Balance is dedicated to supporting children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Ozaukee County, WI.
Mission
Balance is dedicated to improving the quality of life for adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing programs that promote and respond to each person’s goals, dreams, and needs.
Balance strives to empower each individual in determining the direction of their life.
Balance’s community-based programs also enhance our communities’ capacity to understand and embrace individuals with special needs.
Balance is committed to providing programs that maximize individual potential while acting as prudent stewards of our resources.
Vision
Balance envisions a future where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are fully integrated and empowered in their communities. We see a world where these individuals can live independently, foster meaningful relationships, contribute actively to their community, and be supported throughout their journey.
Balance aims to be a trailblazer in inclusive practices, driving innovative solutions and providing unwavering support across lifetimes.
Our Impact: Founded in 1991, Balance Inc. emerged to prevent the institutionalization of individuals with special needs. Today, after decades of dedication, we proudly support more than 150 individuals, enhancing their lives through our commitment to high-quality care, community-based programs, and support in creating the lives they dream about.
Supporting Our Mission: As a nonprofit organization operating under 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, Balance Inc. relies on fundraising to sustain our programs. Your generous donations support individuals with IDD by helping us reduce social isolation, improving wellness, and fostering community understanding within our community. Donate now!
Contact Us: Get in touch with Balance Inc. to learn more about our programs and services and how you can support our mission. Together, we can create a brighter future for individuals with IDD in Ozaukee County. information@balanceinc.org
About Balance Inc.
Introduction: For over three decades Balance Inc. has been a pillar of support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin. With a mission to enhance the quality of life for our community members, we operate five specialized programs catering to children and adults with special needs.
Our Programs:
Adult Family Homes (AFH) : Family-style living meets 24/7 care and supervision. Balance’s Adult Family Homes in Port Washington, Saukville, and Grafton, provide personalized care and a supportive environment for adults with IDD. We pride our AFH on balancing independence and support for adults with special needs.
Adult Day Program: Our Adult Day Program in Grafton offers engaging activities and support for adults with IDD, fostering personal growth and social connections. Participants are involved in activities that take them into the community at least once and often two or more times per day. These activities enrich health and wellness, bolster creativity and socialization, and allow participants to connect to their community through various outings and volunteer projects. This is a great day program option for adults in Ozaukee County with special needs
Adult Supported Living: Balancing independence and assistance, our Adult Supported Living program in Ozaukee County empowers individuals with special needs to lead fulfilling lives within their community. By providing drop-in services, this program ensures that individuals who are living independently can stay living independently.
Children’s Social Skills: This after-school program nurtures essential social skills in children with IDD. We provide a supportive and nonjudgemental environment where young individuals can develop vital interpersonal skills and experience new things in a safe and loving space. Often children with special needs benefit from being exposed to new activities multiple times in a gentle way before being asked to participate fully in the activity.
Children’s Summer Recreation: Summer camp for kids with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Each child is paired with an Adventure Buddy and gets to experience three weeks of sun, swimming, and socialization with a group of their peers. This program provides a true summer camp experience for kids with special needs in Ozaukee County.
“Most people realize that it’s difficult to care for people with special needs, but there’s an added mental exhaustion that’s often overlooked. When Alan is at Balance, I can mentally relax and not be on constant alert for what he’s doing or what he might get himself into. Balance is an absolute Godsend to my life and that of my entire family. ”
What are Intellectual and Developmental disabilities?
Intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are conditions that affect cognitive functioning and adaptive behavior. These disabilities often manifest early in life and can lead to limitations in learning, communication, self-care, and independent living.
Examples of IDD include Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, Fragile X Syndrome, intellectual disability (general), Spina bifida, and others. People often use the term Special Needs to mean the same as Intellectual and Developmental disabilities.
In 2019 an estimated 7.39 million people were living with an intellectual or developmental disability in the United States. Source