The official ribbon cutting to open Marian House marked four years of hard work on the part of a small group of dedicated members of the St. Mary of Sorrows’ Council of the Knights of Columbus.  In July of 1994 the group of men began the initial planning to purchase a house that would enable a group of individuals with mental retardation to live independently.  The Council established a non-profit organization now known as Marian Homes, Inc. for the purpose of purchasing the home. The men contacted Chimes/Virginia, a not-for-profit human service provider, and entered into a partnership with them, all under the supervision of the Fairfax County Community Service Board. The home was then purchased and renovated to accommodate wheelchairs. On August 10, 1998, Congressman Tom Davis cut the ribbon opening Marian House to five women whom previously resided in a state supported facility. Since that date, the Council has continued to raise funds through various programs, including the annual Sweetheart Dance. Their efforts are geared not only to cover the mortgage, but to continue to improve and renovate the interior and exterior of the house.

Resident Mary, Jim Thur (Executive Director of the Fairfax Community Services Board), and Congressman Tom Davis cut the ribbon for the official dedication of Marian House.

From the onset, the goals of the organization were as follows:

To galvanize the Council members in pursuit of this endeavor
To purchase group homes
To set an example for other civic organizations to follow

Although the first two goals have been accomplished, they continue to be ongoing endeavors.  The initial steps toward the final goal have been made with this website, as well as through a “Road Map” guide published through the Council other groups to follow.