Mission
Balance’s mission is to partner with and support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to live fully, connect deeply, and thrive in community.
Vision
We pursue an inclusive world where all people shape their own lives, foster meaningful relationships, actively contribute to their communities, and are supported in their journey.
Values
Respect
Enthusiasm
Collaboration
Our History: Founded in 1991, Balance Inc. formed to prevent the institutionalization of people with IDD. Today, after decades of dedication, we proudly support more than 125 people, enhancing their lives through our commitment to high-quality care, community-based programs, and support in creating the lives they dream about.
Supporting Our Mission: As a nonprofit organization operating under 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, we rely on fundraising to sustain our programs. Your generous donations support individuals with IDD by helping us reduce social isolation, improving wellness, and fostering community understanding within our community. Donate now!
Contact Us: Get in touch with Balance Inc. to learn more about our programs and services or dive deeper into how you can support our mission.
Fill out a General Interest Form here or email information@balanceinc.org
About Balance Inc.
For over three decades Balance Inc. has been a pillar of support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin.
Our Programs:
Adult Family Homes (AFH) : Family-style living meets 24/7 care and supervision. Balance’s Adult Family Homes in Port Washington, Saukville, and Grafton, provide personalized care and a supportive environment for adults with IDD.
Adult Day Program: Our Adult Day Program in Grafton offers engaging activities and support for adults with IDD, fostering personal growth and social connections. Program participants are involved in activities that take them into the community at least once and often two or more times per day. These activities enrich health and wellness, bolster creativity and socialization, and allow participants to connect to their community through various outings and volunteer projects.
Adult Supported Living: Balancing independence and assistance, our Adult Supported Living program in Ozaukee County empowers individuals with special needs to lead fulfilling lives within their community. By providing drop-in services, this program ensures that individuals who are living independently can stay living independently.
Children’s After School Rec Program: This after-school program nurtures essential social skills in children with IDD. We provide a supportive and inclusive environment where young people can develop social bonds and experience new things in a safe and inclusive space.
Children’s Summer Camp: Summer camp for kids with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Each child is paired with an Adventure Buddy and gets to experience three weeks of sun, swimming, and socialization with a group of their peers and 1:1 support. This program provides a true summer camp experience for kids with IDD in Ozaukee County.
Children’s Club Rec: This is a community-based recreational program that blends the best elements of Balance’s Children’s Summer Rec Program and Adult Day Program. Designed for children ages 16–17 with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Learn more about each program by clicking the links above.
Fill out a General Interest Form here or email information@balanceinc.org
“Most people realize that it’s difficult to care for people with special needs, but there’s an added mental exhaustion that’s often overlooked. When my child is at Balance, I can mentally relax and not be on constant alert for what he’s doing or what he might get himself into. Balance is an absolute Godsend to my life and that of my entire family. ”
What are Intellectual and Developmental disabilities?
Intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are conditions that affect cognitive functioning and adaptive behavior. These disabilities often manifest early in life and can lead to limitations in learning, communication, self-care, and independent living.
Examples of IDD include Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, Fragile X Syndrome, intellectual disability (general), Spina bifida, and others. People often use the term Special Needs to mean the same as Intellectual and Developmental disabilities (IDD).
In 2019 an estimated 7.39 million people were living with an intellectual or developmental disability in the United States. Source