Nearly nine months ago, people who dared to dream a big idea purchased 127 acres in Dutzow, put volunteers to work, and are now getting much closer to watching the first residents move in.

Bethel Hills Community, the dream of Advocates for Community Choice, provides housing for people with developmental disabilities and also for others who may want to live in a cooperative community. The organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, faith-based organization.

Billie Kramme, board president, said the mission is to provide a community where “people with disabilities” want to live, along with those without disabilities “who value them.”

On October 24 a ribbon cutting was held to dedicate the property. Kramme said donations to the community have allowed them to move to the next step. Nearly all the current housing, still under renovation, is spoken for. The first residents of a completed duplex will move in soon.

“There are 24 on the waiting list without even advertising,” said Kramme. “That’s enough to fill Phase 1.”

Kramme said the community has been supported by dedicated volunteers willing to fill all kinds of needs.

“The volunteer piece has just been huge,” she said. “We have a plumber, an electrician, home builders and carpenters. We have probably saved $50,000 a month. Many of them are retired and often work 25-30 hours per week.”

The first building just past a gymnasium houses Bethel’s offices. It also includes a banquet room for rent that can serve about 80 people and a commercial kitchen available to the public for a fee. It includes a wing that can serve as a hostel for family reunions. There are bunks for 16 people. Office space is also available for lease.

A second building is nearly ready for occupancy and offers a duplex with 3-4 bedrooms in each. Another building further up on the hillside is the next one slated for a complete makeover. It will be a different design, offering six studio apartments with a common area in the center.

Kramme said the building across the road near the chapel is the last on the list waiting for renovation. She expects work to begin there after the new year.

Because of the nature of the type of residents, Kramme said the screening process is a little different from the norm. The organization has organized an admission team, who will determine who qualifies to live in the unique community.

Kramme said it gets complicated, but persons with disabilities often need to find providers for special needs, Medicare waivers, rental assistance and transportation. The admissions team helps to streamline the process.

There are many plans for the community. This fall a pumpkin patch was a great success on the property. A chapel and gymnasium are also located at Bethel. Kramme said the gym is not ready to offer to the public yet, but they hope to provide the opportunity in the near future.

Phase 2 includes building single family homes which will be arranged in a “pocket neighborhood” design. Residents can enjoy a shared courtyard with neighbors, promoting community.

Kramme said the realization of a dream has surpassed all expectations. So far, the community is debt free and is grateful for the support that has come from so many people.

For more information or to donate or volunteer, call Kramme at 636-390-3564 or visit advocatesforcommunitychoice.com. Email ACC.Bethel@gmail.com. The community is located at 10450 Voelkerding Road in Dutzow.