Branching out
Rooted in community, growing together, Branching Tree is committed to providing inclusive housing and meaningful daily experiences for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Massachusetts. We foster independence, dignity, and well-being. We empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives through strong community connections and a true sense of belonging.
Located in Williamsburg, MA, just 10 minutes outside of Northampton on 12.5 acres surrounded by 288 acres of preservation land, learn more about Branching Tree and the inclusive community that we’re creating, and why we’re creating it.
An inclusive Community
Values at heart
Branching Tree community is committed to creating a true sense of community, not simply filling a service slot or offering a room. Each person is known, valued, and missed when they're not there. They are a part of the setting.
Daily rhythms prioritize connection, with shared meals and welcoming common spaces. Relationships are nurtured beyond the service system, creating a full and diverse social circle, and ensuring decisions are made with individuals, not just for them.
Belonging over placement
Person-centered supports
Supports are designed with and around each individual, honoring unique preferences, strengths, dreams, and needs. Every person actively shapes their own life and services at Branching Tree community.
Meaningful relationships
Relationships are essential to well-being, joy, and community life. We cultivate deep, reciprocal friendships in and out of our community that enrich every day.
Dignity & respect
Interdependence
We believe everyone thrives from mutual support and shared community life, creating interdependence within our community.
Shared leadership & decision-making
Families, self-advocates, and allies co-create this vision and its future. People with disabilities and their families hold real voice and power in shaping the community through shared decision-making.
We honor each individual’s gifts, passions, history, and hopes, seeing the whole person beyond a diagnosis.
Respect for the whole person
Sustainability and stewardship
We care for our resources, land, and relationships with intention and love.
Why Branching Tree?
We’ve created Branching Tree because we believe in belonging over placement. Across Massachusetts, there’s a housing crisis for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Not nearly enough housing options are rooted in connection, choice, and community. Families often wait years for placements, only to find that availability is prioritized over individuality, and routine is prioritized over relationships.
Branching Tree is a small, inclusive, person-centered community where adults with and without disabilities live, grow, and thrive together. Our housing models combines a shared living philosophy with group home supports and self-directed choices. We’re not just creating housing, we’re cultivating a home environment with connection, choice, and contribution. At Branching Tree, we believe that every person deserves more than just a placement, they deserve belonging.
Events & Updates
Read about the latest news and updates from Branching Tree! To view the most recent edition of our digital newsletter, please CLICK HERE.
View the Latest Roots Newsletter
Residents Begin Moving Into Oak House
As Branching Tree continues to grow, we’re excited to share that residents have begun moving into Oak House and building their new routines, relationships, and experiences together. Launching a new organization comes with learning curves and adjustments, and these first months have brought both exciting milestones and opportunities to learn and strengthen our systems. Through it all, we remain focused on creating a supportive, person-centered community and are grateful for the residents, families, staff, and supporters who continue building this vision alongside us.
