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- What is FORWARD?
FORWARD, or Friends Or Relatives With Autism & Related Disabilities is a nonprofit charitable organization founded in 2014 for the purpose of building homes for adults with Autism. It is a 501 (c) 3 tax-exempt corporation registered in Massachusetts.
- What Is FORWARD at the Rock?
FORWARD at the Rock is the organization’s first project. It is an 8 bedroom duplex being built at 131 Hokum Rock Road in Dennis, MA 02638. The 2.6 million dollar project is being built on land owned by the Town of Dennis which has been leased to FORWARD for 99 years at a rent of $1.00 per year.
- When Will FORWARD at the Rock Be Finished?
We estimate that construction will be completed by June 1, 2020. Occupancy will then be phased in over several months following the completion of construction and final permitting..
- Who Will Live at FORWARD at the Rock?
The homes are specifically designed for adults ages 22 years and up who are determined to have what is called “severe” Autism. These are residents who require specific support services, which is why the homes will be staffed around-the-clock, with a ratio of one staff member per four residents.
- Who Selects the Residents?
The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) will place the residents. DDS is the Massachusetts health and human service agency charged with providing a variety of supports to the Commonwealth’s children & adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
- Who Will Manage the Homes Once Construction is Complete?
Cape Abilities, a well-known and respected nonprofit based in Hyannis will manage the homes and provide care for the residents. Cape Abilities will work directly with the Department of Developmental Services, and each resident will have an Individual Service Plan (ISP). Cape Abilities operates 15 group homes and a number of cooperative apartments that enable residents to live as independently as possible while still receiving the care and support they need, along with the security and comfort of knowing they have a lifelong home.
- Is This Website Optimized for Accessibility?
Yes, our website complies with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) developed by The Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI). WAI develops web accessibility guidelines, technical specifications, and educational resources to help make the web accessible to people with disabilities.
- Who is Funding the Project?
For a list of major funders, visit our Support page listed under About on the main menu. Our three largest funders are the Town of Dennis, who donated the land and $500,000 for construction, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), which contributed $1,000,000 through the National Housing Trust Fund and Facilities Consolidation Fund. We’ve also had generous support from individuals, and in addition to Dennis, the Towns of Barnstable, Yarmouth, and Chatham.
Have a question? Email us at INFO@GO-FORWARD.ORG