Adult disability home celebrates 70 years

MANCHACA — One of three lifelong care centers resides in close proximity to Hays County and has been changing the lives of adults with disabilities. For the past 70 years, Marbridge has been providing the opportunity for disabled adults to be an individual who has more to life than their disability.

From left, Polly Glasgow, Ranch resident trainer (Direct Care), Emma, Ranch resident, Trey, Village resident and Mimi DeLeon, Village resident trainer.[/caption]

Beginning as a functioning ranch, Ed and Marge Bridges wanted to create an institution that allowed their son, Jim, who had a disability, to live life as normally as he could, while still receiving the care he needed. Sending away a loved one with a disability "to be forgotten" was common at the time and the Bridges were not going to stand for it; thus, in 1953, they opened up Marbridge, which housed and cared for seven adults. Today, the residential community hosts 275 individuals, with the youngest being 18 years old.

Marbridge Director of Communications and Development Bob Borden explained that the goal is to meet residents at their abilities rather than focus on their disabilities.

“We know our residents have disabilities, but we really focus on their abilities and what they can do,” he said.

Marbridge has living communities at three different levels for the residents: the village, a semi-independent living community; the ranch, an assisted living community; and the villa, which is a skilled care nursing home. Because there are three different skill groups, an individual may pass through all three as their needs increase.

“The villa sets us apart from other places. Marbridge has the unique opportunity to take an adult from the age of 18 and see them through the end of life,” emphasized Borden. “Usually, when a resident at other facilities gets to a certain point in terms of what they can do on their own, they’ll have to go to another facility for their nursing care, but we, along with two others in the country, are able to do everything for them from that early age of 18.”

Although many may assume that a nursing home would care for older individuals, there are a variety of ages living in this community due to disabilities advancing at various rates.

For the members who have the ability to be more independent, Marbridge has classes for general education and basic skills for the individuals who need it, as well as employment available.

“You’ll see a lot of our residents take employment classes to be able to hold jobs in the community. A lot of our residents work at H-E-B, Goodwill, the hospital or hold office jobs in the area,” Borden said.

From left, Michelle Caddell, Villa Life enrichment specialist, Dale, Villa resident and Daniel Miranda, Villa Life enrichment specialist with the Proclamation declaring June 1, 2023 to be Marbridge Foundation Day in the city of Austin.[/caption]

The 200-acre lot not only acts as an education center, Marbridge has also built a neighborhood-like center for those in the village and ranch, including a community center, dining hall, gazebo and more.

“It’s built like it’s a subdivision, so each resident lives with five other roommates. They have a cottage and each have their own room while sharing a kitchen and living area, but it’s really set up for them to rely on each other,” said Borden.

Support of the community is what allows the organization to continue growing and caring for the individuals who reside at Marbridge.

“The community has been fantastic in working with and accepting Marbridge and the residents there. As mentioned, we have our residents who are able to have employment out in the community, so we have a lot of fantastic employers in the community that have residents work with them,” Borden said. “We also have many businesses that bring groups out for their volunteer days as well as have a dedicated volunteer group of about 200 to 250 that help on a regular basis. Then, obviously, there is the financial aspect of supporting, which has also been fantastic through fundraising projects.”

Marbridge utilizes the money raised through fundraisers to continue to advance and provide a community for those adults who need it. One of which is the addition of two enrichment specialists that help to plan six to seven activities a day, ranging from bingo to town trips.

“A lot of people don’t realize that the state of Texas does a very poor job of serving adults with disabilities. I think we’re 49th or 50th [in the nation], so I wish we were higher, but we’re constantly dead last,” said Borden. “So, the sky’s the limit [with growth]. We’re looking at expanding all three communities … Being able to add more adults and giving them opportunities is always going to be our number one goal."

Marbridge currently has community members from 31 states and five countries across the globe.

For more information, visit or contact the admissions office at (512) 735- 2704.