building on belonging
Benjamin’s Hope continues to deepen its ministry through expanded programming and a growing team. Engagement with AMDG endeavored to understand how the existing building could be adapted and expanded for effective and impactful delivery of programming and operations.
The program expansion, known as RPM (rapid prompting method) is a profound and transformative communication method for non-verbal residents. Additionally, a dedicated sensory space with multiple sensory offerings within a controlled, non-distracting internal environment could offer residents opportunities for regulation and calm.
Expansion of the Benjamin’s Hope operations team required individual workspaces and collaborative spaces to successfully support operations of the Benjamin’s Hope community, to care for and nurture residents with dignity, and to manage its license as an Adult Foster Care home.
Visioning exercises with Benjamin’s Hope (accomplished in the early period of the pandemic), coupled with deep listening, allowed AMDG to understand mission, to outline detailed operational needs, and to help the Ben’s Hope team navigate future uncertainties of the workplace. From this exercise emerged the need to support the full spectrum of community life, from quiet one-on-one therapy to vibrant group gatherings; a way to allow diverse programming and worship to exist side-by-side without overlap. The result: a multipurpose room with the flexibility to host crafts, meals, and presentations, while keeping the worship space dedicated and available.
Plan organization introduced a new dedicated office entry. Existing space was repurposed to successfully accommodate RPM. Expanded office space included individual workspaces judiciously sized for focused work and detailed with intentional transparency for collaboration and shared natural light. The project was considered in multiple phases to allow for minimal disruptions to daily operations.
Details thoughtfully mirror the original structure, incorporating precedented material warmth and joyful color, generous expanses of glass, and additional porches—a cherished architectural element for fostering cohesive community.
With CL Construction as a trusted partner, the project was delivered with careful attention to phasing, and under budget. The successful result effectively supports and promotes the organization as it lives the Benjamin’s Hope Way:
“Committed to loving God and others, we fiercely respect the dignity, intelligence and value of all humans. We are creative, courageous and committed to excellence. Through the love of Christ we will live the abundant life together.“
