Our Community

Branching Tree is committed to providing inclusive housing and meaningful daily experiences for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, fostering independence, dignity, and well-being. We empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives through strong community connections and a true sense of belonging. Our vision centers on meaningful connection for every person.

What are we creating?

At Branching Tree, we’re developing a small, fully inclusive residential community. The property will be situated on 2+ acres of land with room to expand, plus shared indoor and outdoor spaces and access to nature. The community will start with approximately 6-7 individuals, including 3 adults with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD). A live-in Householder will manage the day-to-day operations and scheduling of each house and 2 live-in Residential Co-workers will help in the home with cooking, cleaning, and daily living skills. The first priority of the live-in caregivers is to form meaningful relationships with the residents and provide caring companionship.

A person-centered onsite and community-based daytime program will be tailored to each person’s interests, strengths, and goals. This may include employment, volunteer work, creative activities, or other inclusive experiences within the community. Residential Co-workers will join residents in community programs and participate with on-site horticultural, arts, and social activities. The focus will be fostering meaningful daily engagement and supporting a life filled with purpose, connection, and participation, built on choice and contribution.

Diagram of community model phases illustrating house and household details, including number of bedrooms, bathrooms, residents, and co-workers for each phase.

Community provisions will include:

  • Person-centered onsite and community-based daytime programs

  • Layered supports for awake overnight and daytime activities

  • Agency-coordinated staff recruitment, hiring, and training

  • Agency-coordinated DDS billing, reporting, and compliance

  • Community partnerships fostering inclusive relationships for residents

Why is this model unique?

Branching Tree is not a group home. Each person has a private living space and the freedom to make choices about their daily life. Supports are tailored to the person and focus on fostering meaningful interdependence, encouraging mutual relationships and autonomy.

Branching Tree is intentionally small, but deeply connected to the broader community. Residents will take part in inclusive activities, volunteering, recreation, and social life based on their individual interests and strengths. They’ll live alongside and be supported by people without disabilities, who are equally committed to authentic belonging and an inclusive community life.

A man lying on a couch using a smartphone with two large black and white dogs sitting beside him.
A young man with dark hair wearing a gray and purple long-sleeve shirt and large green and black headphones is holding a lead rope attached to a chestnut-colored horse inside a wooden stable. The horse has a blond mane and is looking toward the camera.
Word cloud with words 'dignity,' 'well-being,' and 'independence' accompanied by leaf graphics.

What role will families play?

Families will serve as co-creators of the Branching Tree vision. Their lived experiences ensure the community remains values-driven and responsive to real-life needs. Families are essential partners in upholding the mission of belonging, dignity, and meaningful connection.

How will this be funded?

Branching Tree families will share in the purchase the home(s) and land required to start the community. To fund day-to-day operations, support, and services for residents of the community, a combination of DDS, MassHealth, and Social Security funding, along with private donations and aligned partnerships, will be utilized. Our goal is provide long-term sustainability, prevent disruption to the community and its residents, and remain grounded in our mission and values.