About Us
Vine Village Founders: Dante Bagnani, Grace Kerson, George Kerson, Nancy Kerson, Saanen Kerson (not a founder, but became Associate Director in 2007 and Executive Director in 2023), Michael Kerson
Vine Village, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1973 by two families with developmentally disabled children.
George and Grace Kerson and Dante Bagnani wanted an alternative to staying at home in perpetual “little kid” mode, or the isolation of independent living, and to the rigidity and depersonalization of large institutions. They wanted their children with special needs to have the same quality of life as their non-disabled peers.
The Kerson's son, Michael, and his wife, Nancy, continuously directed Vine Village's growth and progress from 1973 to 2023. Their daughter, Saanen, joined the staff in 2007.
Vine Village occupied a beautiful 25-acre ranch in the famed Carneros grape-growing region of southern Napa County, California, and provided residential services in three homes on the property, as well as an arts-based day activity program.
Even though the on-site programs were closed, the Kersons and the Board of Directors wished to continue to serve the special needs community.
Vine Village, Inc., directed by Saanen Kerson, actively provides advocacy, education, consulting, and assistance with connecting to services and navigating the sometimes daunting services environment.
Vine Village, Inc. enjoys the support of an active and committed Board of Directors who bring with them a wealth of professional experience in many fields.