In 1992 several parents, teachers and friends of members of the Special Education Department of First Baptist Church of Brandon identified a need for long-term living facilities for developmentally challenged men and women.

A committee was formed to investigate the requirements to undertake this task.

Out of this group New Horizons Group Homes, Inc. was born.

After drafting articles of incorporation and by-laws and obtaining non-profit status from the IRS, the search for suitable property was instituted.

Concurrently, fund raising activities were begun to be used toward the purchase of property.

In June, 1995, the property at 109 E. Clay Avenue in Brandon was identified as meeting the needs of the corporation and secured through contributions from the parents and fund raising to make a $40,000 down payment and a loan from Valrico State Bank for the balance of $104,000.

In October, 1996, New Horizons received a home-renovation deferred no-interest loan from HUD funds administered by Hillsborough County to make necessary improvements to the house.

This work was completed in March, 1997.

In May, 2000, construction was started on the Alice Storms Home on the same property as the Mary Lou Creamer Home.

The construction of the men's home was completed in June of 2004, and six residents are in the home.

The Mary Lou Creamer Home and Alice Storms Home are licensed through the Agency for Health Care Administration as an assisted living facility.

The residents are required to be able to care for their own personal needs, contribute to the housekeeping duties of their residence, and work either at a business in the community or at a sheltered workshop.

The ladies in the home enjoy the family atmosphere.

Since their last update they have been successful in paying off the mortgage as June 2005.