Branch Services changing lives for adults with intellectual delays 

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In the community kitchen at Willow Commons, tenants are chopping vegetables, squeezing lemons and cutting tofu to prepare dinner. On the menu is Asian tofu salad with peanut sauce. The cooking program is one of many hosted by Branch Services to support adults with intellectual developmental delays in building the necessary skills to lead an independent life. 

Branch Services is a nonprofit organization that focuses on building independence and community engagement for adults with intellectual developmental delays and autism. Cooking is one of many programs that residents can try. 

“There’s a huge gap out there for adults [with developmental delays] who are seeking engaging programming and seeking community,” said Executive Director Brenda Bachechi. “With this space, we can offer more classes, more opportunities for people to come in and more opportunities to share.”

The organization was founded in 2023, providing support to three young women at a house on Thistle Street in Portola Valley. Over the last two years, the organization has grown exponentially through word of mouth, said Bachechi.

Willow Commons opened its door in June, providing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities with supportive housing that encourages social interaction, community and autonomy. The project was started by Portola Valley locals Jim and Patty White, who were inspired by their daughter Amy, who has a disability. 

Now, Branch Services operates out of Willow Commons, providing support and programming to eight tenants with the support of over 30 staff members. By December, the complex will house 16 adults.  

“Branch Services and Willow Commons have an aligned mission in that we believe in the community, we believe in the neighborhood, we believe in changing the narrative about what we’re doing with adults [with intellectual development delays],” said Bachechi, who was formerly an educator. 

She met the Whites in 2011 while working with the Portola Valley School District to create an inclusivity program for students with disabilities. At that time she met many of the current tenants of Willow Commons and their families. Bachechi said she has known some of the residents since they were 8 years old.  

Years later, the Whites approached Bachechi with the idea to partner with them on a project in 2020. At the time, Bachechi had lost her husband to brain cancer and was looking for a change. She took the opportunity to retire from education and help the Whites build what is now Branch Services. 

“While housing [for individuals with disabilities] remains an issue, the programming piece became even more important of an objective for parents because they wanted their young people to continue to grow, to continue to develop and to be a part of a community where they felt happy,” said Bachechi. 

Engaging programs to strengthen skills

Along with educational and employment support, social activities and wellness services, Branch Services also provides a space where adults with developmental delays can grow and form friendships with other Branch participants and staff. 

“Our goal is for all of the adults to engage with the community they live in,” said Bachechi. 

Through local partnerships, Branch Services participants can be seen working in the kitchen and cafeteria at Woodside Priory and Alpine Hills Tennis and Swimming Club. It also partners with the Portola Valley Theatre Conservatory for performing arts programs and National Center for Equine Facilitated Therapy for speech, language and mental health therapy. Down the street from Willow Commons, the community may also run into residents during a gym session at Pacific THERx. 

Providing programs that encourage participants to interact with the community helps break the stigma that people carry around individuals with intellectual delays, Bachechi explained. 

In addition to developing self advocacy and independence, Bachechi has seen the adults become more willing to challenge themselves. While trying new things can be intimidating, Branch Services mentors spread the message that failure is not a negative thing but rather an opportunity to learn. Participants are also reminded that they have the support they need, said Bachechi.  

She’s also witnessed adults with improved language skills, the ability to use longer phrases, communicate clearly and interact with others. 

Bachechi hopes that the work of Willow Commons and Branch Services can serve as an example for other organizations on how to effectively provide a supportive program for adults with intellectual delays. 

“If we can make it happen, other people can do it too,” she said. 

For more information on Branch Services visit branchservices.org. 

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