Better Community Living, Inc. Press Releases
04-18-2008 Spaghetti Dinner Feeds Over 100 Meals
11-08-07 BCL Hosts Autism Training
3-20-07 Award Ceremony at Shirley Street
3-07-07 Annual Spaghetti Supper
2-28-07 Better Community Living Receives Shaw's Grant
2-16-07 Shirley Street Rehab Complete
8-8-06 Human Service Agency Announces “Shop for a Cause” Day At New Macy’s
3-2-06 Autism Grant Awarded for Swim and Dance Project for Children
11-28-05 “Giving” Christmas Tree Announced for Children
3-22-01 Human Service Agency Recognize Accomplishment
of Others
1-5-00 How David got his home back!
06-12-08 BCL Receives Grant
On June 12, 2008, Better Community Living, Inc. was informed by the
President of the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts, Mr.
Craig J. Dutra, that the Community Foundation - New Bedford Rotary Club
Fund approved a $500.00 Grant for general operating support. This grant
was recommended by the donor advisor of the New Bedford Rotary Club. The
New Bedford Rotary Club Fund was established as a committee advised fund
at the Foundation to make charitable grants and gifts on behalf of the
Club to charitable organizations.
04-18-2008 Spaghetti Dinner Feeds Over 100 Meals
This year's event
was held at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts.
The Cox Family amazed us once again with their homemade meatballs!
Dorothy Cox and her family's dedication to us is wholeheartedly
appreciated. Thank you also to the Knight's of Columbus organization who
provides such a great venue each year for this event and to Jazzy Jeff
Vaz who provided the incredible DJ services.
This year we served over 120 meals and over 120 smiles!
See you next year!
11-14-07 Holiday Giving Tree
Community Update
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 14, 2007
For more information or questions, please contact Cathy Tremblay @
508-999-4300, Ext. 48
“Giving” Tree for Children
Better Community Living, Inc. announces the return of its donation
project to make the holidays a little bit brighter for the children
supported through their Intensive Flexible Family Support Program (IFFS)
and their siblings. The IFFS Program is designed to support families
whose children have been found eligible for services with the Department
of Mental Retardation and who need assistance in obtaining resources for
maintaining their family unit.
Beginning on December 1st, this Giving Tree will be adorned with the
name, age and gift wish of each child supported by the program and can
be found at the administrative offices of Better Community Living
located at 384 County Street, New Bedford in the Gilbert Russell House
of the William Rotch Rodman Office Complex.
Once you have chosen a name and shopped for a gift, you may drop your
unwrapped donation off at the main office with a nametag by December 15,
2007.
Better Community Living is a not for profit 501(c) 3 corporation. All
gifts and donations are appreciated and tax deductible. Primary funding
for services provided is by contract with the Massachusetts Department
of Mental Retardation.
For questions or more information, please contact Cathy at 508-999-4300,
Ext.#48.
11-08-07 BCL Hosts Autism Training
Better Community Living, Inc. (BCL) will be hosting an Autism Training
presented by Community Autism Resources, Inc. Community Autism Resources
is a Southeastern Massachusetts based Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
organization.
The topic for the training is “Learning About Communication and Social
Strengths and Challenges in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)” and sensory
& behavioral challenges.
This training is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
It will be held on Thursday, November 8, 2007 from 10:00a.m. ? 12:00p.m.
at the main office of Better Community Living located in the Gilbert
Russell House at 384 County Street in New Bedford, Massachusetts.
Better Community Living provides residential, community, vocational,
individual and family supports to adults and children with developmental
disabilities and their families. Their Intensive Flexible Family Support
Program (IFFS) offers support to individuals under the age of 22 and
helps to maintain the family unit by avoiding out of home placement of a
child.
For questions or more information about this upcoming event, please
contact Brandi at 508-999-4300, Extension #16. The last day to register
is Friday, November 2, 2007.
For more information about the IFFS Program and other services offered
by Better Community Living, Inc., please visit their website at
www.bettercommunity.com.
3-20-07 Award Ceremony at Shirley Street
An Appreciation Ceremony was held at a special Open House at 23 Shirley
Street on March 20th where recipients were presented awards for their
help in rehabilitating this home.
Mayor Scott W. Lang, City of New Bedford
The New Bedford Office of Housing and Community Development
-Mr. Patrick J. Sullivan, Director
-Mr. Stephen Ingalls, Rehabilitation Specialist
-Ms. Lori Moring, Loan Officer
-Ms. Cindy Tourville, Finance Specialist
Shaw’s Charitable Foundation
Stephen Kelleher Architects of Fairhaven
-Mr. Stephen Kelleher, President
-Mr. Timothy Brennan, Cad Draftsman
RSG Construction Inc. of New Bedford
-Mr. Maurice St. Gelais, President
-Ms. Heather Matson
Moriarty Electrical Contractors, Inc.
-Mr. Terry Moriarty, Owner
Beacon Lumber
-Mr. Ivan Ketchum
Veteran's Transition Home
-Mr. Dennis Allen, Executive Director
-Mr. Dan Riley
Citizen's Bank of Fairhaven
-Mr. Anthony Riccitelli, VP
With the help of the above listed organizations and the devotion of
staff and friends who volunteered to make this project happen, we are
eternally grateful. The men who live there can now reside comfortably
for a long time to come in their new home.
Better Community Living, Inc. provides over 17 homes in supervised
apartments with 24 hour a day staff support in the Greater New Bedford
Area. Funding is primarily from contracts with the Mass. Department of
Mental Retardation. Additional funding sources include Corporate and
Private /Individual donations and from volunteer organized fund raising
events. Better Community Living is a not for profit agency serving the
New Bedford Community for the past 18 years.
2-28-07 Better Community Living Receives Shaw's
Grant
Better Community Living, a not for profit human service agency in New
Bedford, has been awarded a $5,000.00 grant by the Shaw's Charitable
Foundation. The grant will be used for their Building Improvement
Project to upgrade the housing they provide to adults with developmental
disabilities living in the Greater New Bedford Area.
Shaw's Charitable Foundation's priority is to fund organizations like
BCL that improve the quality of life and who benefit a large population
of our community. BCL helps developmentally disabled adults become
productive members of society by giving them the tools, opportunities
and support they need to grow and learn. The entire community benefits
when these individuals contribute to society through their participation
in work, recreation and culture.
The $5,000.00 check was presented by Mr. David Cabral, Manager of the
Shaws Supermarket on State Road in Dartmouth to Ms. Dorothy Cox,
President of the Board of Directors of Better Community Living, Inc. and
has been applied to the current building renovation project at 23
Shirley Street in New Bedford.
2-16-07 Shirley Street Rehab Complete
After months of cooperation and hard work, the renovations and addition
at 23 Shirley Street in New Bedford are complete. The new addition
allowed for extra living space including a newly renovated kitchen,
bath, laundry area, living room and bedrooms. It also included a new
roof, new heating and hot water systems. The persons who live there are
now better equipped for comfort since they have the benefit of added
accessible living space to enjoy.
Through the City of New Bedford's Office of Housing and Community
Development's HOME-Rental Rehabilitation Program, Better Community
Living Inc. was awarded a $7,500 Housing Accessibility Grant and through
the Community Development Block Grant Program and a $75,000 federal HUD
HOME Program Loan at a low interest rate for a total commitment of
$82,500 to help complete this project. A Grant to the Better Community
Living Building Improvement Project of $5,000.00 from the Shaw’s
Charitable Foundation also offset the costs for this work. Citizen’s
Bank provided the financing for the remaining costs of the work
completed.
An Appreciation Ceremony was held at a special Open House at 23 Shirley
Street on March 20th where recipients were presented awards for their
help in rehabilitating this home.
Mayor Scott W. Lang, City of New Bedford
The New Bedford Office of Housing and Community Development
-Mr. Patrick J. Sullivan, Director
-Mr. Stephen Ingalls, Rehabilitation Specialist
-Ms. Lori Moring, Loan Officer
-Ms. Cindy Tourville, Finance Specialist
Shaw’s Charitable Foundation
Stephen Kelleher Architects of Fairhaven
-Mr. Stephen Kelleher, President
-Mr. Timothy Brennan, Cad Draftsman
RSG Construction Inc. of New Bedford
-Mr. Maurice St. Gelais, President
-Ms. Heather Matson
Moriarty Electrical Contractors, Inc.
-Mr. Terry Moriarty, Owner
Beacon Lumber
-Mr. Ivan Ketchum
Veteran's Transition Home
-Mr. Dennis Allen, Executive Director
-Mr. Dan Riley
Citizen's Bank of Fairhaven
-Mr. Anthony Riccitelli, VP
With the help of the above listed organizations and the devotion of
staff and friends who volunteered to make this project happen, we are
eternally grateful. The men who live there can now reside comfortably
for a long time to come in their new home.
Better Community Living, Inc. provides over 17 homes in supervised
apartments with 24 hour a day staff support in the Greater New Bedford
Area. Funding is primarily from contracts with the Mass. Department of
Mental Retardation. Additional funding sources include Corporate and
Private /Individual donations and from volunteer organized fund raising
events. Better Community Living is a not for profit agency serving the
New Bedford Community for the past 18 years.
3-07-07 Annual Spaghetti Supper
Better Community Living's Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser was held on
Wednesday, March 7, 2007 at the Knights of Columbus in Mattapoisett.
Thanks to all who participated by attending, planning, set-up, clean-up
and donation of raffle items. Over $1,000.00 was raised to help support
our programs.
An extra special thanks to Dorothy Cox, our Board President and
Spaghetti Chairperson and her family who took the time to plan, shop,
cook and serve a spectacular italian meal and to Homlyke Bakery and
Sunrise Bakery for their donations of cake and bread.
8-8-06 Human Service Agency Announces “Shop for a
Cause” Day At New Macy’s
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
08/08/06
For more information or questions, please contact Tom Riley @
508-999-4300, Ext. 11
Human Service Agency Announces “Shop for a Cause” Day At New Macy’s
Do you love to save big on your shopping trips? Need to buy a special
gift for a friend? Do you love to shop and support a wonderful cause at
the same time? Then here is your passport to satisfy all these with a
single purchase! Every Macy’s store nationwide will host a Shop For A
Cause event for local civic and charitable organizations on Saturday,
September 16, 2006 from 9AM to 10PM.
In collaboration with Macy’s stores, including the North Dartmouth Mall,
(formerly Filenes), Better Community Living, Inc. is joining Macy’s in
this national day of support and will receive 100% of the proceeds from
their ticket sales. Shopping pass/tickets will sell for $5 each and will
include:
· Entries for amazing prizes including a $500 storewide shopping spree,
plus incentives and events for shoppers.
· All day savings pass with 10-20% off most of their purchases.
· 10% off every $50 purchase with exclusions and an additional 20% when
opening a Macy’s account
Better Community Living is a not for profit 501(c)3 corporation serving
developmentally disabled adults living in the Greater New Bedford area.
All gifts and donations are appreciated and tax deductible. Primary
funding for services provided is by contract with the Massachusetts
Department of Mental Retardation.
Call 508-999-4300, Ext. 22 for tickets that will deliver a day of
shopping fun while supporting the programs and services of Better
Community Living, Inc.
3-2-06 Autism Grant Awarded for Swim and Dance
Project for Children
For more information or questions, please contact Cathy Tremblay @
508-999-4300, Ext. 48
Autism Grant Awarded for Swim and Dance Project for Children
The Intensive Flexible Family Support Program (IFFS) of Better Community
Living, Inc. (BCL) has been awarded a $5,000.00 Autism Mini-Grant funded
through the Autism Spectrum Division of the Massachusetts Department of
Mental Retardation. This award will establish The ASD Swim and Dance
Project with the New Bedford and Wareham YMCAs and will be run by YMCA
instructors who have been trained by autism specialists and parent
volunteers.
Cathy Tremblay, IFFS Coordinator at BCL, explains why this project will
benefit the needs of children with autism spectrum disorders. She states
“that many children on the spectrum enjoy water, music and movement.
They benefit from the use of visuals to aid understanding and expression
of ideas. The swim class will allow them to move freely in the water
while interacting with their peers. Instruction will be kept simple. The
use of water instruments will provide auditory stimulation. During dance
class, participants will be exposed to music and play with light-up
batons, tambourines, colorful scarves and more!”
Classes start March 9th at the New Bedford YMCA and will be held every
Thursday. Group 1 for ages 3-9 years will run from 4:15pm-5:30pm. Group
2 for ages 10-18 years will run 4:45pm-6pm. There is no cost for this
session but REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. There will be a second session
starting in May. Please call to reserve your child’s slot.
For questions or more information about these upcoming programs, please
contact Cathy Tremblay at 508-999-4300, Extension #48.
11-28-05 “Giving” Christmas Tree Announced for
Children
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“Giving” Christmas Tree Announced for Children
Better Community Living, Inc., announces a new holiday donation project
to make the holidays a little bit brighter for the children supported
through their Intensive Flexible Family Support Program (IFFS). The IFFS
Program is designed to support families whose children have been found
eligible for services with the Department of Mental Retardation and who
need assistance in obtaining resources for maintaining their family
unit.
This Giving Christmas Tree is adorned with the name, age and gift wish
of each child that they support and can be found at the administrative
offices of Better Community Living located at 384 County Street, New
Bedford in the Gilbert Russell House.
Once you have chosen a name and shopped for a gift, you may drop your
wrapped donation off at the main office with the nametag by December 15,
2005.
Better Community Living is a not for profit 501(c)3 corporation. All
gifts and donations are appreciated and tax deductible. Primary funding
for services provided is by contract with the Massachusetts Department
of Mental Retardation.
For questions or more information, please contact 508-999-4300,
Extension #48.
12-9-04 TV 95 Airs BCL Show
TV 95 Airs BCL Show
Channel 95, New Bedford Cable Access Television, is airing “Voice,
Choice, and Dreams” a Better Community Living, Inc. production.
The 30-minute show, scheduled at 6:30 p.m. every Monday beginning
December 9, explores BCL as a non-profit agency aiding people with
developmental impairments.
Directed by Derek T. Frates with Tom Sexton as executive producer, the
show is moderated by Dr. Roger H. Allen. It features Vincent T. Aidala,
William R. Farrell, and Jeremiah T. Kelleher as panelists.
Mr. Aidala is president of BCL’s Board of Directors, and Dr. Allen is a
board member. Mr. Kelleher is the agency’s assistant executive director.
Mr. Farrell manages one of numerous residences BCL operates.
Headquartered at 384 County Street, New Bedford, BCL has given clients
housing services, job programs, and recreational opportunities for
nearly 15 years. It is primarily funded by the Massachusetts Department
of Mental Retardation.
3-22-01 Human Service Agency Recognize
Accomplishment of Others
On March 22, 2001, Better Community Living acknowledged the achievements
of staff, community members and individuals receiving supports. The
celebratory dinner and dance event was held at the Holiday Inn Express
in Fairhaven.
Staff were recognized for their dedication, leadership and years of
service. Individuals, receiving support in their homes or at their
workplace, were also recognized for overcoming obstacles and reaching
personal goals. And community members and family members were applauded
for their contributions to quality services and their support of the
mission of the agency.
Family award recipients, Mr. & Mrs. St. Laurent, have volunteered their
time for many years as members of the agency's Human Rights Committee.
Mr. St. Laurent has served as past president of this committee and
always steps in when someone is needed. Both have been very active in
supporting Better Community Living's mission and advocating for the
human rights of adults with disabilities.
The Community Award went out to Brooks Pharmacy in Fairhaven.
Pharmacists Mark Pittman and Gail Russell are a shining example of the
benefits of strong partnerships within the community. Mark and Gail are
always accommodating and
caring. They have come to know Better Community Living and its needs and
have always been willing to give of their time and expertise whenever
called upon.
"Kudos" to all of these individuals!! Their service and dedication have
helped many people with disabilities improve their quality of life!!
1-5-00 How David got his home back!
This is an extraordinary story of cooperation, advocacy and positive
action!
David S. is a 47-year old gentleman who lives on Fairhaven road in his
hometown of Mattapoisett, Massachusetts. He has lived there all his life
and is well known in his local community. But it was not long ago that
David's home was to be taken from him, almost without his knowledge. His
story follows:
David is developmentally disabled. He lived with his elderly mother at
their family home until his mother's death in 1991. David was left to
manage the home with no support except for some help form neighborhood
friends. At his home, there was no mortgage on the property.
In 1992, David, through the assistance of some unknown third party,
procured a mortgage on this property. In 1996, he refinanced the
mortgage by answering a solicitation mailed to his home. Subsequently,
this mortgage was foreclosed upon and David faced eviction from his
home.
In 1997, David was referred to The New Center for Legal Advocacy, Inc.
for legal advice. They facilitated proceedings for him to remain in his
childhood home. Several months of negotiations followed. Due to the
significant efforts of the New Center for Legal Advocacy and DMR, and
with the cooperation of the Better Community Living (BCL), a private
non-profit organization assisting persons with mental retardation, BCL
purchased David's home as a "friendly buyer." BCL utilized a special
low-interest, non-for-profit mortgage with Citizens Bank of Fairhaven.
BCL further arranged to clean, restore and improve the property, which
was in desperate need of repair in order to make it habitable. BCL's
intent as a "friendly buyer: was to return the property to David. This
would allow him to live in his family's home, but this time with
appropriate supports to ensure his success while allowing for
independent living.
Over the next two years, David's vision began to take shape. Better
Community Living, in coordination with David, worked diligently to
pursue bids and retain the services of many local contractors,
emphasizing the importance of deep-rooted community involvement. The
entire rehab project came to completion in January 2000. David returned
to his childhood home.
During the day David enjoys shopping and visiting with his friends. He
is employed at Silvestri's, a local restaurant in the evening. He is
proud and happy to be living and working in the hometown that remains so
special to him.
The positive outcome of this story was made possible by the highly
cooperative efforts of the New Bedford Area DMR Office, the New Center
for Legal Advocacy, Inc., Citizens Bank of Fairhaven and Better
Community Living, Inc.
