Ashley Ford donation benefits individuals with developmental disabilities in the greater New Bedford area

NEW BEDFORD – Ashley Ford and Better Community Living (BCL) have announced a $1,000 donation has been made through the Massachusetts State Automobile Dealers Association (MSADA), to benefit adults and children with developmental disabilities in the greater New Bedford area.

BCL is the recipient of the Community Outreach Assistance Program donation, applied for by Ashley Ford.

“We work closely with many local organizations and feel it’s important to give back to the community,” said Ashley Ford owner and President, Robert Bancroft. “We believe strongly investing in our local community and that’s why we are proud to support BCL. Their vision of ensuring ‘respect, dignity and an enriched quality of life for the individuals they serve’ is such a wonderful goal which we proudly support.”

“BCL is grateful for the continued support and assistance from local businesses, like Ashley Ford, who have made it possible for us to continue our nearly 30-year mission of helping adults and children with developmental disabilities,” said BCL founder and executive director, Thomas C. Riley. “The generosity of local businesses have made it possible for BCL to offer services, such as Friday night social outings for children with autism in the community. We are truly grateful for the continued support of Ashley Ford.”

About Ashley Ford

Ashley Ford has been investing in New Bedford and the surrounding communities for over 50 years. Robert Bancroft, owner and President was born in New Bedford and has strong ties to the community. Ashley Ford supports many other local organizations, including employing individuals with disabilities from MO Life, to help them with life skills. Ashley Ford supports local police & fire departments, along with sponsoring local youth sports teams. We also believe strongly in honoring our local veterans and fly the ‘Lights for Peace’ at the ‘Old Glory Tower’ each month to honor a local veteran. Ashley Ford has raised over $30,000 for local high schools through our Drive 4ur School program. For more information, please visit their website at ashleyfordsales.com.

About Better Community Living

Founded in 1988, Better Community Living is a nonprofit human services agency serving adults and children in the greater New Bedford area with developmental disabilities and their families. BCL provides services and supports including residential services, day habilitation, supported employment, children’s autism programs and shared living. For more information please visit their website at bettercommunity.com.

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.