News & Announcements
June 8, 2020
It is with great sadness and a profound sense of loss that we announce the passing of our beloved founder and Executive Director, Rose Gronemeyer.
She died early Sunday morning June 7, 2020 at The Village of the Blue Rose in Clarksville, MO, the place she loved to be most. Rose was the heart and soul of The Village of the Blue Rose since it’s inception in the early 90's.
She personified love, dedicating her life to teaching, advocating for, and caring for those with special needs. For the last 52 years, Rose either taught or lived with special needs young adults––her “Blue Roses"––ALWAYS focusing more on their potential than their limitations. Rose had an immeasurable impact on the lives of her students, our residents and their families.
All of us who knew Rose have suffered a great loss. We extend our condolences and prayers to Rose’s family, friends and all those who knew and loved her.
Upcoming Events
About Us
The concept of the Village of the Blue Rose is unique. Our mission is to provide a nurturing residential environment as well as challenging employment opportunities for adults with special needs. The means to achieve this is done by developing a center of hospitality and welcome, where visitors can relax as they enjoy the panoramic view of the river, dine in the inviting restaurant, browse in the quaint shops or stay in our comfortable lodging.
Our community currently has two residential facilities, housing three men and four women with developmental disabilities. We currently have a restaurant, bed & breakfast, an antique shop as well as a flea market. With job coaching, our residents are employed at our restaurant, lodge and shops.
Our goal is to show the public the beauty of our "blue roses" by focusing on what they can do instead of what they cannot do. At the same time we provide a safe environment for our residents to live, learn and work in a loving family-type environment. This is the reason we keep our doors open!
Through education, our special adults develop and flourish in spirit, body and mind.
OUR EXISTENCE RELIES ON THE GENEROSITY OF OTHERS! The Village of the Blue Rose accepts no government funding and depends solely on the generosity and philanthropy of the community and entrepreneurial efforts of our own business endeavors.
Donate today to help us continue our mission!
Some History of the Village
The Village of the Blue Rose began as the dream of a dedicated teacher and loving parents. "What will become of our special children when they become adults?" And with that question the dream slowly became a reality. In December of 1992 the Village opened its re-sale shop in Old Town Florissant, MO.
With those proceeds, donations and monies from garage sales and fundraisers, along with the endless support of dedicated parents, volunteers, and family, enough capital was raised to purchase a beautiful private residence on 60 acres with a breathtaking view of the Mississippi River in Clarksville, MO. The original structure is now home to our Restaurant and Bed & Breakfast.
Our Future
Our vision is to provide living facilities for up to 26 residents. Future expansion include additional group homes & a studio apartment complex for those residents capable of semi independent living.
There will be a Community Center for sports, exercise, dances and other activities designed for community inclusion. We hope to have a chapel for meditation, quiet reflection, and a place to give thanks for our many blessings.
How you can help!
Your assistance is vital to the men & women at the Village of the Blue Rose. Contributions are tax deductible and will help us raise money to construct more facilities and conduct programs for our residents.
Volunteers are always needed. If you have a special talent your are willing to share or if you can give a few hours to help with routine chores, maintenance, landscaping, or help out in the shops, please contact us.