Better Community Living, Inc. has opened program offices in New Bedford, the heart of their service area. BCL expanded its offices back into New Bedford on February 1, 2016. Established in 1988, BCL’s main office for many years was located on County Street, New Bedford until moving to Dartmouth in 2008. BCL is a human services agency providing support to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Programs include residential services, shared living support, day habilitation, employment services, and a children’s autism program.

The 43 Tower Drive office houses BCL program staff including residential, clinical, in-home supports, shared living, supported employment and the children’s program. The space provides meeting and individual offices for more than 20 program staff and the chief operating officer.

“We are excited about having one main space for our program employees to meet together and collaborate, as well as have private spaces to meet with families or complete work tasks,” said COO Tracey Cordeiro.

BCL’s main office at 5 Ventura Drive, Dartmouth will continue to house and offer administrative services, including the founder and executive director, Thomas C. Riley, and support staff, finance and human resources.  The day habilitation program services will also continue to be delivered at 5 Ventura.

Better Community Living will host several fundraisers in 2016. The first fundraiser, a Foxwoods Bus Trip is scheduled for March 5. On June 20, the 17th annual BCL Golf Tournament will be held at Allendale Country Club in Dartmouth. The annual BCL Food & Wine Tasting will be held on BCL’s 28th anniversary, September 22 at the Seaport Inn & Marina in Fairhaven. As a premier human services agency serving the Greater New Bedford area, BCL’s fundraisers all have directly supported the more than 100 individuals and their families through support services. BCL was recognized in 2015 by GuideStar as a Gold Participant for transparency in their operations and nonprofit efforts.

Volunteer opportunities with BCL include membership on the Human Right Committee which oversees the quality of support and services, membership on the Fundraising Committee to assist in the planning of events, the Board of Directors which oversees the operation of the agency and Faith Companions in the Bridges to Faith Program and Committee which supports people in their chosen Faith Community. Please contact Thomas C. Riley 508-999-4300 ext 111 if interested in learning more about BCL and volunteer opportunities for join our team.

For more information on Better Community Living visit their website bettercommunity.com.