Branching out
An inclusive Community
Rooted in community, growing together, Branching Tree is committed to providing inclusive housing and meaningful daily experiences for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Massachusetts. We foster independence, dignity, and well-being. We empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives through strong community connections and a true sense of belonging.
Located in Williamsburg, MA, just 10 minutes outside of Northampton on 12.5 acres surrounded by 288 acres of preservation land, learn more about Branching Tree and the inclusive community that we’re creating, and why we’re creating it.
Values at heart
Belonging over placement
Branching Tree community is committed to creating a true sense of community, not simply filling a service slot or offering a room. Each person is known, valued, and missed when they're not there. They are a part of the setting.
Daily rhythms prioritize connection, with shared meals and welcoming common spaces. Relationships are nurtured beyond the service system, creating a full and diverse social circle, and ensuring decisions are made with individuals, not just for them.
Person-centered supports
Supports are designed with and around each individual, honoring unique preferences, strengths, dreams, and needs. Every person actively shapes their own life and services at Branching Tree community.
Meaningful relationships
Relationships are essential to well-being, joy, and community life. We cultivate deep, reciprocal friendships within and outside of our community that enrich every day.
Interdependence
We believe everyone thrives from mutual support and shared community life, creating Interdependence within our community.
Shared leadership and decision-making
Families, self-advocates, and allies co-create this vision and its future. People with disabilities and their families hold real voice and power in shaping the community through shared decision-making.
Respect for the whole person
We honor each individual’s gifts, passions, history, and hopes, seeing the whole person beyond a diagnosis.
Sustainability and stewardship
We care for our resources, land, and relationships with intention and love.
Why Branching Tree?
We’re creating Branching Tree because we believe in belonging over placement. Across Massachusetts, there’s a housing crisis for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Not nearly enough housing options are rooted in connection, choice, and community. Families often wait years for placements, only to find that availability is prioritized over individuality, and routine is prioritized over relationships.
Branching Tree is a small, inclusive person-centered community where adults with and without disabilities live, grow, and thrive together. Our housing models combines a shared living philosophy with group home supports and self-directed choices. We’re not just creating housing, we’re cultivating a home environment with connection, choice, and contribution. At Branching Tree, we believe that every person deserves more than just a placement, they deserve belonging.
Events & Updates
Introducing the Bustin Family!
A NEW MILESTONE! Branching Tree is excited to announce its third Founding Family, the Bustins of North Reading. Comprised of Jeffrey, parents Kathy and Phil, and sister Sarah, the family has navigated the special education/disability community for decades. Kathy proclaimed, “I have been relentlessly searching for a housing solution where Jeffrey will have a forever home, not just a housing placement.” Now the entire family is thrilled that Jeffrey will join the first Branching Tree home when it opens in Spring 2026.
Kathy, Phil and Sarah are deeply committed to the Branching Tree vision: an intentional, inclusive community, where Kathy says, “The Branching Tree residents and staff will become like a family for each other, and enjoy intensive support from the founding families. I expect a lot of hard work, but also a lot of fun. Our family is very grateful, indeed.”
We’re so excited to have you as part of our Branching Tree family, Kathy, Phil, Jeffrey, and Sarah!
Check out our Amazon Wishlist!
Check out our new Amazon Wishlist, where you can purchase tax-free items needed for our first home opening in May 2026. Amazon will deliver the items directly to Branching Tree’s local post office. Our Wishlist includes everything needed to make our house a home, from pots and pans to dishes and silverware, towels and linens to kitchen utensils and small appliances. Every leaf, twig, and branch is critical in supporting the sustainability of our Branching Tree. Every Wishlist purchase makes an impact.
