confidence, self-worth, and social relationships. The Day Program offers in excess of 130 classes each week, ranging from life skills and job training to recreational activities. This diverse curriculum enables Wranglers to develop essential socialization skills, explore new hobbies, and form lasting friendships.

Complementing the Day Program, the Wrangler Jobs Program provides individualized skills training in a safe and supportive setting. Staff work closely with each Wrangler to tailor training to their specific abilities, fostering personal growth through hands-on experiences. Participants engage in product creation for community sales, learn agriculture by growing vegetables, care for animals, and gain valuable skills in housekeeping and retail.

According to New Danville information, adults with IDD are a forgotten population once they age out of the school system, with many forced to live in expensive institutional environments or within small group homes with little opportunity to learn and grow. Texas ranks 49th in funding for this population with many facing a waiting list of up to twenty years for key government services and benefits. New Danville embraces this diverse population, helping them every day to live, learn, work and grow.

The organization attributes its success to the support of donors, volunteers, staff, and board members who have shared in the vision of an inclusive, empowering environment.

“Being part of New Danville is deeply personal for so many of us. What we’ve built here is more than a program – it’s a community. As we celebrate 20 years, we remain committed to expanding our reach, enhancing services, and honoring the incredible individuals who call New Danville home,” said Brittany Sloan, Board Chair and General Counsel for New Danville.

The organization, as with many nonprofits, is in dire need of cash and in-kind donations to flourish. New Danville administers a scholarship program to extend financial assistance to many clients enrolled in the Day Program and their respective families. Additionally, funds are needed to offset the exorbitant costs of the New Danville Transportation Program, which delivers regularly scheduled transportation services. The majority of Day Program participants rely on the provided transportation services, without which their program attendance would not be able to attend. For individuals from low-income backgrounds, the availability of transportation services are essential for consistent program participation.

Because New Danville serves a financial-needs based population, its services are in high demand. There currently are waiting lists for the residential and day programs. New Danville recently embarked on a very ambitious capital expansion plan, Vision 2025, in which the residential community and day program will both considerably expand. Donations directly support these comprehensive programs, ensuring each Wrangler can access personalized opportunities to thrive. Donations likewise fund the materials, equipment, and staffing necessary to run these programs, directly impacting the Wranglers’ ability to build skills and achieve their goals.

Even as they try to raise money from outside sources, the staff and clients of New Danville don’t sit idle. Funding from Jazzy Junque, the organization’s resale store, helps allow them to maintain our facilities, expand our programs, and ensure the long-term sustainability of our mission.

A perfect way to support the organization is by registering for a seat or table – or to provide a sponsorship – to the annual Spring Thing Luncheon event, taking place on April 25 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center.

The festivities kick off at 10:30 a.m. with a vibrant marketplace where you can browse unique treasures crafted by talented Wranglers and discover exclusive finds from Jazzy Junque, all while enjoying cocktails and delightful mingling. At noon, settle in for a delicious luncheon accompanied by a powerful keynote address from renowned speaker Ryan Campbell. Known worldwide for his insights on burnout, resilience, and mental health, Ryan will inspire you with his moving message, “Finding Your Own Joy” – a reminder that even in challenging times, joy is within reach.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this special occasion. Secure your sponsorship or purchase your tickets today and help continue New Danville’s mission of empowering individuals to live enriched, purposeful lives. More information can be learned by clicking on https://newdanville.ejoinme.org/SpringThing2025, or by contacting Kathy Rifaat, Director of Development, at Kathy.Rifaat@newdanville.org.

Photos