March is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month! We’re proud to honor those we serve and to celebrate the work that we do. Take a look at some of our hopes and goals, and the events we have planned throughout the month!

BCL HOPES AND GOALS FOR MARCH

• To highlight the value offered to our communities by persons with developmental disabilities
• To demonstrate how these individuals come together to form strong and diverse communities
• To raise awareness of persons with disabilities and reduce stigma and stereotypes
• To raise awareness of Better Community Living’s resources and support services
• To engage all in embracing this population of individuals as members of the community

HAPPENINGS & EVENTS

• March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 – NYACause
  • Not Your Average Joe’s, 61 State Road, Dartmouth, MA 02747
  • 11am-10pm, dine-in or takeout, Wednesdays all day, 15% of bill will benefit BCL

• March 12 – BCL, Disabilities Awareness, and Caregiver Self-Care Day at NB Well Sundays
  • NB Boys and Girls Club, 166 Jenney Street, New Bedford, MA 02740
  • Free, collaborative event with the New Bedford Wellness Initiative
  • 10:30am Qigong and 11am fitness class
  • 12pm awareness “walk” and rally in the gym with food and prizes
  • 1pm all-levels yoga
  • 1pm suicide prevention training with Rev. David Lima
  • 2pm mindfulness guided group meditation
  • chair massages, SouthCoast Health Van, a hypnotist, and more!

• March 17 – Access Dance
  • VFW Poirier Post, corner of Ashley Boulevard and Appleton Street
  • Open to the public, 7pm – 10pm, DJ, snacks and soda, $10 entry
  • St. Patrick’s Day themed – wear your green!

• March 22 – 99 Dining for a Cause
  • Pub 99 Restaurant, 34 Sconticut Neck Road, Fairhaven, MA 02719
  • 4pm-9pm, dine-in or takeout, 15% of bill will benefit BCL

• Bookmark distribution
  • Bookmarks will be distributed to every area library with information that supports disabilities awareness and provides a link to Better Community Living’s website

The mission and purpose behind Better Community Living is to provide opportunities that support independence for adults with disabilities. In order to fully accomplish this mission, BCL emphasizes the importance of integrating skilled individuals into the workforce.

For more than 20 years, Better Community Living has collaborated with the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce to provide work opportunities through its “Supported Employment Network.” The program bridges a connection between chamber members and job seekers with disabilities who wish to secure employment.

The program has found tremendous success, assisting hundreds of skilled adults with disabilities to obtain meaningful employment. In addition, the program has achieved great strides by simply educating the business community on the benefits of hiring a person with disabilities.

Joanne Rego, Coordinator of the employment program, assists BCL consumers, as well as others served by Lifestream, M.O.Life, and the Department of Developmental Services.

“My role is to link the Chamber membership with the agencies, and to try to inspire businesses to hire an individual with developmental disabilities. Part of that process is we have an article in every Chamber Focus newsletter. We either highlight an individual who’s looking for employment, or someone who has been successfully employed.”

When asked about the benefits she communicates, Joanne says, “I let them know we have a very skilled and eager workforce that is looking to be a valuable employee to businesses. Individuals with disabilities receive top job support and job development training.”

“They’re eager, very loyal, and we don’t have a high turnover. A lot of times they’ll work in positions that typically do have a high turnover, whether it’s packing in a supermarket or working in a fast food restaurant, or general maintenance. Many will stay for 20 years… so employers aren’t constantly training and retraining for a particular job.”

Joanne says that the program provides incredible value to the individuals it serves. “For the same reasons that you and I want to have a rewarding job,” she says, “There’s a feeling of self-worth… and everyone likes a little money in their pocket.”

Many jobs also fulfill the individual dreams and wishes of BCL consumers. “There’s one lady with BCL that said she always wanted to work in a bakery, in a restaurant, and she’s doing that… which is exactly what she wanted. She wanted to be in food service.”

Not only has the Supported Employment Network impacted individual lives, it has made a major impact locally, nationally, and even globally. Over the years, the program has received widespread recognition and has even been used as a model program for other locations.

The development of a video highlighting successful job placements titled, Supported Employment: Make it Work For You, was shown at the ADA’s 10th Anniversary Celebration resulting in the Network receiving an Outstanding Program Award. In addition, the program was reviewed by the National Technical Assistance and Research (NTAR) Leadership Center to which it was then listed as a “STAR” program and utilized as a case model in the U.S. Department of Labor’s Handbook on hiring employees with disabilities.

The Network was also highlighted in an issue of the United States Chamber of Commerce’s newsletter, and a collage of photos in the New Bedford Chamber of Commerce’s newsletter highlighted 46 employees with disabilities that had been employed for five years or more.

The Supported Employment Network Program also had the opportunity to provide a presentation to Rotary members who were visiting New Bedford from Russia. The visiting Rotarians were so impressed with the Supported Employment: Make it Work for You video that they requested to use it in Russia during seminars in the larger cities in Russia, including Moscow, St. Petersburg and Novosibirsk.

To learn more, contact Joanne Rego, Supported Employment Network Coordinator, at 508-999-5231, ext. 28 or email jrego@nullnewbedfordchamber.com

The mission of Better Community Living is to support and enhance the lives of those with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Though known for its quality services for adults, Better Community Living serves the unique needs of children with disabilities, and their families as well.

The Children’s Program at BCL provides support to individuals ages 3-22, who are at home living with their families. The goal is to assist the family to maintain the family unit and avoid the out-of-home placement of a child. Several programs are offered, ranging in services from advocacy and support, to direct in-home assistance, and recreational programs. Supports are also catered to meet each individuals’ needs in areas that include medical, social, educational, housing and transportation.

Cathy Tremblay, Coordinator for the Children’s Program, has devoted 11 years to BCL, and says she particularly enjoys her work with children and families. She cites the many successes across all three programs offered, helping youth to grow and develop and helping families during challenging processes, changes, and new experiences.

One program, Intensive Family Flexible Support (IFFS), provides direct family outreach and home visits on a weekly basis, typically for a short amount of time ranging between 6-12 months. During this time, Cathy works with families who may be in crisis, those who may have multiple children with disabilities, or those who simply struggle with the challenges of a child with limitations and/or challenges.

“It can include referrals, PCS services, maybe the family needs Mass Health… Children with IDD qualify for all those services,” says Cathy, who then assists the families with obtaining access to anything they need. She visits weekly, then bi-weekly, and then monthly, until the family is able to continue and support their child without further help.

An additional program offered to children and families by BCL is their DESE/DDS Program. Families served in this program, unlike the IFFS program, receive support for an unlimited amount of time. In fact, the ages range from 6-22, and individuals remain in the program until they are 22 years old.

“We provide family navigation, different supports and assistance, and we provide staffing 6-8 hours per week, focusing on goals, providing ABA services…” says Cathy. Visits are monthly and parents are able to play a role in who is staffed to assist the family and the child. “Parents have a say in who is hired,” Cathy says. She will then also assist these families with guardianship, DDS eligibility and application processes (especially when individuals must reapply at age 18), and any needs pertaining to MassHealth, food stamps, and housing. The program also focuses on each individual’s IEP (Individualized Education Program).

The third, and perhaps most fun program offered to children by BCL is their Children’s Recreation Program – a collaborative initiative with the Arc of Bristol County. The program is held on Friday evenings right at BCL, offering everything from dance to gymnastics, tae kwon do, and more.

BCL also utilizes their Day Hab room two Fridays per month for their “Friends Nights” where 20-30 consumers will get dropped off, ranging in age from 3-26. “Parents will say, my kids have real friends now… It’s opportunities that they wouldn’t have been able to find without these facilitations,” says Cathy. “Parents also connect with each other. They are isolated so often. The entire evening really comes together nicely.”

Cathy truly is a wealth of information on area resources and offerings for these families. She notes that even the local AMC Dartmouth Mall offers monthly sensory-friendly films. Child and family-friendly movies occur on the 2nd Saturday of every month, and films for adults are offered on the 2nd Tuesday of month. These sensory-friendly movie nights cater to the needs of those who have various disabilities, including welcoming those who need to get up and move around mid-film.

Since facilitating the Children’s Programs Cathy says, “We’ve had a lot of successes.” Starting in the field 21 years ago, Cathy began working with adults with ADD and helping them with job development. She then started working with families, and then in family support. This, she says, is rewarding and defines what she loves about her work.

“I really enjoy working with families and giving them the tools to succeed and grow… best part of my job. Even though I start off helping, it’s getting them to continue that on their own… Giving them the tools and putting all those pieces together.”

Better Community Living’s Children’s Program serves individuals from Dartmouth to Wareham. The program helps children and young adults with any type of intellectual disability, including autism. For more information, call 508-999-4300 or email cathy_tremblay@nullbettercommunity.com.

On behalf of Better Community Living, Inc. (BCL) and our Board of Directors, I would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank You” to Bob Contreras and his staff at the Seaport Inn and Marina located in Fairhaven, MA for their continued support and commitment to BCL and the individuals we serve.

Since 2009, Bob has generously donated the use of the Grand Ballroom, one of their function spaces, at the Seaport Inn and Marina and provided a delicious dinner for over 125 people for BCL’s Annual Holiday Dinner and Dance that is held each December. Bob and his staff are warm and welcoming making everyone feel as if they were invited into their homes for these Holiday Dinner Celebrations. This gift is priceless and a sign of the true spirit of Christmas giving.

Bob keeps the Spirit of Christmas alive throughout the year offering rooms for shelter when emergencies arise that effect individuals served by BCL. Whether it is a power loss or heat loss at one of our homes the staff at the Seaport Inn have warmly accommodated us usually with very short notice.

Better Community Living is dedicated to supporting and serving individuals with developmental disabilities in the Greater New Bedford area as they strive to develop relationships and greater independence in the community. Bob and his staff are dedicated to supporting BCL. Again, thank you Bob for the kindness, generosity and time and effort that you and your staff put into our Annual Holiday Dinner and Dance; it means the world to us!

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.