Group of families bands together to ensure caring future
St. Andrew's Village in the Times-Picayune.
Karen Baker
4/22/2009
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A few years ago, a group of five families got together to discuss the future of their children with special needs.
What would happen to these children as they got older and as the parents who have loved them and cared for them were no longer there to give them the support they so need?
What the families came up with was a dream that is getting closer to reality: St. Andrew's Village, a $30 million mixed-use community in Abita Springs for adults with developmental disabilities.
That group of families, plus others who have joined the dream, gathered April 14 to dedicate the sign that marks the 100-acre site where St. Andrew's Village is planned on Louisiana 36 once permits are acquired.
The goal of St. Andrew's Village, a nonprofit organization, is to "blend the advantages of mainstream integration with the advantages of a protected environment to assure the physical safety of the villagers," according to the group's news release.
The development, its founders say, is not meant to segregate people with disabilities from the general public. It is a community, just like a neighborhood, they say.
Indeed, the town of Abita Springs seems like the perfect place for the faith-based village, said Jan Kuntz, whose daughter, Alison, would be a resident at St. Andrew's.
"Abita is a nice fit for us," she said. "The community has really embraced us."
Debbie Tullos of Baton Rouge, who was at the sign dedication, said St. Andrew's gives her peace of mind. "Our biggest fear is what will happen (to our children) when we're gone," she said. St. Andrew's will give them a home. she said.
Msgr. William Bilinsky was on hand to bless the site "and all who work for it." His blessings are welcome and much needed, parent Gus Kuntz said.
"God has been watching over us," he said, "but it hasn't been an easy trail. But it will be special; the news will spread."
As the founders of St. Andrew's Village await the permits they need to proceed, they look toward the future.
"If this is successful, it will be a win-win situation," said Ellen Tomeny of Baton Rouge, whose son James was with her at the dedication.
The development would begin with a community center, with further development depending on financial support. The friends of St. Andrew's Village will hold its first fundraiser in October, Jan Kuntz said, though details are still to come.
The five families who started the drive to develop St. Andrew's Village are Joy and Jay Zainey, with their son, Andrew; Sandy and Donald Kearns, with their son, Andrew; Jan and Gus Kuntz, with their daughter, Alison; Peggy and John Wales, with their daughter, Erin; and Ann and Tony Lopez, with their son, Walker.
For more information about St. Andrew's Village or to donate to the cause, contact Executive Director Donna Breaux at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit the Web site at www.saintandrewsvillage.org.