Why is a therapeutic community residence needed in Vermont? There are not any therapeutic community residential options for children with developmental disabilities and medical and behavioral needs in the state of Vermont. Building Hope for Children will be a therapeutic branch uniting both needs for those with developmental disabilities by providing a therapeutic home for these individuals and their families, so families do not need to leave the state when this level of care is needed.

Our vision for Building Hope for Children, is to secure capital to build a 3 bed therapeutic community home that is ADA accessible and accommodates the children’s sensory and medical needs.  It will be a home away from home designed specifically to keep the children safe, provide a therapeutic environment and to provide these children’s families respite.  We foresee this home being nestled on a large plot of land so as to incorporate the calming environment and outdoor activities that nature provides. It will have nurse staffing to monitor the children and help manage the children’s seizures, medications and other medical needs (something most programs do not offer) and also provide the children with fun and nurturing programs, counseling options, nature and food infusion and BCBA services and personal care.

Our therapeutic residence will be decorated with homestyle furnishings, so kids feel like they are living in a home, not a hospital or institution. Each bedroom featuring fun decor suited to that child’s needs and tastes. Each room will have a lovely view out the window so kids can look out at the beautiful natural surroundings each day. It will also have a sensory space, common room, and a kitchen with accessible dining options. We also hope to add on the grounds, a wonderful, safe playground and a pool for recreation and physical therapy services. 

The goal of Building Hope for Children is that this therapeutic residence will still allow children to access their daytime programs and school programs, getting them out of the house each weekday and into the world so they are still part of their community.  Making friends and connecting with others is an important aspect of life. Parents will also be encouraged to visit often and stay involved. By providing this service in the local community families can stay together and see each other regularly while providing the care these children needs.

Vermont doesn’t have any therapeutic community residences for children with developmental disabilities and medical problems and behavioral problems. We intend to begin to fill this gap in services by establishing this therapeutic community home and hope that it will change the lives of many families that need this assistance the most.