About Us
At The Villages, we believe that every person deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and understanding. Guided by our values of Compassion, Care, Community, and Strength, we are dedicated to creating an environment where individuals and families feel supported and empowered.
Our commitment extends beyond the services we provide. We strive to build meaningful relationships, foster a sense of belonging, and make a lasting positive impact on the lives of those we serve.
Our history
In 1964, Dr. Karl Menninger recognized a need in his community that led to the creation of our program. Based on his strong principles linking contact with the natural environment to healing for those who had been abused, neglected, and abandoned, the foundation and model for The Villages, Inc. were created. This model believed in the benefits that abandoned and abused children would gain by living in a well-maintained home, in a setting with strong, supportive, and nurturing parents who live with them.
Dr. Karl believed that by observing concerned parents modeling a well-functioning family, young people could learn to form and maintain their own futures, free from the abuse and neglect they had suffered themselves. These principles, combined with his goal of using nature and natural environments when educating youth, made the 20-acre lot of land amidst another 300 acres (later gifted to The Villages) the ideal location.
In December of 1969, the first home of The Villages was opened, giving a home to three young boys. Through the following years, the Topeka residence expanded with new houses being built and opening in 1971, 1972, and 1974; bringing the total to five homes. However, Dr. Menninger did not want to stop with his own community. He believed that The Villages model provided everything a child should need in their situation and should be utilized all over the nation.
Through countless efforts, public pushback, and celebrity endorsements, The Villages was able to expand to Lawrence, KS, as well as various locations in Indiana. Dr. Menninger had hoped that each program would become self-sufficient enough to run independently, and this was proven right when the six homes in Indiana split off to form their own organization, The Villages of Indiana.
Dr. Karl Menninger believed not only in giving children not just a safe space to grow, but a whole environment that would encourage it. Between both locations, The Villages now protects over 400 acres of land. This promotes Dr. Karl Menninger’s ideals of “preservation and appreciation” that he used when establishing our organization. It is on these 400-plus acres that The Villages oversees the six houses in Topeka and two houses in Lawrence.
While standards and practices have changed over time, The Villages still holds to the values that helped establish our program. Every child that is in our care deserves the same opportunities that all children deserve.
To read more about the history of The Villages, please visit the “The Villages: A History” link below.
Driven by passion
The Values That Guide Us
Compassion
We lead with empathy and understanding, recognizing the unique experiences and needs of every individual we serve.
Care
We are committed to providing support that is thoughtful, respectful, and centered on the well-being of those who depend on us.
Community
We believe people are stronger together. By fostering connection, belonging, and support, we help build a community where everyone can thrive.
Strength
We embrace challenges with resilience and determination, helping individuals, families, and our community move forward with confidence and hope.
Our Commitment
Over the years, The Villages has grown, evolved, and adapted to meet the changing needs of our community. While much has changed, one thing has remained constant: our commitment to the vision established by Dr. Karl Menninger.
Dr. Menninger believed that every individual deserves compassion, dignity, and the opportunity to heal and grow. His belief that people thrive when they are supported by a caring community continues to guide our work today.
As we move forward, we remain dedicated to honoring that legacy through our values of Compassion, Care, Community, and Strength. By embracing innovation while staying true to our foundation, we continue to build on Dr. Menninger's vision and create meaningful impact for the individuals, families, and communities we serve.