1. June 29, 2017 AL-APSE/ACDD Conference Mobile, AL
Creating Place and Designing Purpose- A Community-in-Community Inclusion Model to Enhance Quality of Life for All
June 29, 2017
AL-APSE/ACDD Conference
Mobile, AL

2. 2017 AL-APSE/ACDD Conference theme: Celebrating Independence
Community –in –Community Model -intentional community inclusion practice and development -incorporates Social Work’s Person-in-Environment orientation -community development and community enhancement through university, faith and general community partnership -holistic health and wellness activities and community outreach by persons with developmental disabilities facing moderate-severe life challenges

3. BraveHeart Center for Place and Purpose
An Introductory Guide for Volunteers, Students, Community Inclusion Sponsors and Community Service and Outreach Partners

4. Self Esteem/Self Actualization
BCPP was designed based on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs by establishing a safe place, a community to belong, followed by identifying purposes, roles and activities which bring value and meaning to life
Self Esteem/Self Actualization
(Growth/enrichment)
Belonging
Safety

5. BraveHeart Center for Place and Purpose
Designed for Inclusion Ambassadors who are adults with developmental disabilities facing moderate-severe life challenges.
a place that is sensitive to the need for safety, the importance of belonging, the benefit of consistent daily routine
a purpose for those who would otherwise be excluded from full participation in the adult community

6. BraveHeart Center for Place and Purpose
an inclusion focused partnership of university, faith, and general communities with a focus on integration, participation, and empowerment through health and wellness, life skills, community service and academic activities
a collaborative partnership between AU Social Work Program, in the College of Liberal Arts and the First Presbyterian Church of Auburn
an intensive diversity and inclusion training opportunity for AU interns and volunteers across a variety of disciplines
benefits the larger Auburn community through outreach activities such as creating art for homebound senior community members, a food drive to benefit food insecure families in the community, a blanket drive to serve sick, elderly, financially limited persons in the community

7. BCPP Signature Community Inclusion Programs
BraveHeart Center for Place and Purpose
1. Side-by-side Walking Program
2. Art Helps and Heals the Heart
3. Faith Community Support and Partnership
4. BCPP Movie Theater
5. Community Service and Outreach
Program
6. Community Inclusion Sponsor Program

8. BCPP Community Service and Outreach
Trick or Treat for Cans in
Holiday Toy Drive
Warm Hearts Blanket Drive

9. Community Inclusion Sponsors
Clubs, Campus and Community organizations

10. General Information
The Center is open Tuesday-Friday 8:00am-3:00pm, Fall and Spring semesters, following the AU academic calendar.
Our daily schedules includes a morning and afternoon walk (1.5-3 miles)

11. Staff and Volunteer Guidelines
Informed by :
Social work values and ethics
Strengths perspective
Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities mission, vision and principles

12. Inclusive Community Development Principles
Diversity is real. Enter with context (strengths, needs, history of life experiences, goals)
Developing meaningful relationships requires genuine and reciprocal communication.
Contact is face to face, time specific, consistent, and sequential
All communication is not verbal or in sentence format
Ongoing evaluation of self in relationship context is equally as important as on-going evaluation of other

13. General Tips Take a deep breath Step out of your comfort zone
Keep talking to all of the students, even if they don’t appear to “respond.” They are listening and taking everything in, and they know if you are avoiding them.
Everyone communicates differently. Even if someone doesn’t appear to “respond,” they probably are, just in their own way.
Be patient. Everyone works at their own pace.
Continually try to get the students involved in activity, communication, or engagement

14. Funding
Initial funding from the Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities and private donors.