The Marbridge Foundation

Founded in 1953 by Ed and Marge Bridges, Marbridge began as a small working ranch for young men with cognitive disorders. From its beginning, Marbridge offered training structured around the idea that adults with cognitive disorders can learn skills that help them build self-esteem and be contributing members of the community. By the 1960s, Marbridge had already received national attention for its groundbreaking approach to helping adults with special needs. Gifts of land expanded the campus, and Mabee Village and the Villa were built in the 1980s to broaden the scope of residents that Marbridge could serve.

Today, more than 220 adults live and work on the Marbridge campus, applying techniques developed for our Abilities Centered Training (ACT) program in more than 150 weekly training opportunities. As part of our mission to continue to provide residents with the best possible quality of life, Marbridge has developed a strategic plan to expand and improve the campus. A Master Architectural Plan including beautiful new residences, new training buildings, and a town square was approved by the board of trustees in early 2007. When the campus is complete in late 2012, it will truly be a premier model community helping adults with cognitive challenges reach their full potential.