BUILD MISSION AND PROGRAMS
Mission
BUiLD was founded with a specific vision: to provide a model home for youth who have significant developmental disabilities in an environment that fosters the opportunity for growth with the continued involvement of family and friends in a community-based setting. BUiLD is licensed by the Department of Health Services as an ICF/DD-H, and is the only one of its kind in the East Bay. BUiLD believes that all individuals are entitled to the opportunity to develop to their highest potential, live fulfilling lives and become respected, active participants within their community.
Programs
Each child at BUiLD has an Individual Service Plan that is targeted towards the specific individual and aimed at increasing proficiency in life skills, communication, social development, independence. We strongly support community integration. All the young people we serve attend local public schools, and we make regular weekend outings into the community. BUiLD provides a unique family-style environment that represents a partnership between the staff and professionals who serve the developmentally disabled youngsters and the families and friends who spend time with them at the BUiLD house. BUiLD also places a premium on community recreation and integration.
GOALS AND RESULTS
Accomplishments
Six young people reside at the BUiLD House, which is full capacity. We will be celebrating our 10 year anniversary of operations this year. Over the years, our young people have become active participants in their local community: such as marching in the “How Berkeley Can You Be Parade,” operating a spin art booth at Solano Stroll, and recreational outings such as wheelchair ice skating. BUiLD has also worked with a local merchant to make his store accessible to wheelchair users after one of the BUiLD residents was denied access to the store.
Objectives for Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2011
1) To increase community integration for the young people at BUiLD. Work with local schools, universities and other groups to improve our volunteer program.
2) Recruit new members to BUiLD’s working Board of Directors.
3) Obtain a perfect score on our state re-licencing survey. The BUiLD House undergoes a rigorous three to four day unannounced licensing visit each year by officials of the California Department of Health Services. They pore through the voluminous documentation we’re required to keep on a daily basis and observe the interactions between staff and the BUiLD young people.
4) Develop a 5 year plan that includes a working, financially responsible plan for expansion of services.
