Everyone deserves a place to belong.

Our Mission

To enrich the lives of people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities through social connections, family support, the arts and recreational opportunities.

Our Core Values

1. Social Connection and Community Building

We cultivate inclusive social networks that reduce isolation, fostering friendship, and build communities where every person feels they truly belong.

2. Empowerment and Personal Growth

We empower individuals to discover their strengths, develop new skills, and take an active role in shaping their goals, interests, and future.

3. Inclusivity

We champion an environment where all individuals are welcomed, supported, and invited to participate fully. Inclusivity guides every program and relationship.

4. Dignity and Respect

We honor the inherent worth of every person, ensuring that compassion, empathy, and respect are the foundation of all interactions and decisions.

5. Creativity and Artistic Expression

We believe in the transformative power of the arts to enrich lives, spark confidence, and offer meaningful pathways for communication and joyful expression.

6. Family Partnership

We support families and caregivers as essential partners, sharing resources and encouragement to strengthen bonds and promote lifelong well-being for all.

A Community of Members, Volunteers and Caregivers

Our first initiative, the Better Together Activity Club (BTAC), provides a welcoming place where friendships are formed, special events are celebrated, and activities reflect the interests of our members. BTAC is not a program—it is a community where individuals feel safe, valued, and free to be their authentic selves.

Is your loved one, or someone you know, living with disabilities and seeking a supportive community?

JOIN US at BETTER TOGETHER to find:

  • Enriching art activities

  • Engaging recreational opportunities

  • Exciting field trips and special events

  • A safe place to build friendships and have fun

  • Involvement and connection for the entire family

Become a Member

The History of Better Together

  • Better Together of Northern Michigan, Inc. was founded by Sandra Albrecht-Conrad, Lynda Frusti and Traci George out of a shared concern for the future of adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Like so many families, we found ourselves asking the question that keeps countless caregivers awake at night:

    "What happens when I am no longer able to support my loved one?"

    As parents, family members, and advocates, we recognized not only the need for meaningful opportunities for disabled adults, but also the profound isolation often experienced by both individuals and their caregivers. Too many adults lose regular social connections after graduating from high school or aging out of educational programs, leaving families with limited resources and support.

  • From the beginning, our vision has been threefold:

    1. To create meaningful social connections and opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

    2. To support and connect families and caregivers navigating lifelong challenges and planning for the future.

    3. To develop an intentional integrated living community where our loved ones can live, belong, contribute, and thrive together.

    We also believe the broader community benefits when they welcome and embrace individuals with disabilities as valued neighbors, friends, coworkers, and community members.

    “Inclusion isn’t just inviting someone to the table, it’s believing they belong there.”

  • In April 2024, generous benefactors Wayne and Nancy Kiley, provided the opportunity to utilize the former Boy Scouts Lodge at 1499 Business Park Drive in Traverse City. This space allows us to host social activities, parent support gatherings, fundraising events, and board meetings while introducing our mission to families, community advocates, nonprofit partners, and disabled adults throughout the region.

    In June 2024, Better Together of Northern Michigan, Inc. officially received nonprofit status and soon afterward obtained 501(c)(3) tax-exempt recognition. BTAC became the organization's first operating phase and the foundation for future growth.