Each March, Women’s History Month invites us to reflect on the achievements, leadership, and lasting impact of women throughout history. This year’s theme, “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future,” resonates deeply at Venture Together, an organization built, guided, and sustained by the vision and dedication of extraordinary women.
A Vision Sparked by A Mother’s Love
Venture Together began in 1969 as Camp Venture, founded by Kathleen Lukens, a mother who saw a gap in services for children with developmental disabilities, including her own son, David. When no summer camp existed for children like him, she created one.
What started as a small, grassroots effort quickly grew into something much larger. Under Lukens’ leadership, Camp Venture became a community-driven movement of families, volunteers, and advocates committed to providing opportunities and support for people with disabilities to thrive.
As a fierce advocate during a time in which individuals with disabilities were often institutionalized, she pushed for community-based living, helping develop some of the first group homes in the region, and working directly with policymakers to advance reform.
Her philosophy was rooted in compassion and humanity.
“It teaches you to love, to accept.” -Kathy Lukens
That belief became the foundation of Venture Together’s mission that continues to guide us today.
The Women Who Built Venture Together
Kathleen Lukens was joined by a powerful network of women made up of mothers, advocates, and community leaders, who helped turn her vision into a lasting institution. Today, their legacy lives on throughout our organization through residences named in their honor:
- Kathleen Lukens Living Center
- Violet Engel House
- Gilleece House (Helen Gilleece)
- Warner House (Joyce Warner)
- Rodgers House (Arline Rodgers)
- Sister Helen Murphy
Additional homes, such as Bader (Mary Bader), Brosnan (Colleen Brosnan), Clucas (Jean Clucas), Hallett (Josephine Hallett), Horan (Patricia Horan), and Reece (Barbara Reece), recognize founding families whose matriarchs worked alongside Lukens to bring this mission to life.
These women were pioneers, advocating for their children, challenging systems that excluded them, and helping build programs that emphasized independence, community, and belonging.
Women Leading Today, and Shaping the Future
In the present day, the legacy of these women continues through the leaders and staff who carry Venture Together forward. We are proud to be led by a woman CEO, Celia Solomita, and a workforce made up of 62% (334) women professionals who bring compassion, expertise, and commitment to their work every day.
Across every program, Venture’s women play a critical role in advancing our mission: ensuring that people with disabilities are treated fairly, have access to opportunities, and are supported in living meaningful, self-directed lives.
Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate their legacy—but also to recognize that their work continues. Every day, the women of Venture Together carry that vision forward, building a future where every person, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to live an extraordinary life.
