About Vine Village
Vine Village, Inc, Napa, California - Serving People With Special Needs Since 1973

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Vine Village
From a hired hand 

It's hardly visible from the highway,
but once wandered into it,
you won't want to leave.
It's like happening on
a cool pristine spring
when your canteen runs dry
or like a friendly village
after miles of wilderness.
Seldom is heard there
a disheartening word.
The people are like family.
When nobody wants you,
they will take you in.

 - Dennis Johns
Vine Village's Poet Laureate

 

Vine Village, Inc. is a non-profit organization whose goal is to provide people with special needs with the same quality of life that should be the birthright of all citizens. To further this goal, Vine Village provides residential and day activities programs to people with special needs.

Vine Village, Inc. is a non-profit (501c(3)) organization, and is located in Napa, California, USA.

Vine Village has 2 primary program components:
  •  Residential Living: in three comfortable, family-like homes located just outside the city limits (for easy access and full inclusion in the greater Napa community) on a beautiful 25-acre working ranch.

     
  •  Vine Village Day Program - day activity center based around the arts and rural life.

Our annual Celebration, with its terrific Wine Auction, is a major source of support, as well as a range of private Foundations, service clubs, businesses, and generous individuals.

Vine Village, Inc. has been directed by Michael Kerson since 1973. 


 

Vine Village was founded in 1973 by George and Grace Kerson and Dante Bagnani, two families with developmentally disabled children.

The Kerson and Bagnani families wanted an alternative to the isolation of "independent living," to the rigidity and depersonalization of large institutions, and the insecurity and constant staff turnover which characterize many small group living situations. They wanted more vocational options, which reflect community values as well as  individual differences and interests.

In short, they wanted their children with special needs to have the same quality of life as their non-handicapped peers.

The Kerson's son, Michael, and his wife, Nancy, have continuously directed Vine Village's growth and progress since 1973. Their daughter, Saanen, joined the staff in 2007. Today, Vine Village occupies a beautiful 25-acre ranch in the famed Carneros grape-growing region of southern Napa County, California.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Michael Kerson

AssOCIATE Director: Saanen Kerson

RESIDENTIAL STAFF:
Anthony Tofanelli, Anthony Withers, Teresa Gonzales, Laura Koos, Janey Bearce, Robert McQueen

DAY PROGRAM STAFF:
Art Program Director: Catalina Arabia
Teachers: Paula Mettler, Carol Llewellyn, Brian Cox

GROUNDS & GARDEN:
Grounds Staff: Tucker Crosby, Arthur Van Damme

OFFICE & SPECIAL PROJECTS:
Brian Cox, Nancy Kerson

BOOKKEEPER:
Cheryl Kavicky


       

 

 

Vine Village, Inc. is a 501c(3) non-profit organization located in the Napa, CA Wine Country
Telephone: 707-255-4006     Fax: 707-255-8431    Napa, CA    
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