SPECIAL EDITION: Celebrating the Opening of Trailhead Community—Perseverance in Action

This edition of Building Tomorrow is unlike any other—it’s a celebration of a dream realized and the unwavering determination that made it possible. We are thrilled to share that Trailhead Community has officially opened its doors, welcoming its first residents to a safe, inclusive environment designed to support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). This milestone represents years of dedication, collaboration, and a shared belief in the power of community.

At the heart of this journey was our beloved founder, Barb Ziegler, whose vision has guided every step of this project. Barb was driven by a singular goal: to create not just housing, but a true community where individuals can thrive, connect, and live with dignity. Her unwavering passion, even in the face of challenges, inspired everyone involved to keep pushing forward. Today, we celebrate her legacy as the doors of Trailhead Community open wide, transforming lives and bringing her vision to life.

As we reflect on the journey that led us here, this special edition shares the story behind Trailhead, highlights the incredible milestones we’ve achieved, and honors the spirit of perseverance that made it all possible.

This is more than just the completion of a building—it’s the creation of a vibrant community and a lasting tribute to Barb’s enduring impact.

The Power of Vision and Community

At the heart of our journey is the vision of Barb Ziegler, whose relentless passion and commitment have been the driving force behind this project. Her dream was simple yet profound: to create a space where adults with developmental disabilities could live independently while feeling supported, valued, and connected. Her vision went beyond merely constructing a building—it was about nurturing a true community where residents could thrive together.

From the very beginning, Barb understood that creating such a community would require more than just architectural plans and construction blueprints. It was about building a place where people could forge meaningful connections, develop a sense of belonging, and live with dignity. Even in the face of numerous challenges, she never wavered in her commitment. Her belief in the potential of this project inspired everyone around her, turning what seemed like an ambitious dream into a tangible reality.

“Seeing the building through Barb’s eyes—always as a beautiful answer to the question so many families have about the future of their loved ones—is something I’ll carry with me forever,” — Daniel Hansen

Throughout the years, Barb’s vision brought together a diverse group of supporters—families, volunteers, architects, developers, and community members—who all shared her belief in the importance of creating an inclusive space. This collective effort turned Trailhead into a place where every resident feels valued and supported, fulfilling Barb’s dream of a truly inclusive environment. Her legacy is now etched in every brick and beam of the building, and her impact will continue to shape the lives of those who call Trailhead home.

Milestones Achieved Amid Challenges

The past month has been a whirlwind of activity, excitement, and emotions as Trailhead Community officially opened its doors and welcomed its first residents. For everyone involved, from the early supporters to the latest volunteers, this milestone is a moment of profound joy. The first community dinner held in our newly completed dining room, the laughter and conversations filling the common areas, and the smiles of residents settling into their new homes—all these moments have made the journey worth every challenge faced along the way.

This achievement didn’t come without its obstacles. From ignoring the doubters and securing funding, to navigating construction delays, the team faced countless hurdles. Yet, the collective commitment to Barb’s vision kept everyone pushing forward, ensuring that every setback was met with renewed determination. Trailhead is more than just a building; it’s a symbol of what can be achieved when people unite with a shared purpose.

The project’s impact has already been recognized beyond our walls. Recently, Trailhead Community was honored with the CREW Project Impact Award, a prestigious accolade celebrating real estate projects that make a meaningful difference in their communities. This recognition is not just a testament to the hard work of everyone involved but also a challenge to continue pushing the boundaries of what inclusive housing can achieve.

Seeing the residents thrive in their new environment is the ultimate reward. The smiles, the newfound independence, and the sense of belonging are reminders that the hard work and sacrifices were worth it. Trailhead stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for what inclusive, community-centered housing can look like.

Overcoming Obstacles Together

Bringing Trailhead Community to life was no easy feat—it was a journey filled with unexpected twists and challenges. From securing funding to navigating construction delays, every step of the process demanded resilience, creativity, and a steadfast belief in the mission. Yet, through it all, the unwavering support of our community, partners, and volunteers made it possible to overcome these obstacles together.

Barb’s vision was always the guiding light that kept us moving forward, even when the path ahead seemed unclear. There were moments when the project faced significant setbacks, and it would have been easy to get discouraged. But it was during these difficult times that the strength of our community truly shone through. Families, supporters, and advocates came together, pooling resources and expertise to find solutions to every roadblock.

One of the greatest lessons we learned was the power of collaboration. Each time we faced a challenge, whether it was adjusting design plans or meeting regulatory requirements, it was the combined efforts of architects, contractors, donors, and volunteers that made the difference. This collective spirit of determination ensured that our vision of an inclusive, supportive living space would not only survive but thrive.

The most rewarding part of this journey has been witnessing the transformation of an ambitious idea into a vibrant community. Today, as we walk through the halls of Trailhead, filled with the laughter, joy and smiles of our new residents, it’s clear that every obstacle we faced was worth it.

Barb’s dream lives on in every corner of this building, reminding us that with passion, perseverance, and the strength of a community, nothing is impossible.

Looking Ahead: Continuing the Journey

As we celebrate the incredible milestone of opening Trailhead Community, we are reminded that this is just the beginning. The journey ahead is about more than just maintaining the beautiful space we’ve created—it’s about continually enriching the lives of the neurodiverse community.

Trailhead Community is a beacon of what’s possible, but it’s only the tip of the iceberg. The need for inclusive housing is far greater than 81 residential units can address, and the urgency to act has never been clearer.

“With every step forward, we’re reminded that the work isn’t done. Trailhead Community is a starting point—a model for what can be achieved when vision, perseverance, and community come together.”

With your support, we aim to expand our programming, introduce new community activities, and further enhance the inclusive, supportive environment that Barb envisioned—not just for this building, but for future projects that address the growing need for inclusive housing. Our goal is ambitious: to ensure that every adult with intellectual and developmental disabilities, both in this building and beyond, has a place to call home—a place where they can thrive, connect, and live with dignity.

But we can’t do it alone. Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or are just joining the journey now, there are countless ways to get involved. From sponsorships and donations to volunteering your time or simply sharing our story, your support makes all the difference.

Together, we can continue to build on Barb’s legacy, creating a community where everyone is welcomed, valued, and empowered.

We invite you to join us in this journey. Whether you can contribute financially or volunteer your time and talents, every bit of support helps us continue to build a thriving, inclusive community. Your donation can fund crucial programs, while your time can bring joy and connection to our residents. Let’s keep building this vision—together.

Donate today and learn other ways you can help.

Let’s build tomorrow, today.

Ken and Zara Wilkinson, Board Presidents, Trailhead Community