Our Mission

Burgeoning Communities: Fostering a Supportive and Connected Environment

Focused on creating a holistic and inclusive community for individuals with special needs, their families, friends, and caregivers through a multi-pronged approach: 

1. Housing cooperative

• Focus: Providing housing for people with special needs, and their families, and their friends, and their caregivers. Within a supportive and collaborative framework.
• Benefits:
  • Shared Living: Residents collectively own or manage the property, sharing costs and responsibilities, which can make housing more affordable.
  • Independence and Skill Development: Opportunities to learn life skills like budgeting and household management, fostering autonomy and confidence.
  • Supportive Services: Integrating on-site or nearby support services like personal care, job coaching, or therapy.
  • Community and Belonging: Fostering strong social connections and reducing isolation by creating a network of peers who understand and support one another. 
  • Accessibility: Housing units and common areas can be designed or adapted with features like ramps, wider doorways, and accessible bathrooms. (When needed)

2. Neighborhood community center

• Goal: To ensure everyone living close by knows each other.
• Benefits:
  • Social Connection & Integration: Organizing social events like potlucks and cultural festivals to encourage interaction and relationship building.
  • Information Sharing: Establishing communication channels like newsletters or bulletin boards to keep residents informed and engaged.
  • Collaborative Projects: Engaging in shared activities like community gardens or neighborhood clean-ups to foster a sense of shared purpose and achievement.
  • Safety and Security: Initiatives like neighborhood watch programs can enhance security and build a sense of shared responsibility.
  • Accessible & Inclusive Design: Ensuring the center and its activities are accessible to all, including those with mobility challenges, sensory sensitivities, or cognitive disabilities, 

3. Respite center and training facility

• Focus: Providing respite care and training opportunities for the community.
• Benefits:
  • Respite Services: Offering temporary care and supervision for individuals with special needs, giving families and caregivers a break and preventing burnout.
  • Training and Education: Equipping individuals with special needs, their families, and caregivers with skills and knowledge to enhance daily living, self-care, and independence.
  • Skill Development: Focusing on personal strengths and helping participants gain emotional stability, balance, and resilience.
  • Support & Community: Creating a supportive environment staffed by peer supporters and others with lived experience. 

Overall, Burgeoning Communities is working towards creating a truly inclusive and supportive environment where individuals with special needs can thrive, families can find respite, and a strong sense of community and belonging can flourish.