Better Community Living, Inc.

Better Community Living, Inc. Serving children and adults with disabilities in the Greater New Bedford community.

04/24/2026

Next BCL Dance is May 1st 6-8:30p
Hope to see you all there!!

to last year's golf tournament! There's still plenty of time to come join us for a good cause on Friday May 29th. Go t...
04/17/2026

to last year's golf tournament! There's still plenty of time to come join us for a good cause on Friday May 29th. Go to https://birdease.com/bclgolf to learn more!

BCL is proud to be co-sponsoring the first inaugural South Coast Rally on Friday, May 1, bringing together nearly 200 hu...
04/07/2026

BCL is proud to be co-sponsoring the first inaugural South Coast Rally on Friday, May 1, bringing together nearly 200 human services workers, individuals served, and advocates from across the region to call for increased funding and fair wages for the human services workforce.

To learn more about this event and RSVP, visit the link below

04/02/2026

As we celebrate , we'd like to recognize our amazing families. The parents, grandparents, siblings, and caregivers who show up every day for the people they love. You teach us what it means to lead with kindness and compassion, and how we can all work together to make the world a more inclusive place.

Although is every day for us, we hope the rest of the community can use this time as a chance to reflect, learn, and make positive change. Those with autism deserve spaces where they feel valued and included. At the BCL Family Support Center, it is our mission to create a safe space for all.

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Joe Riley, who has been an integral part of BCL for over 36 years. As ...
02/27/2026

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Joe Riley, who has been an integral part of BCL for over 36 years. As a critical member of our leadership team, Joe had a profound impact on the lives of numerous individuals, families, and employees at BCLđź’•

View Joseph Timothy Riley's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/26/2026

BCL’s Day Program will be open Friday 2/27, however the agency will not be providing transportation to/from Alden Rd. due to travel challenges. Participants are welcome to come to Alden Rd. between 9am-3pm! We can’t wait to see everyone!

02/26/2026

BCL’s Day Program is closed Thursday Feb. 26

02/24/2026

BCL Day Program and All Office Locations are Closed
Wednesday 2/25!

02/24/2026

Due to the storm, BCL’s Day Program and offices will be closed on Tuesday, February 24.

02/22/2026

❄️NOTICE❄️
BCL’s Day Program and offices
will be closed on
Monday, February 23

01/19/2026

Address

128 Union Street
New Bedford, MA
02740

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+15089994300

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Better Community Living, Inc. posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Better Community Living, Inc.:

Shortcuts

Share

Our Story

In 1988, founder Thomas C. Riley, had a clear vision of Better Community Living and began putting his ideas into action. After working for the largest provider of human services in Massachusetts, he knew that his biggest goal for this new entity was to provide a larger voice for individuals and their families while staying dedicated to the Greater New Bedford Area. “I wanted to keep it geographically compact so that we could provide high-quality supports. I also thought that by identifying with one area it would help us to get people more involved in the community,” Mr. Riley states.

He decided to designate the new agency as a nonprofit, defining goals that were based on service needs rather than revenue projections. He was driven to provide individuals with choices based on their individual needs and wants, to promote an environment that respects cultural diversity, to deal with behavioral issues with positive social responses (versus traditional institutional approaches), and to offer supports that treat people with respect and dignity. He wanted to provide “homes” for individuals, not just places to live.

In 1988, BCL was granted its first contract with the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (“DDS”) to operate a home for four persons. The agency had eight employees that first year.