It's been a full house for the last 25 years at Kennelly Group Home in Burnsville.

The home was opened in 1983 by Dakota Communities Inc., a non-profit organization founded in 1972 by a group of families who wanted safe, daily living supports, health services and recreational opportunities for their children with disabilities. The organization has grown over the years to provide 32 homes in the metro area.

Kennelly Home has eight residents, all with different disabilities. It is home to five men and three women ranging in ages 41 to 60. The group has literally grown up together.

"We're all just one big family here since we've been together for so long," said Tom Mohrland, a senior advocate who assists residents daily.

Gary Nordmark's daughter, Andrea, has lived at the home since she was 16. Today she is 42.

Nordmark was involved with Dakota Communities as one of the first board members. He has seen the home go through many changes and remembers the bumps along the way.

"When we were going to build the home we had to go before the Burnsville City Council," Nordmark said. "People who spoke were saying the home was a good thing and needed in the community, but they wanted it built somewhere else."

In the end, the council approved the home being built and those uncertain about it came around fairly quickly, he said.

"I'd say within a few months of opening people were bringing things over like cookies or cakes and there's never been any issues with neighbors," Nordmark said. "I think it's because they realized who these people were [at Kennelly Home], people that are more like you and me than unlike you and me."

Kennelly Home residents have the same aspirations, wants and needs as us, he said.

The nearest neighbors when the home was built didn't live right next door and most of the houses near to it today were built after Kennelly Home was established.

Nordmark said one of the great things about the home is the staff. Mohrland and other senior advocates Aaron Oden and Sue Beasley have all worked at the home for a collective total of 62 years.

Morhland and Oden came to Kennelly straight out of college about 17 years ago while Beasley started when the home opened.

For Oden the work is more personal having lost a brother with Down syndrome growing up.

"My brother, Wayne, was a great guy and so inspiring to me. Wayne is a big reason I continue to do the work I do at Kennelly," Oden said.

Beasley said she most enjoys being a part of the residents' lives every day as they are a part of hers.

"I continue working here because the people who live here are very important to me and I feel that I am a positive influence in their lives," Beasley said. "They make me laugh and I am grateful everyday for knowing them."

Beasley works the early day shift while Mohrland and Oden usually work later. They help the residents with medications, finances, personal cares, meal preparation, getting to and from work, social outings and purchasing household supplies.

Nurses come to the home weekly and as needed for residents. Residents said they enjoy playing Wii, going to the movies and special events and shopping. They also take part in community education classes and community events like marching in the Burnsville Fire Muster Days parade this year.

Kennelly resident Michael Paulson gives back to the community as a certified dog walker for the Minnesota Valley Humane Society in Burnsville. He also does a Meals on Wheels route and was recognized for this work by the Southwest Meals on Wheels program.

Kennelly house manager Jason Fladager said the next 25 years holds joys and challenges including the continual fight for services and resources in a shrinking economy. No matter what, he said the home will remain a safe and welcoming place for residents today and for many more tomorrows.

(You are invited to comment about this story on our website at www.mnsun.com and/or write a letter to the editor at suncurrentsouth@acnpapers.com.)

Morhland and Oden came to Kennelly straight out of college about 17 years ago while Beasley started when the home opened.

For Oden the work is more personal having lost a brother with Down syndrome growing up.

"My brother, Wayne, was a great guy and so inspiring to me. Wayne is a big reason I continue to do the work I do at Kennelly," Oden said.

Beasley said she most enjoys being a part of the residents' lives every day as they are a part of hers.

"I continue working here because the people who live here are very important to me and I feel that I am a positive influence in their lives," Beasley said. "They make me laugh and I am grateful everyday for knowing them."

Beasley works the early day shift while Mohrland and Oden usually work later. They help the residents with medications, finances, personal cares, meal preparation, getting to and from work, social outings and purchasing household supplies.

Nurses come to the home weekly and as needed for residents. Residents said they enjoy playing Wii, going to the movies and special events and shopping. They also take part in community education classes and community events like marching in the Burnsville Fire Muster Days parade this year.

Kennelly resident Michael Paulson gives back to the community as a certified dog walker for the Minnesota Valley Humane Society in Burnsville. He also does a Meals on Wheels route and was recognized for this work by the Southwest Meals on Wheels program.

Kennelly house manager Jason Fladager said the next 25 years holds joys and challenges including the continual fight for services and resources in a shrinking economy. No matter what, he said the home will remain a safe and welcoming place for residents today and for many more tomorrows.

(You are invited to comment about this story on our website at www.mnsun.com and/or write a letter to the editor at suncurrentsouth@acnpapers.com.)