Our History

Better Community Living History 1988 – 2011 [page 2 of 2]

In 1991 Better Community Living, Inc. began providing supported day and employment services in response to two individuals with unique and challenging needs. Both men were previously attending a sheltered workshop setting for people with developmental disabilities. Due to the two men’s needs, an alternative day supports were designed and initiated by Better Community Living.

This day support system was designed to rely heavily on the use of existing community resources. Focusing on maintaining high levels of community integration, this design has helped many individuals to eventually meet their day support and employment goals. Other individuals who were not able to benefit from standard day workshop settings began to solicit our person-centered, community-based services. In 2010 these programs designs were developed to include Day Habilitation Services. The Mission Statement of Better Community Living, Inc. is summarized below as “Better Community Living, Inc. is a team dedicated to creating quality supports that enhance the lives of the individuals we serve as they strive for greater independence in the community.” Our Vision Statement expresses our goal to “foster individual voice, choice and dreams.”

We believe in a simple principle that "all people should be given the opportunity to work, live and learn”.

Our community involvement profile supports people to make choices that reflect who they are and where their future dreams will lead them. Each person’s unique gifts and talents are woven into their life. The satisfaction people get from expressing their wishes is evident. Staff people are encouraged and trained to support all individuals as they move toward greater independence. People have social roles and are supported to enhance those roles with dignity and respect. The agency supports the concept of dignity of risk by having people take part in as many of life’s experiences as possible.

In 2010, we began a Day Habilitation Program in the north-end of New Bedford which provided additional space to allow us to serve up to 28 individuals more efficiently. We continue to look ahead as the Day Habilitation Program will be upgraded once again in 2011 as it moves to 5 Ventura Drive in Dartmouth. The new facility will include 8 rooms/offices for teaching group and individual activities, increasing sensory development and social skills. This new facility includes an exercise room and a kitchen, to promote and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

For the past twenty-two years Better Community Living, Inc. has provided quality supports to adults with developmental disabilities in the Greater New Bedford Area. We have grown from providing services to 4 individuals into currently assisting over 100 individuals. As stated in our Vision and Strategic Plan, Better Community Living is interested in staying a friendly, local agency that grows deeper roots in our community. We are committed to remain an excellent small to mid-size agency supporting persons with disabilities and their families in the Greater New Bedford area.

While others may have the individuals conform to fit their programs, we pride ourselves on modifying the program to fit the individual. At Better Community Living, we strive to provide quality care with a personal touch to all of the individuals we assist.

• «Previous
• 1
• 2