GOLD2024

BECOMING INDEPENDENT

aka BI   |   Santa Rosa, CA   |  www.becomingindependent.org

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Mission

"Elevating human abilities for the mutual benefit of our community."

Notes from the nonprofit

Becoming Independent’s philosophy offers dignity of risk and affords men and women the opportunity to be productive, engaged community members through individualized support plans.

Ruling year info

1980

Chief Executive Officer

Luana Vaetoe

Main address

1455 Corporate Center Parkway

Santa Rosa, CA 95407 USA

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EIN

94-2641147

NTEE code info

Human Service Organizations (P20)

Developmentally Disabled Services/Centers (P82)

Autism (H84)

IRS filing requirement

This organization is required to file an IRS Form 990 or 990-EZ.

Sign in or create an account to view Form(s) 990 for 2023, 2022 and 2021.
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Communication

Programs and results

What we aim to solve

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Our programs

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?

Education Programs

Choose your own educational path. As a valued learner, work alongside Becoming Independent to tailor your day to expressed preferences, interests, and goals. Our programs are offered in-person or virtually so you have the opportunity to build stronger skills in focused areas of:

- Health & Wellness
- Self Advocacy & Personal Growth
- Socialization & Communication
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Art & Music
- Vocational Services

We also partner with fellow community members and organizations so you can take advantage of even more volunteer, recreational, and employment opportunities.

Population(s) Served
Adults
People with intellectual disabilities

BI provides daily transportation for many of the individuals we serve, for whom public transportation usage is not feasible. BI utilizes trucks, sedans, and wheelchair accessible buses, vans, and minivans. In between the morning and afternoon routes, the vehicles are available to Becoming Independent services for transporting individuals to work locations, community activities and out-of-town travel.

Population(s) Served
Adults
People with intellectual disabilities

Living independently looks different for every individual and our Independent Living Services can help develop a plan to gain those personalized skills. These skill objectives span from, but are not limited to:

- Support in Getting a Drivers License
- Using Public Transportation
- Money Management
- Developing Cooking Skills

These services are run in a one-on-one staff to learner ratio. Every objective is designed based on an assessment of an individuals current skills across domains including:

- Self-Advocacy
- Health & Safety
- Personal & Social Skills
- Mobility
- Accessing Community Resources
- Financial Management

Population(s) Served
Adults
People with intellectual disabilities

We provide the support required for individuals to live their most independent life, in their own home, on their own terms. We prioritize our services to be flexible and person centered, offering customized assistance that meet the individuals level of need. Services range from weekly check-ins to 24 hour support. Those who participate in SLS services have access to:

- Support Groups
- Recreational & Social Opportunities
- 24 hour Emergency Response
- Ongoing Support in all Aspects of Community Living

Population(s) Served
Adults
People with intellectual disabilities

Supported Employment Services assist individuals with the necessary employment preparation such as job seeking services, placement, and job coaching. Our services focus on key skills required to secure and retain competitive employment. Some of these skills include development of communication and interpersonal skills, job seeking strategies, destination and travel training, on-site job skill training, pursuing opportunities for advancement, and supporting changing needs in the workplace.

Population(s) Served
Adults
People with intellectual disabilities

Tailored Day Services provide one-on-one support for individuals eager to explore their vocational, volunteer, or continuing educational interests geared towards an employment outcome. Some of the service offerings include paid internships, job exploration, education, and micro-enterprise development.

Population(s) Served
Adults
People with intellectual disabilities

Where we work

Awards

Prestigious Annual Award of Sonoma County 2009

Jefferson Awards

'Nonprofit of the Year' 2011

North Bay Biz Magazine

Certified Green Business 2011

Sonoma Green Business Program

Best Place to Work 2013

North Bay Business Journal

Best Place to Work 2011

North Bay Business Journal

Best Place to Work 2010

North Bay Business Journal

Best Place to Work 2009

North Bay Business Journal

Award of Excellence 2011

e-co-exist

Service Provider of the Year 2010

Mayors' Committee on the Employment of People with Disabilities

Healthy Business Leader Award 2010

Northern California Center for Well Being

Certificate of Appreciation for may years of service in keeping the parks and city square clean. 2009

City of Healdsburg

Affiliations & memberships

Association of Fundraising Professionals - Member 2014

Association of Fundraising Professionals - Member 2013

Chamber of Commerce 2014

Goals & Strategy

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.

Charting impact

Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.

Each of our programs at BI aims to actualize our core beliefs through Person-Centered Thinking, which views the entire person, not just the portion of the person that has identified needs, and engages the individual fully in identifying and achieving their life goals.

Financials

BECOMING INDEPENDENT
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Operations

The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.

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Connect with nonprofit leaders

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Build relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.

  • Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
  • Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
  • Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations

Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.

BECOMING INDEPENDENT

Board of directors
as of 01/29/2024
SOURCE: Self-reported by organization
Board chair

Nick Dieter

Pinnacle Brokers

Term: 2019 - 2022

Denee Locke

Professional Arts

Bryan Wright

Wright Contracting

Donna Cates

Telecommunications Designs

Bonnie Burrell

GHD Consulting Engineers - Retired

Carrie Mauritson

Mauritson Family Winery

Alicia Burns

Westwater Financial

Terry Fassold

Exchange Bank

Eric Gullotta

Gullotta Law Group

Joerg Olson

Olson & Olson Insurance Services

Sheri Wenzel

Keysight Technologies

Dave House

Ret. Sheriff's Department

Organizational demographics

SOURCE: Self-reported; last updated 1/29/2024

Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.

Leadership

The organization's leader identifies as:

Race & ethnicity
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
Gender identity
Female, Not transgender
Sexual orientation
Heterosexual or Straight
Disability status
Person without a disability

Race & ethnicity

No data

Gender identity

No data

Transgender Identity

No data

Sexual orientation

No data

Disability

No data