In his modest, and unassuming way, Dr. Ron Keller a Deacon at First Presbyterian Church of Hattiesburg, Miss., has helped form and guide the development of several noteworthy nonprofit community homes, situated in four different areas. As a founding board member of Right to Succeed Inc., Keller was prompted by the challenge to provide a home in the community for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The cornerstone of his philosophy was centered on individual’s right to be included, empowered and valued in the community he or she lived in. “What can I do for you?” a question he often asked of everyone who needed his help had become over the years, a mantra that has well served his 30 years of leadership in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities.

RSI Vice President and Director of Ellisville State School Renèe Brett, introduced Keller as a special guest at the RSI board meeting held recently at the Abbie Rogers Community Home in Hattiesburg. Keller, who retired from the board in October 2008, was given a surprise presentation shortly after the meeting to honor him for his pioneering work, and strong contribution as an advocate for the organization.

RSI board members presented Keller with an embossed wall mirror frame which showcases a dedication plaque celebrating his legacy. The mirror was installed at the Abbie Rogers Community Home.

Keller’s work has had major impacts on the substantial advancement of not only RSI’s community homes, but also through his efforts, brought about significant changes on how the community understood, and accepted individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“There wasn’t a template for anything we did back then,” Keller said. RSI, after all, was one of the first nonprofit organizations in the state of Mississippi to offer residential living opportunities in a community setting for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Keller said when RSI started, there were about seven board members who shared the same vision of working toward community integration. He said he marveled at the steady stream of progress the organization has accomplished throughout the years.