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Projects with Promise

Vol. 22 No. 4

Braveheart Center for Place and Purpose: A New Community-in-Community Inclusion Model for Young Adults with Disabilities

Submitted
January 6, 2019
Published
2019-01-06

Abstract

BraveHeart Center for Place and Purpose (BraveHeart CPP) is a comprehensive post-high school, inclusion-focused partnership of university, faith, and local communities. This new initiative aims to address unmet needs of the vulnerable and underserved population of young adults with disabilities through a community-in-community inclusion (CICI) model. The CICI model was specifically designed to support opportunities for individuals with disabilities, especially those with moderate to severe challenges, to empower and increase their presence and level of participation in the community. This strengths-based model operates with a high level of respect and sensitivity for diversity and supports and enhances social skills, cognitive skills, self-esteem, creativity, and work skills for young adults with developmental disabilities. This article explains the CICI model and reviews the goals, activities, and outcomes of BraveHeart CPP’s first year of operation.