Dear Friends and Supporters,   After a year filled with anxiety, widespread disruptions, and deep personal losses, we are all eager to emerge from the pandemic and return to a semblance of normalcy.  While we are encouraged by progress that is being made with vaccinations and the associated decline in new Covid cases, we are mindful that people with disabilities have been among the hardest hit.

At Becoming Independent, we’re engaged in a cautious increase in our face-to-face services, while simultaneously laying the groundwork for the future of programming. We know that this future must be grounded in safe and dignified opportunities for people to connect, engage, and contribute. And, we know that we must offer a range of supportive services as wide and varying as the interests of the individuals who rely upon us. No two people are the same, and we are committed to having our programs and program space mirror and accommodate this reality.

Today we find ourselves with an unparalleled opportunity to build the future of services from the ground up. Our physical sites had become underutilized pre-pandemic, since many clients were choosing to receive their services in the community. While all clients continue to receive services - in their homes, in the community, and virtually - there are no longer physical sites in Healdsburg, Sonoma, or San Rafael. Because our campus in Santa Rosa was also underutilized, we sold one of our two buildings and consolidated all operations into our last remaining physical asset: 1455 Corporate Center Parkway. But first, this aging industrial building is due for an upgrade and a complete re-imagining of its purpose.

Program Headquarters - We are now launching a campaign to transform 1455 Corporate Center Parkway into BI’s Program Headquarters - a think tank for programs where innovative offerings are developed and experienced. After receiving national recognition and awards for our Passport to Independence, Discovery and Virtual Day Programs, we are excited to lean into this next innovative chapter. While our headquarters will be in Santa Rosa, our friends throughout the region will be offered transportation and encouraged to avail themselves of everything we have to offer both at our headquarters and in their local communities.

The Opportunities - The space will be reminiscent of a post-secondary environment, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and up-to-date air filtration systems to ensure health and safety. It will be modern, airy and welcoming, and equipped with appropriate tools to support the individuals we serve in reaching their personal goals. It will include a 10,000 sq. ft. flexible program space that will offer opportunities for education, social connection, and vocational training that results in community based employment. Friends will be reunited in a vibrant setting that includes access to a large, beautiful outdoor garden.

On the heels of a year like no other, we are excited to be emerging with a clear vision of how best to build the future of effective and resilient services for our friends, neighbors and family members with intellectual and developmental disabilities. If there’s one thing that BI has proven over the past 54 years, it’s that just about anything is possible when you have a vision, the passion to move it forward, and a community of strong allies and generous supporters. We welcome you to join us on this journey! Sincerely, Luana Vaetoe Chief Executive Officer Becoming Independent

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