Brookwood in Georgetown: Comprehensive Company Profile

Background

Overview

Brookwood in Georgetown (BiG) is a nonprofit organization based in Georgetown, Texas, dedicated to providing meaningful work and community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Established in 2011, BiG offers vocational and residential programs that empower individuals to reach their full potential and contribute to society.

Mission and Vision

BiG's mission is to create a God-centered, innovative vocational and residential community for adults with disabilities, aiming to change the way the world views this population. The organization envisions a society where adults with disabilities are recognized for their unique talents and abilities, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.

Primary Area of Focus

BiG focuses on providing vocational training and employment opportunities for adults with disabilities, enabling them to engage in meaningful work and develop a sense of independence. The organization operates a high-end gift shop, café, and greenhouse, where individuals, referred to as "Citizens," create and sell products such as pottery, jewelry, baked goods, and greeting cards.

Industry Significance

BiG plays a pivotal role in the nonprofit sector by addressing the needs of adults with disabilities, a group often underserved in traditional employment settings. Through its innovative programs, BiG not only provides vocational training but also promotes social inclusion and community engagement for individuals with disabilities.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Vocational Training: Equip adults with disabilities with marketable skills through hands-on experience in various enterprises.

Community Integration: Foster a sense of belonging and purpose by integrating individuals into the community through their work.

Residential Support: Develop residential communities to provide stable living environments for adults with disabilities.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Artisan Products: Creating and selling handcrafted items such as pottery, jewelry, and greeting cards.

Culinary Arts: Operating a café that serves as both a training ground and a community gathering spot.

Horticulture: Managing a greenhouse to produce and sell plants and gardening products.

Key Technologies Utilized

3D Printing: In 2023, BiG won the Gigaprize, receiving a Gigabot 4 3D printer to aid in producing ceramic molds and training for their vocational community.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

BiG primarily serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, providing them with vocational training and employment opportunities. The organization also engages the local community in Georgetown, Texas, through its retail and café operations.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

BiG has received substantial support from various foundations and organizations, including:

JE and LE Mabee Foundation: Community Outreach grant of $1,050,000.

Network for Good: Unrestricted grant of $364,937.

Still Water Foundation: Charitable grant for general operating support of $250,000.

These grants contribute to BiG's mission of providing vocational and residential support to adults with disabilities.

Total Funds Raised

In the fiscal year ending July 31, 2024, BiG reported total revenues of $8,108,824, with total expenses of $4,515,737.

Notable Investors

BiG's funding primarily comes from grants and donations from various foundations and organizations committed to supporting adults with disabilities.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The funds are utilized to support BiG's vocational and residential programs, including:

Vocational Training: Developing and maintaining enterprises that provide meaningful work for adults with disabilities.

Residential Communities: Establishing and operating residential facilities to offer stable living environments.

Community Engagement: Enhancing community integration through retail and café operations.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

BiG's pipeline includes the development of new vocational enterprises and residential communities to expand its services.

Stages of Development

Vocational Enterprises: Ongoing development and expansion of existing enterprises such as the gift shop, café, and greenhouse.

Residential Communities: In December 2021, BiG purchased 127 acres of land in Weir, Texas, to build Grace Place, a residential community for adults with disabilities. The project is planned to be developed in four phases, with the initial $5 million phase featuring two homes to house 16 people.

Target Conditions

The primary focus is on providing stable and supportive living environments for adults with disabilities, addressing the need for long-term care and community integration.

Relevant Timelines

Grace Place Development: The project is planned to be developed in four phases, with the initial phase featuring two homes to house 16 people.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

3D Printing: BiG's acquisition of the Gigabot 4 3D printer in 2023 enables the production of ceramic molds and adaptive tools, enhancing the vocational training process.

Significant Scientific Methods

Vocational Training Programs: BiG employs hands-on, experiential learning methods to equip adults with disabilities with marketable skills.

Community Integration Strategies: The organization utilizes community-based approaches to foster social inclusion and belonging.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

Elizabeth Griffin: Chief Executive Officer.

Erin Kiltz: Founder and Director. Erin co-founded His Grace Foundation in 1998 and Wheels of Fun in 2006, inspired by her daughter Gracie, who was born with Down Syndrome.

Anne Muilman: Chief of Staff.

Trisha Blake: Vice President of Operations & Revenue.

Kevin Thompson: Vice President of Finance & Administration.

Jamie Ivey: Director of Marketing & Communications.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The nonprofit sector addressing the needs of adults with disabilities is growing, with increasing recognition of the importance of vocational training and community integration. BiG's innovative approach positions it as a leader in this space.

Competitor Analysis

BiG operates in a niche market with few direct competitors offering similar vocational and residential programs for adults with disabilities. Its unique model of integrating vocational training with community engagement through retail and café operations differentiates it from other organizations.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Significant Collaborations

re:3D: In 2023, BiG won the Gigaprize, receiving a Gigabot 4 3D printer to enhance its vocational training programs.

Operational Insights

Strategic Considerations

BiG's focus on vocational training and community integration provides a strong foundation for its operations. The development of residential communities addresses a critical need for stable living environments for adults with disabilities.

Competitive Advantages

Innovative Vocational Programs: BiG's hands-on approach equips adults with disabilities with marketable skills.

Community Engagement: The organization's retail and café operations foster social inclusion and community support.

Residential Development: The establishment of residential communities offers comprehensive support for adults with disabilities.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Strategic Roadmap

Expansion of Vocational Enterprises: Developing new products and services to enhance vocational training opportunities.

Growth of Residential Communities: Completing the development of Grace Place and exploring additional residential projects.

Technological Integration: Leveraging technologies like 3D printing to innovate vocational training methods.

Future Business Directions

BiG aims to expand its impact by increasing the number of adults with disabilities it serves, enhancing the quality of its programs, and fostering greater community engagement.