Mobile Menu

  • AUTISM AFTER 21
  • CURRENT PROJECTS
  • PARTNER WITH US
  • STORIES & NEWS
  • PRESS
  • SHOP
  • RESOURCES
  • ABOUT US
  • DONATE
  • SEARCH
  • Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Madison House Autism Foundation

Autism After 21

  • RESOURCES
  • ABOUT US
  • DONATE
  • SEARCH
  • AUTISM AFTER 21
  • CURRENT PROJECTS
  • PARTNER WITH US
  • STORIES & NEWS
  • PRESS
  • SHOP

Interested in Developing Programs for Individuals with I/DD? This Event is for You!

Planning, developing, managing social enterprises or a residential community for those with developmental disabilities? Attend the Brookwood Community Network Days Conference!

You are here: Home / Events / Interested in Developing Programs for Individuals with I/DD? This Event is for You!

July 25, 2014 //  by Shannon Doty


Brookwood’s “Network Days” Conference

August 20, 21, & 22


If you are planning, developing, managing social enterprises or a residential community for those with developmental disabilities, you may want to attend the next Brookwood Community Network Days Conference!  It is a three-day immersion into the day-by-day operations with in-depth seminars led by staff who “provide an educational environment that creates meaningful jobs, builds a sense of belonging, and demands dignity and respect for adults with disabilities.” Learn how one mother’s school, started in a room at a church, transformed into the Brookwood Community, a faith-based, intentionally neurodiverse community on a beautiful 400-acre campus just outside Houston, TX. Brookwood employs over 180 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in social enterprises and provides a home and community to 100 of these ‘citizens.’ Thousands of customers visit their restaurant and browse their store, and volunteers get the opportunity to share the communities amenities while supporting those with I/DD.  Having been there several times myself, I can say – it’s a whole ‘lotta family fun!

Register Here

View Schedule

Here are some highlights from March 2014 Network Days:

As we worked side-by-side with citizens in horticulture and crafts, the Brookwood staff divulged their secrets to planting over 45,000 poinsettias in just 4 days and creating 33,000 pieces of art every month. Their best advice to create income-generating social enterprise opportunities is to find a proven professional in the field to assist in identifying and developing one or two original, high-quality, in-demand products. Afterward, determine the product’s appeal by selling it at local venues. Start somewhere and embrace the journey – even if you are simply creating ornaments from self-dry clay, cookie cutters, or bunches of herbs.

The Brookwood Community and its staff shared volumes regarding best practices in social enterprise. Interspersed with time for networking, Brookwood staff-led nine seminars such as ARM Your Mission: Attracting, Retaining and Motivating Staff, Admissions: A Process and Pathway to Hope, and my favorite, How to Raise $1M with 3% Expenses. Vivian Shudde, Executive Director and daughter of Brookwood’s founder, imparted her wisdom as well, “If you have the right leadership, the money will follow.”

Not only did we get to see Brookwood citizens at work, but they also invited us into their homes for dinner, and we had a rousing basketball tournament together that night! Michelle offers her insights on the Brookwood living experience in the video below.

NEW opportunities built into this next idea-exchange, information-sharing, and inspirational networking event:

  • A Pre-Conference Seminar exploring the fundamentals and foundations of Brookwood’s Residential and Citizen Life programs, including an overview of the structure, staffing, and core values that define “The Brookwood Way”.
  • In response to feedback from past attendees, additional networking opportunities have been planned to include an informal network reception on DAY ONE for attendees to enjoy continued dialogue and fellowship with peers.
  • DAY TWO offers 9 seminars covering a broad range of interests including organization launch, program development, business operations, enterprise programs, admissions, fundraising, staff development, volunteer trends, and others.

The energy from everyone gathered, learning, and growing together was palpable. The event can be summed up in the words of  Joe Mazzu, Brookwood’s Director of Development, “We are making history together!”

facebookShare
TwitterTweet
PinterestSave

Category: Events, UncategorizedTag: advocacy, ASD, aspergers, autism, autism housing, brookwood, desiree, disabilities, events, madison house

Previous Post: « Desi’s Desk: Vacation with a Cause | Erik’s Ranch & Retreats
Next Post: JaLynn Prince Addresses Rockville Tragedy on “Montgomery Week in Review” »

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

A group of people in a circle each hold a hand out toward the center of the circle in a workplace environment.

Where to Start: Neuro-Inclusion in the Workplace

August 15, 2023

Black and white photo of four individuals smiling at the camera indoors. The mayor of Hutto is on the left holding the proclamation. The Lyons family is on the right.

Family Ignites Autism After 21 Day Recognition in Hutto, Texas

August 11, 2023

Shows a profile view of a young person with long hair who is outdoors with green plants behind them. They have their eyes closed and their head tilted up slightly with a calm expression on their face.

Five Tips for Stress Management on the Spectrum

June 28, 2023

Front cover of the Autism After 21 Utah report with the text "Autism After 21 First Findings of a Utah Review and Toolkit for Autism Inclusion". It shows a collage of individuals with disabilities doing activities at home and in the community in various shades of blue.

Major Report Released on Utah Autism Inclusion

June 7, 2023

WATCH OUR LATEST MINI DOCUMENTARY

WATCH THE ENTIRE SERIES

TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR OF HOUSING OPTIONS

CONTINUE THE TOUR

Footer

Follow Us

Facebook
YouTube

Get Involved

Share your story
Become a Featured Artist
Internships
Partner with us
Volunteer

Quick Links

Schedule a Housing Consultation
Autism Housing Network
Madison Fields
About Us

Contact US

611 Rockville Pike, Suite 150
Rockville, MD 20852
Tel: 240.246.7140
Email: [email protected]

Copyright © 2023 · Madison House Autism Foundation | Privacy Policy | Log in

AA21 Breakfast Sponsorship RSVP 2023

Reservation Selection(Required)

  • Please choose the region closest to you
  • Please select all that apply


St. George Regional Call
Thursday, April 29th
4:00pm MDT

  • Please select all that apply

Provo Regional Call
Thursday, April 29th
12:00pm MDT

  • Please select all that apply

Cedar City Regional Call
Thursday, April 29th
2:00pm MDT

  • Please select all that apply
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Logan Regional Call
Wednesday, April 28th
9:00am MDT

  • Please select all that apply

Ogden Regional Call
Wednesday, April 28th
11:00am MDT

  • Please select all that apply

Salt Lake City Regional Call
Wednesday, April 28th
1:00pm MDT

  • Please select all that apply

To invite others to join the Autism After 21 Utah Initiative, please submit their name and email below. Madison House Autism Foundation will send an email with information about the initiative along with instructions to join.