A community where belonging comes naturally

In Waconia, the Eva Sophia Project is building something that goes beyond typical programming—it's creating a genuine community where adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities can belong. Through thoughtfully designed outings, activities, and gatherings at the Lakehouse Community Center, participants discover new interests, build confidence, and form friendships that matter.

The work begins with the everyday. By strengthening independent living skills and nurturing social connections, the organization helps each person move toward greater self-direction in their own lives. It's not about fixing anyone; it's about creating the conditions where people can grow, take risks, learn from mistakes, and make choices that reflect who they truly are.

What sets this mission apart is the vision of home that drives it forward. Beyond programming and community spaces, the Eva Sophia Project is working toward a pocket neighborhood where adults with disabilities can live with real dignity, safety, and genuine choice. It's a vision rooted in the belief that everyone deserves a place to belong—where acceptance, support, and unconditional respect are woven into the fabric of daily life.

For the people of Carver County, this means something profound: a beacon of hope that independence and connection aren't luxuries, but possibilities within reach. As the organization grows, it continues to invite the wider community in, reminding everyone that inclusion isn't about charity—it's about recognizing the shared humanity that brings us all together.