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Becoming Independent

More than 1,300 men, women and children, all living with a variety of disabilities, seek their own paths to personal fulfillment and independence with the help of programs and opportunities made available at Becoming Independent.

Developing since BI was established in 1967, our programs provide instruction in activities and skills essential to successful everyday living.  The skills are wide ranging and include the most basic and incidental, to the very sophisticated and personal. BI provides individualized programs for each person served, promoting personal choice based on areas of interests and passions.

Employee James Penly (left) assists Mary's Pizza CEO Vince Albano in the kitchen.  In the course of a 20 year partnership, BI workers such as James have earned the praise and warm friendship of the Albano family.

 

As the North Bay’s largest nonprofit human services organization dedicated to people with developmental disabilities, BI services are available in Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties.  We are dedicated to “promoting community inclusion and participation for people with developmental disabilities.

 

Photo Left: Larry Young (left) works with Lea Ronald (Becoming Independent's Sonoma Director) on computer skills

 

 

 

 

Cami Weaver with participant

Photo Left: Becoming Independent's current CEO is Cami Weaver. She has been with BI for 19 years and is known for her dynamic and inspirational leadership style.

 

 

 

 

Photo Left: Becoming Independent worker Amber Fish (left) with BI's Sonoma Director Lea Ronald (right).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo Left: Employee Jasmine Marks (left) learning the restaurant trade from Mary's Pizza CEO Vince Albano (right).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To learn more, visit Becoming Independent

2011 Star Award Winner

Kathy Benziger expresses her appreciation for Becoming Independent’s mission and services with passion and flair.  She has chaired our annual gala, Dinner Under the Stars, for 17 of its 20 years, helping to raise over $800,000 in the last three years alone.

Kathy was not able to attend the event. but in her place she sent her son, Mike Benziger (far right) to accept on her behalf.  The award was presented by Becoming Independent Executive Director Cami Weaver (far left) and Board Member Ken Maiolini (second from the left).

2010 Star Award Winner

 

Eileen Adams (on the right) accepting the SVF's 2010 Star Award along with Becoming Independent's Cami Weaver (left).  Eileen is a prominent and highly valued volunteer leader at Becoming Independent.  She’s a quiet force - thoughtful, insightful, and generous with both time and resources. 

Eileen served two terms as Board President and has played a key liaison role by launching and stewarding Becoming Independent's Sonoma Valley Advisory Board.