Brookwood Community - Spectacular Residence for People with Disabilities
Brookwood Community
Brookwood Community
A very special place called the Brookwood Community exists just west of Houston, Texas. With the spark of an idea plus much research in the area of finding and maintaining a suitable, life enhancing home for adults with special needs, this wonderful residential community became reality.
Ever since its humble beginnings in 1985 it has continued to grow and envelop the resident citizens with beautiful surroundings in every sense of the word.
The residents who are fortunate enough to call Brookwood their home do what others do. They work, pray and play together just like other loving families.
How this all came into fruition is due to one lady in particular but successfully operating this community is due to the efforts of many individuals, corporations, volunteers and everyday people who merely wish to shop for terrific gifts, purchase healthy and beautiful garden plants or want to dine in their cafe on some mouth watering cuisine
Special Needs and Civil Rights
People are born every day with special needs. Others in our society become disabled due to disease or accidents which cause irreparable harm. Some of these needs are visually apparent and others are not so easily discerned from casual appearance as the scars may be emotional or mental.
In the United States ever since the Civil Rights Act of 1964, continuing efforts have been made to assist individuals in various categories via federal laws. The Civil Rights Act initially addressed discrimination against people because of religion, race or gender.
Many of the additional laws have to do with educating disabled children such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and it's predecessor, Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975.
Because of these mandates handicapped children now have access to education and training from birth up to the ages of 18 or 21. Special accommodations are made for each student and many of these students go on to lead successful lives.
The most current Americans with Disabilities Act signed into law by President George Bush in 1990 addresses adults and prohibits discrimination from employment based upon their handicaps.
This affected many businesses and entities around the country which suddenly mandated spending more money for such things as ramps for easy access for wheelchair bound individuals, bathroom stalls which could accommodate wheelchairs and many other things which prior to that law made it impossible for disabled people to compete on a level playing field with non-disabled individuals.
All of these laws have helped to some extent but there are still many folks with special needs who lack an environment in which they can thrive particularly after they reach adulthood.
Love and caring can never effectively be legislated!
Brookwood
The Brookwood Community came into being because of the tireless efforts of the founder and executive director emeritus Yvonne Tuttle Streit. The link to Brookwood Community and some of these YouTube videos tell that story. Suffice it to say that when her daughter became impaired after an illness this lady tried her best to move heaven and earth so that her daughter could lead the best life possible.
Most people survive having the mumps with no long term side effects. Her daughter Vicki was not so lucky. Ensuing encephalitis and meningitis left her with residual brain damage. In trying to help her daughter get the best care Yvonne Tuttle Streit began to meet others who had similar needs for their children.
Due to Mrs. Streit's successful fundraising efforts and raising awareness of the need for the development of a residential community where people with special needs could happily live out their lives, Brookwood Community became a reality.
It is situated just 40 miles west of Houston in Brookshire, south of Interstate 10 and is spread out over 475 acres in a rolling countryside. On site for the residents are living quarters, a non-denominational chapel, a nursery, gift shop, cafe and even such things as a gymnasium and swimming pool.
The setting just couldn't be prettier for this part of Texas! Over one hundred residents are fortunate to be able to call Brookwood Community their home. Tours of the campus can be arranged by calling this number: 281-375-2158. The address is the following: 1752 FM 1489, Brookshire, Texas 77423.
Plant Nursery
One way for people to beautify their homes and gardens is to think of purchasing the beautiful plants grown by the residents and volunteers at the main location of Brookwood Community and also at several outlying storefronts. 10222C Westheimer, Houston, TX 77042 is one of the locations and the other can be found in Old Town Spring which is north of Houston. That address is 318 Gentry Street, Spring, TX 77373. At all three locations not only are the plants of premium quality but the pricing is very competitive with other retail establishments which sell similar items.
The residents at Brookwood Community learn to master the gardening skills and are also able to earn wages by doing this type of work. Tending plants and watching things grow and flourish makes for a good feeling as any gardener knows.
Years ago when I chaired a fundraising dinner and auction event for an assistance ministry in the Bear Creek area of West Houston, I enlisted the help of the Brookwood Community to furnish the table decorations with live plants. All of the profits from the sale of the plants went to Brookwood and it was a nice way to combine efforts for the two non profit entities.
Almost every year since I have become familiar with Brookwood Community I add some of their lovingly tended plants into our outdoor garden area. It is a nice and easy way to help support this wonderful charity and the residents who live there. Each season of the year features different plants like the poinsettias at Christmas as an example.
Brookwood Community Gift Shop
There is a fantastic gift shop at the main location which has been enlarged over the years to the huge place it has become today. Similar items are also sold at the Westheimer store and in Old Town Spring.
While not everything sold there is made by the residents, hand painted pottery and other items are intermixed with the other products acquired. Visiting the gift shop presents a visual feast for the eyes.
The shops are decorated seasonally and I have some photographs that were taken around Easter and others taken approaching the Halloween time of year.
Volunteers cheerfully assist one with purchases. Everything from blends of different teas to cowboy hats, statuary to furniture, artwork (yes...there is even an art gallery at the main campus), dishes to table décor, jewelry to belts and scarves...and much too much to individually mention can be found in these gift shop locations. It is a perfect place to find that special something for oneself or others.
Prices vary from little in the way of pocket change to some that is higher priced. There is something to suit nearly everyone's budget. Knowing that a part of one's expenditure also helps a good cause makes shopping there even more delightful.
Brookwood Cafe
This cafe at Brookwood is an amazing place to dine! The food is delicious and well prepared by a chef who trained at the New York Culinary Institute of America.
Items include savory homemade soups and unusually good sandwiches to entrée portions of delightful sounding pastas, mouthwatering fresh seafood, enticing vegetarian dishes as well as tempting meat dishes. Naturally there are also scrumptious desserts to satisfy one's sweet tooth.
The freshest of ingredients are utilized and Chef Laura McGuire's deft hand in creating these masterpieces will have you wishing to return and sample more of the delectable items on the menu.
So far every time I have dined there I find myself ordering another tasty seafood entrée. Everyone around me has always reported their choices of food items to be delicious as well. The plating is always eye appealing.
The beautifully decorated room can be separated by a folding wall arrangement which can make one part of it more intimate for groups who wish to meet as well as dine there. Speaking of meetings...many wedding receptions are also held at the Brookwood Cafe and the room can be rearranged to display a dance floor as well as a stage.
With the warmth and ambiance of a fireplace at one end of the room and the glass windows and doors overlooking the well manicured and landscaped lawn and garden area in back, this site is booked almost continuously throughout the year for such festive events. For reservations to have lunch at the Brookwood Cafe or to arrange other meetings and events, this is the number to call: 281-375-2400. Lunch hours are daily from 11AM to 2PM.
Special Place
If you were not already familiar with what a special place the Brookwood Community truly is...hopefully by now you have been enlightened. Not only do people with special needs live, work and play in this marvelous residential community but the community at large outside of Brookwood is welcomed to come and enjoy this most resplendent of places. Hope to see you there!
Location of Brookwood Community
Brookwood Community - © 2012 Peggy Woods
Related
Comments are welcomed!
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Hi aesta1,
I agree with you in that what they are accomplishing is wonderful.
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Hi Susie,
Brookwood certainly is a beautiful place and how they help people with disabilities is equally beautiful. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
What a great place and community. It is admirable what they're doing.
Brookwood looks like the ideal community to live for just about anyone. I would never be able to afford such a lifestyle but I am pleased that many do and can enjoy it. I love the pond and all the rock landscaping...that is where I would spend time in my own thoughts. Gorgeous place!
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Hi Roberta,
I wonder why you had a problem pinning this? All of my photos are original. Oh well...at least you were finally able to share the good work done by this organization. Thank you!
After having the photo rejected at Pinterest before, I've finally been able to pin this to my Leadership/... board to help highlight the work being done at this beautiful community. Thanks again for writing about it!
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Hi again Suzanne,
Am sure the businesses appreciated your expertise in helping to raise funding to implement the spirit of the law with regard to complying with the ADA act. Sounds like you have had some interesting jobs!
I think many businesses didn't know - perhaps especially in the southern states. In California, we were very proactive in getting the information out to local businesses and being a strong presence in the community. :)
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Hi Suzanne,
I think that it is wonderful that businesses have to accommodate handi-capped individuals as well as able bodied ones. Hope that you did not misunderstand. It is true that prior to the passage of the Americans for Disabilities Act, there were many places in which a disabled individual no matter how qualified, would have found it impossible to work in many environments. The ADA just helped to level the field somewhat.
Your job sounded interesting. I wonder if all businesses knew that there were grants available to help make changes to their physical surroundings?
Brookwood is an amazing place. Thanks for your comment and votes.
Great HUB on a lovely community!
Regarding the statement about the ADA:
"This affected many businesses and entities around the country which suddenly mandated spending more money for such things as ramps for easy access for wheelchair bound individuals; bathroom stalls which could accommodate wheelchairs and many other things which prior to that law made it impossible for disabled people to compete on a level playing field with non-disabled individuals."
In the 1980s, I was transportation coordinator for an independent living skills organization in California. We were asked to form a panel to contribute information and ideas for the formation of the ADA. It is very important to note that the finalized ADA required businesses and public buildings to provide "reasonable accommodations" and that there are many grants and other forms of assistance in place to make these reasonable accommodations.
After the passage of the ADA, our organization was called upon often to help business owners determine what accommodations needed to be made. I went out with a team of people with disabilities from our staff and board to look at various businesses and make recommendations regarding changes to parking lots, entrances, work stations, restrooms, break rooms and more. We then assisted the businesses in applying for funding to make the recommended changes.
Providing these reasonable accommodations should never have been a burden to any business. Processes and funding were always in place to assist.
Voted up and interesting! :)
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Hi Indian Chef,
The residents at Brookwood Community are truly blessed to be able to live in such an environment. Many more such places are needed world-wide. Obviously the need exists...but it takes a lot of effort and successful fundraising to make places like this a reality. And then it also needs an army of dedicated volunteers to keep it operational. Perhaps if more people read about places like this, they will get the idea to create some in other places. Thanks for spreading the word.
Wow this is so beautiful place and it makes it very special for the purpose it was made. I wish we had some places like these but unfortunately in our country we dont have much for these kind of guys. Very beautiful pictures. Voted up and sharing with followers.
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Hi Au fait,
That is terrible! There is probably someplace else you can report that place if it is state licensed or is run as a 501(c)3 charity. No problems like that at Brookwood happy to say. It is a warm caring environment with many volunteers and on site individuals that keep it operating as it should. Fortunate are those residents who get to call it their home. I would imagine that there is probably a long waiting list! Thanks for your comment, votes and the share.
We need more places like this for people with special needs. Sadly, some are not all they're cracked up to be and so it is important for people family of special needs people to stay informed about what is going on in places that serve those with special needs. One such place I was in a few weeks ago was showing pornographic images to mentally challenged people with a mentality of perhaps 4 or 5 year olds, and nothing was done about it when I reported it. I wonder how many people know for sure that where they have placed their special needs loved one is what they believe it to be?
Your photographs are beautiful as always. Voted up and beautiful and will share!
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Hi Mary,
Brookwood Community is indeed a wonderful place. I just knew that you would like the Bromeliads since you like those as well as other plants. They always have a good selection and their prices are more than fair. Very nice to be able to support them in this and other ways. Thanks for your comment, etc.
It would be wonderful if every community had a special place like Brookwood for people who have special needs. Such a great place for those people to live and contribute. When I looked at your photo of their plants, I was astonished by the Bromeliads. There is one that is gigantic! I'd love to have one of those.
Thanks for your wonderful tour of Brookwood. You were so good to enclose phone numbers and persons to contact if there was a need.
I voted this Hub UP, etc. and will certainly share. Mary
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Hi Fiddleman,
Nicely stated that it is a "life enriching experience" for those working at...or even visiting...the Brookwood Community. God bless you too and thanks for the good works you have done. When I was a volunteer counselor at an assistance ministry for many years, I was also greatly enriched by the experience. Thanks for your comment.
Wow! What a great place this must be and a life enriching experience for those who are associated with such a noble undertaking. I have worked with the developmentally disabled and it has been an experience that I wouldn't trade for any other. God bless.
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Hi Roberta,
It will be especially nice if more people in the surrounding area get to know of the Brookwood Community so that they can go there and help support them by purchasing their garden plants or dining there or even finding that perfect gift. A win-win for everyone involved. Thanks for your comment!
Thank you for posting this hub to highlight the Brookwood Community. It is a beautiful piece on a beautiful place! I hope it will be highlighted many times over with comments.
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Hi rajan jolly,
The love and caring certainly shines through when visiting the Brookwood Community. So nice to have your virtual visit and thanks for your comment, votes and the share.
Awesome information about a wonderful community and the love and care shows in the awesome pictures.
Glad to have read this and thanks for sharing.
Voted up, useful and awesome. Sharing this on G+1.
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Hello unknown spy,
Yes...that is for certain. The Brookwood Community is an amazing place. So glad that you liked the photos. Thanks for your comment.
what an amazing sight Peggy. i love all your photos!
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Hi b. Malin,
Just going to the Brookwood Community to dine or shop is an uplifting feeling and also makes one smile. I like how you ended your comment with the "God Bless" to all the volunteers and residents. Thanks!
What a Truly Wonderful and Uplifting Hub Peggy. And Self Supporting, Wow! The Community should be so Proud of "Brookwood". I walk away Smiling. God Bless the Volunteers, and all the Residents.
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Hi Prasetio,
It is nice that the Brookwood Community is helped financially by the growing and selling of the beautiful plants. It must be so satisfying for the residents to be engaged in such a business enterprise. Thanks for your comment and votes.
Wow...you have great information here, Peggy. Brookwood Community is a great community as well. I really enjoy how the landscape support them. I heard that the nature also give us something positive. Very well written between beautiful pictures. Voted up (useful, beautiful, interesting, awesome).
Best wishes, Prasetio
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Hi creativespirit63,
This was one of my hopes in writing this article about the Brookwood Community...that it might inspire others. So glad that you liked learning about this and good luck with your charity!
Wow, I started out to read your hubs about cemeteries (which were wonderful) but it is this one that I will be taking with me. I am in the process of filing for a 501C3 for an organization working with families with medically fragile children. This is an inspiration to me! Thank you!
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Hi alocsin,
Am sure that profits from the nursery and things sold in the shops helps to support the folks who are lucky enough to call the Brookwood Community their home. Thanks for your comment and votes.
What a great idea to have little shops as well as home for the disabled. Your pics, especially of the bromeliads, are beautiful as usual. Voting this Up and Interesting.
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Hello tobusiness,
I think that you captured the feeling of Brookwood Community completely when you commented on the beautiful flowers and plants. "A lot of love" has gone into this entire community (not only the pretty surroundings) and exudes out from it as well. Thanks for your comment and votes.
Brookwood appears to be a very special place indeed, I love the images of the plants and flowers, it look like a lot of love went into them. Voting up and awesome
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Hello D.A.L.,
So nice to see you visiting again and learning more about things on this side of the Atlantic...especially regarding the Brookwood Community. Thanks for your comment.
Once again in your unique style you have shared with us an informative and educational hub., and once again you have given me an insight into your world over there Thank you.
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Hi Ruchira,
Assuredly more places like the Brookwood Community are much needed in many other places. Thanks for your comment, votes and the sharing of this special place.
Such a beautiful tribute to such a special place. I loved how you gave the smallest details and supported it with pix.
I pray that such places come up in every town. It's such a help to the community and people who need it.
Voted up as awesome and sharing it across
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Hi Nell Rose,
It would be wonderful if more places like the Brookwood Community could be built. Of course it obviously takes dedication, good fund-raising, etc. to get it off the ground. Thanks for your comment, vote and tweet.
Wow! Peggy what an amazing and beautiful place! why oh why can't they do this everywhere for special needs people? absolutely stunning, and your hub was amazing and so detailed, voted up and tweeted!
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Hello kashmir56,
Thanks for sharing the information about what the Brookwood Community does and so glad that you enjoyed reading about it and seeing the photos & videos. It is a terrific place!
This is such a great and well written hub and enjoyed the beautiful photo tour through this wonderful community. Well done !
Vote up and more !!! SHARING !
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Hi midget38,
You give me too much credit. The only interaction I have had is to enjoy dining there, buying plants and gifts and writing about this great Brookwood Community. It might be the stimulus for other individuals to use them as a prototype when building their own communities. Thanks for your comment.
Peggy W, thanks for being such a generous person. It takes a lot of patience to interact with those with special needs....and you've definitely done this to a T. May others learn from your example.
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Hello gmaoli,
So happy to hear that you will be planning a visit to the Brookwood Community to see this for yourself. It is an amazing and wonderful place! Thanks for sharing the news about this non-profit entity that is helping so many people.
Wow, this is incredible! The next time I go to Houston, I'll make to make a trip to this community just to see everything. The plant life alone looks breathtaking and so well kept! The people who are cared for and live here must really be happy. If I'm ever in the area and get an opportunity to volunteer my time, I'll happily do that. This is going to be shared! You wrote some great details about this place and the pictures posted look wonderful. Thank you very much for telling us about this.
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Hello healthylife2,
Hope that your nephew is enjoying his life. It truly is nice to be able to help support communities like Brookwood. Appreciate your comment.
I wish I lived closer to Brookwood Community because I would buy some of the beautiful plants and items sold in the gift shop. What a beautiful place for people with disabilities to live and work and become part of the community. I have a nephew with Down's Syndrome so I understand the need for nice places like this.
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Hello Glimmer Twin Fan,
I agree! Additional places like the one at Brookwood Community would be wonderful for more residents who could live there, the resident's families, and the community at large. Hopefully raising awareness of the need for residential communities like Brookwood will effect change, and thank you for sharing and doing your part. With your background, you certainly know the needs which exist.
What an awesome awesome place. I substitute teach in special needs classrooms and volunteer with seniors with special needs so I know how great a place like this must be. It is too bad that there are not more places like this. Voted up and shared!
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Hi Alastar,
Thanks for sharing the good news about the Brookwood Community with others. Some people just might wish to make it a prototype for a similar community of their own. Wouldn't that be nice! Appreciate your comment.
What a wonderful place the Brookwood Community is . So glad to know the 100+ folks are there in this special place. Ms Streit is to be so very highly commended for her efforts on behalf of Brookwood. People with disabilities through no fault of their own are very close to my heart. Beautiful pictures and story, Peggy; shared with pleasure.
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Hello TToombso8,
The feeling of being in the Brookwood Community is so much better than what can be presented in an online article. I hope that you do find yourself in Texas again someday & can check out this marvelous place in person. So glad that you liked this hub. Appreciate your comment.
This place is amazing! I would love to visit and if I ever find myself in Texas again, we'll have to make a special trip to check it out. Thank you for sharing this exceptional place, Peggy!
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Hi Lisa,
Nice to be able to share a bit more information with you about the Brookwood Community. Many people just know it as a fabulous place to dine, purchase top notch plants and gifts. As you say...it is so nice knowing that one's purchases are going to such a good cause. Looking forward to our next visit our there! Thanks for your comment.
You have really captured the essence of Brookwood and it's mission. It is such an inspiring story and always a pleasure to visit. I enjoyed the day we visited and had lunch there last spring! Learning even more about the history of Brookwood in this hub was very interesting. Each time I go, I enjoy the experience, the atmosphere and knowing my purchases are helping promote Brookwood. Looking forward to my next visit!
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Hi P. Long,
I truly think that anyone that goes to the Brookwood Community once makes plans to return. Not only are one's purchases helping a worthy cause, but it is such a cheerful and uplifting place! Thanks for adding your comment to this thread.
Brookwood is indeed a beautiful, amazing community. Have visited it myself and enjoyed a fantastic lunch, brousing in the gift shop and buying beautiful plants. Visiting this community deeply touches one's heart, and it is worthy of all the support it receives, Thanks for sharing Brookwood.
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Hi Cheryl,
You stated that perfectly! Brookwood Community is a wonderful place for all kinds of people...not only the residents who live there. So nice to know that you liked the assembled photos and videos. Let's plan to visit there again in the near future. Thanks for your comment.
A very awesome and inspiring hub. I admire the Streit's for realizing the needs of people with disabilities. Your information on Brookwood Community is very enlightening. Brookwood has a lot to offer all people. Your photos and videos are always great. Awesome hub.
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Hello prasadjain,
I think that the blessings of God are surely shining down on the Brookwood Community and all those who give of their time and efforts to make it operate as smoothly as it does. It is a wonderful place! Thanks for your comment.
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Hi Don,
Perhaps that was in the early days after some of the laws had been passed regarding handicapped people. One law that predated the Americans with Disabilities Act had only to do with government employees. Those signs might have been confusing at first. Now they are commonplace. Appreciate your comment, votes and the share.
What an excellent arrangement they have made! Really they deserve out thanks and blessings of God!
Hi Peggy, This looks like a very interesting and beautiful place to tour. All in all I think things done for the handicapped is a good thing. I do remeber an amusing situation at work though. I worked at the Rock Island Arsenal which is also the home to some Army administrative functions and a variety of both civilian and Army personnel go there for various meeting and functions. I was at a meeting and went to visit the restroom. There was a "handicap" sign on the restroom and a confused soldier asked me if the restroom was restricted to only handicapped. voted up, interesting and beautiful. will share.
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Hi teaches12345,
It is nice to be able to share good news such as this about the Brookwood Community. Glad to know that you liked hearing about it. Appreciate your comment and vote up.
What a great story on this community. It is such a lovely place and has so many interesting services for special need individuals and their families. Lovely hub topic and so descriptive. Voted up!
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Hi Alicia,
Thanks for sharing the information about the Brookwood Community with others. Perhaps similar places will be built in other places just as nice as this one. We can hope! Happy to hear that you enjoyed the description and photos.
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Hello old albion,
Nice to know that you enjoyed the photos that I have taken out at the Brookwood Community. There is certainly some great subject matter to capture with a camera! Thanks for your comment and vote up.
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Hi moonlake,
It is a beautiful place for disabled as well as non disabled people to live. According to one of the videos, one couple chose to retire out there and be there on a full time basis to help the handicapped. Talk about nice folks! They love what they are doing and they will certainly leave a wonderful legacy of dedication to a good cause behind them when they leave this life! Thanks for your comment.
This is a beautiful hub about a wonderful place, Peggy! The photos are lovely. Your hub is a visual treat and is also a great description of a very important community. I will share this hub.
Hi Peggy. Brookwood seems a lovely place to be. You certainly do it justice with this hub.
Your photographs are so good and illustrate the place so well. Well done.
Voted up and all.
Just a really pretty place. How nice to have a place like this for disabled. Great pictures. Voted uP and more.
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Hi Carol,
It would be wonderful indeed if more residential communities like Brookwood could be located in every city across our country. It takes a host of dedicated volunteers and community support to make this possible PLUS a person like Mrs. Streit to spearhead the idea from the beginning to completion and beyond. She must be applauded for her efforts! Thanks for your comment and sharing of this hub to others.
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Hi Billy,
Glad to be able to show you the lovely Brookwood Community. Appreciate your comment.
What a lovely tribute to a lovely place. How wonderful the community supports this residential community. Every city should have one. And a place to take those you love who need help. Voted UP and also shared.
Lovely place; thank you for the tour.
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Hi Stephanie,
It would be wonderful if more places like Brookwood Community are built throughout the United States...and world, for that matter. There is always a need. Hopefully your great niece will eventually be able to live in a warm and caring place such as Brookwood. Thanks for the first comment and also for sharing this with others.
What a beautiful setting for a residential community for special needs people! It's wonderful that the local community supports Brookwood by using its facilities and purchasing plants and gifts there. I have a great niece who will one day need to live in a residential community, and I can only hope that her parents will find a place as beautiful and caring as this one.
As always, your photographs are stunning! Voted up and shared!
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