The AMDG Architects team had a fantastic time during our annual Volunteer Day at our valued client Benjamin’s Hope‘s campus. It was a day filled with purposeful fun and meaningful activities!
When their son was given the diagnosis of autism, Krista and Dave Mason began to contemplate goals for his long-term care. They soon realized there wasn’t a place for adults with autism or other developmental differences. The Mason’s turned to AMDG to design a worship center, gathering spaces and offices for residents, their families, and the neighboring Holland community. In 2007, they founded Benjamin’s Hope with a vision for a community that empowered individuals like Ben to live, work, worship and play.
The vision for a worship center and gathering space trace back to early conversations, when Krista sat down with our AMDG design team and began collaboratively refining her vision. Together, they sorted through images and sketched ideas. The rural character felt right for a culture that celebrates freedom, independence, and the belief that everyone has an important role. In the end, a true gathering place was developed, one that welcomes residents, guests, family and the church that is now worshipping at Benjamin’s Hope.
Benjamin’s Hope seeks to welcome all people, all abilities and all stories. Through the Benjamin’s Hope Live, Learn, Play, Worship farmstead community, those with intellectual and developmental differences are able to connect to their greater community and thrive. Today, 32 adults live, work, play, and worship on the 52-acre site.
A big thank you to the caring and dedicated team, as well as the residents and friends at Ben’s Hope, for spending the afternoon with us! We left with a renewed understanding of how to infuse meaning into our work while striving for a balance between humanity and productivity.
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