Our Story
Individuals with developmental disabilities are important members of our community. Each individual has the right to live the life they choose. The gifts and abilities of the individuals we support have not always been as valued as they are today. Many families were encouraged to place their child with a disability in one of the five large institutional training centers of Virginia and move on with their lives. In the late 1960’s families who were able to keep their children with disabilities at home were concerned about what would happen to them if they were no longer able to care for him or her. In May of 1948, John R. Mumaw’s nephew, Chester Mumaw, was born with Down syndrome. Chester inspired John R. Mumaw to encouraged the Virginia Mennonite Conference to find a place in the community for individuals with developmental disabilities as an alternative to the large institutions. Pleasant View, Inc. grew out of these concerns.
The doors to our first home, now known as Turner House, opened in March 1971. Through the intervening years, Pleasant View, Inc. has grown from a six-person group home to a multidimensional agency that serves over 170 people through a variety of day and residential services and supports. We have been in the forefront of promoting philosophies that enhance the self determination and rights of people who have disabilities. Although many came from all areas of Virginia and beyond, the majority are from the Harrisonburg/Rockingham community. Many religious backgrounds are represented including Mennonite, Brethren, Presbyterian, Jewish, Catholic, Rise, Seventh Day Adventist, and United Church of Christ.
Pleasant View, Inc. is a nonprofit 501 (C)(3) agency. We receive Medicaid funding for about 89 % of our budget, but depend on donations to fund costs not covered by these payments or mission driven supports that don’t qualify as billable. If you would like more information about Pleasant View, Inc and the services we provide, please check out our website (www.pleasantviewinc.org) or contact our Social Work Director at 540-433-8960.
