Homeward Bound’s Monthly Newsletter

May 2026

One Big Homeward Bound Family


Last weekend, on Mother’s Day, I had the fortune of hearing again the familiar passage “I will not leave you as orphans” during a weekly religious service I attended. The message emphasized how no person journeys life alone. Even when circumstances change, when people leave familiar surroundings, grow up and move from their family home or when separated by distance, illness, or hardship, the human need for connection is a necessary one.

In reflecting on the idea, I contemplated how many people belong to more than one family in their lifetime. There is the family into which we are born, carrying those memories, traditions, and lifelong bonds. But there are also families formed through shared care, daily life, and mutual support. At Homeward Bound, residents and caregivers become part of a living community where people look after one another, celebrate life together, and provide encouragement through difficult days. In this way, Homeward Bound becomes not simply a residence, but a big family.

These same sentiments are echoed in the work of priest and writer Henri Nouwen, whose writings often explored loneliness, community, and the healing power of belonging. In his book The Return of the Prodigal Son, Nouwen reflects on the deep human longing to be welcomed home and embraced as members of a family. His work reminds readers that life as much as anything is about learning to give and receive within a community. The type of community Nouwen talked about sounds to me like one big family.

Communities like Homeward Bound live out the act of being in community every day by creating places where individuals are known by name, valued for who they are, and reminded that they are family here.

The recent service I attended concluded with the understanding that throughout life, family can expand without replacing what came before. Residents remain connected to their original families while also becoming part of the Homeward Bound family, a circle of support shaped by patience, respect, and shared well-being. Moreover, everyone who makes up the community that is Homeward Bound, from the staff and volunteers to the families of the individuals Homeward Bound serves also share in the important context of what we come to know as a big family.

We are grateful for our Homeward Bound Family.

Rob Edwards

President and CEO

Homeward Bound’s new Adventure Club officially launched this winter with an unforgettable four-night trip to Ely, Minnesota. Using our new Rec Bus for one of its first major adventures, individuals we support and staff members experienced adaptive dog sledding, accessible ice fishing, and the beauty of Minnesota’s Northwoods in a fully inclusive environment.

Made possible through partnerships with North of North Resort and the Steger Foundation, the trip created opportunities for adventure, confidence, connection, and lifelong memories. From first-time outdoor experiences to moments filled with laughter and excitement, the adventure showed that the outdoors truly can be accessible to everyone.

For many individuals and families, accessibility begins with something simple but life changing: the feeling of finally being able to exhale.

At HBI, our homes are intentionally designed to support independence, comfort, safety, and community connection for individuals with developmental disabilities across Minnesota. From mobility-friendly layouts to peaceful outdoor spaces, every detail is centered around creating environments where residents feel empowered to live fully and authentically.

And while accessibility features matter, what truly brings these homes to life is the sense of belonging inside them.

Across all 22 HBI homes, residents build friendships, celebrate milestones, share routines, discover hobbies, travel together, and create community in ways that are meaningful to them.

Every home has its own personality.

Some are energetic and social, filled with music, game nights, and trips around the community. Others offer quieter spaces rooted in calm routines, gardening, conversation, and peaceful outdoor time. What they all share is a commitment to dignity, inclusion, and creating environments where individuals can thrive.

Make a one time donation to our General Operating fund.

Want to mail a check? Our mailing address is below.

#Attn: Development

Homeward Bound, Inc.

12805 Highway 55, Suite #400 Plymouth, MN 55441

Want to make an even greater impact?

Consider becoming a recurring monthly donor or exploring workplace matching opportunities through your employer.

Monthly support helps provide ongoing care and improvements across all 22 HBI homes throughout the year.

We would love to learn more about what matters most to you and where you would like your gift to make an impact.

Questions or 

Interested in Giving?

Contact


Kristine at kmorin@hbimn.org

OR

Terrina at twhite@hbimn.org

HBI homes are designed to reduce barriers while supporting independence and comfort for residents with varying levels of support needs. 

These design choices are not just functional. They create confidence. 

They create autonomy. They create opportunities for individuals to participate more fully in their own daily lives. Check out the thoughtful accessibility features that can be enjoyed across all of our homes.

Community Garden Spotlight


Accessibility also means creating spaces where everyone can participate, contribute, and grow.

Across HBI communities, outdoor spaces and community gardens have become gathering places rooted in wellness, connection, and shared purpose.

Residents spend time planting flowers and vegetables, enjoying sensory experiences outdoors, relaxing in the fresh air, and connecting with one another in meaningful ways.

For many residents, these outdoor moments provide peace, routine, independence, and joy.

Families often gather alongside residents during outdoor activities, creating opportunities for connection that extend beyond the walls of the home.

The beauty of accessibility is not only found in ramps or layouts.

It is found in moments where everyone has the opportunity to participate.

For 30 years, HBI has been part of thousands of moments that matter.

Moments where families finally found support. Moments where individuals gained independence. Moments where residents formed friendships, discovered confidence, traveled, tried new experiences, and found places where they felt truly at home.

The impact of accessibility is deeply personal. For many families, it changes everything. It changes what daily life looks like. It changes what independence feels like. It changes what becomes possible for their loved one. And often, it changes what the future feels like for the entire family.

Our 30th Annual Golf Gala Monday, August 24th, 2026 at Minnesota Valley isn’t just for seasoned golfers or corporate teams.

It’s for our entire community. Yes, there’s golf. But there’s also connection, celebration, and a shared purpose.

Not a golfer?

Come for the gala dinner beginning at 5:30pm.

Want to support in another way? 


Bid in the silent auction which will go virtual one weeks in advance for those that cannot attend, sponsor, or donate an item to the silent auction or raffle!

This event helps fund:

• Employee scholarships and career development
• Continued innovation in care
• Opportunities that strengthen both our staff and our services

But most importantly, it brings people together. Because this event isn’t about exclusivity; it’s about inclusivity.

Join us.

However you show up, you belong here.