Mosaic Celebrates 100 Years of Service to People with Disabilities

On February 19, 2013 Mosaic will celebrate a milestone anniversary honoring 100 years of service to persons with disabilities and their families. The centennial celebration, A Century of Service, A Legacy of Love, will kick-off with an organization-wide celebration for staff and individuals they serve in 38 locations across 10 states. 

Mosaic's rich history goes back to the turn of the last century, when Rev. K.G. William Dahl witnessed how children and adults with disabilities were neglected in large institutions. He believed there was a better way to serve the needs of adults and children with disabilities, and convinced fifty-four people to donate $1 per person to establish Bethphage Inner Mission Association in 1913. From the initial $54 donation, Pastor Dahl rented and renovated four homes in Axtell, Nebraska. On June 29, 1914 the first four clients arrived. Within a year, forty clients were being served and Bethphage had expanded to include twenty staff to support their growing mission. 

In Sterling, Nebraska, three pastors and two laypersons saw the need for a school for children with disabilities and came together to transform a shuttered school into educational and housing facilities for children and adults with disabilities. When the Martin Luther Home Society was officially organized on October 20, 1925, families were lining up to learn more about options for their loved ones. 

Both Bethphage and Martin Luther Homes grew into national ministries with multiple locations, and continued strong ties with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. With shared missions and a commitment to faith, the two organizations merged to form Mosaic in 2003. 

"This is a very exciting time for Mosaic. Our staff, individuals we serve and their families, donors, volunteers, partners and advocates are joining together to reflect on our past and prepare for our future," said Linda Timmons, Mosaic president and chief executive officer. "We hope that communities where Mosaic is located will join us in celebrating our centennial by attending an event, supporting our mission or by including us in their prayers."

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