Becoming Independent Breaks Ground On New Program Headquarters
Becoming Independent (BI), the Santa Rosa-based nonprofit social impact organization that supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), recently broke ground on their new Program Headquarters in Santa Rosa with an anticipated completion for Summer of 2022.
Becoming Independent’s Program Headquarters will be a 24,000sf hub for services focused on innovative programming and training for individuals with IDD in the North Bay. The redeveloped space will act as both a post-secondary educational campus and a training ground for workforce development in the hospitality, food, administrative, manufacturing, and agriculture industries. The space will include a commercial kitchen, an adaptive fitness center, collaborative workspaces, artist space, sensory rooms, and a 10,000sf flexible program/event space that can be customized for program services and community needs with exterior access to a lush and tranquil garden and patio.
“We’re thrilled to be able to expand and redevelop our innovative and award winning services in the North Bay. With over 9,000 individuals currently needing services, we are creating the physical foundation for today's programs and for future generations to come. Wraparound services will be offered to all BI clients, helping to ensure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are housed, educated, and their mental and behavioral health is supported in an accredited environment that is centered on individualized growth and opportunities.” Luana Vaetoe, Becoming Independent CEO.
Project partners, HGA and DesCor, were selected to oversee the design and construction of the new Program Headquarters. “Becoming Independent is an asset to the North Bay community and its participants are so deserving of a space that truly honors their value and supports their ability to grow, both personally and professionally,” said Heather Kampa, principal at HGA and project lead. “From the first time we met the Becoming Independent Leadership Team, we knew that our core values, commitment to our community, and culture were aligned. DesCor is honored to partner with BI on their new location in anticipation that it serves the North Bay communities for years to come.” DesCor’s Brad DesJardin, CEO & Neal Cordeiro, CFO.
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About Becoming Independent
Becoming Independent is one of the North Bay’s strongest nonprofit organizations serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Established more than 50 years ago by a group of parents determined to create an alternative to institutionalization for their adult children with IDD, BI helps people live meaningful and productive lives as engaged members of their community.
