B2 Community Care recently hosted the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Greeters networking event at the Yard Food Park in Salem. The local business community gathered to learn about B2 Community Care’s mission and its impact on individuals with disabilities. Co-owners Baylee and Blair Goldstein, along with Regional Employment Specialist Katie Goltz, shared the story of their organization’s rapid growth and the ways it provides crucial services in Salem and surrounding areas.
B2 Community Care started just six years ago with a small team and big ambitions. Co-owner Baylee Goldstein, the Creative Director, explained how she and her husband Blair, who also co-owns the company, didn’t foresee how quickly their vision would grow into the thriving organization it is today.
“We have 63 employees. We have three divisions. We operate out of Yamhill, Polk, and Marion, and Washington County. We have six facilities, and it is a lot of work companies only as good as its staff, and our staff members are amazing,” Baylee shared. From caregivers and program coordinators to job coaches and employment specialists, B2 Community Care has built a strong workforce dedicated to helping others.
The organization is divided into three key divisions: Day Support Activities (DSA), Supported Employment, and Residential Services. Each of these services is designed to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, giving them the skills, confidence, and community connections they need to thrive.
B2 Community Care’s Day Support Activities program is a highlight of their work. Baylee described it as a place where individuals’ goals and interests shape the schedule of activities, all of which are designed to foster social interaction and personal growth.
“Everything we do comes from the clients,” Baylee emphasized. “Without them, we wouldn’t have a job. Our activities are all about making sure they’re having fun and reaching their personal goals.”
The Day Support Activities program offers a diverse range of options, from community outings to creative and recreational activities. For example, B2’s annual prom brought together over 130 people for a joyful celebration. Local businesses also play an important role in their programming, with outings to places like Elsinore Theatre and regular visits to The Yard Food Park.
B2 ensures that each activity is not just enjoyable but also helps individuals work toward their personal objectives. For some, that means socializing and making new friends. For others, it might be working toward independent living or preparing for employment.
One of the most impactful aspects of B2 Community Care’s work is its Supported Employment division. Katie Goltz, the Regional Employment Specialist, explained how the program helps individuals with disabilities find meaningful employment in the community.
Katie shared that the employment process starts with a simple but powerful goal: helping individuals find jobs that match their skills and interests. “We start with career exploration, where we take individuals out into the community and give them a chance to learn about different jobs,” she said.
Career Exploration allows clients to spend time in various workplaces, learning what different jobs entail and identifying their own strengths. “Career Exploration is probably one of my favorites,” Katie added. “It is funded through VR, and it’s to find the individual’s hidden talent, strengths, and gifts. This service is really good for individuals who have never had a job or are looking for a career change”
Once an individual is ready, B2’s employment specialists guide them through resume building, interview preparation, and job applications. What sets B2 apart is their commitment to long-term success. Their job coaching program ensures that after clients are hired, B2 continues to offer support on the job. “We are like a helping hand on the job, especially in the beginning,” Katie said. “Our goal is to help them become independent, and we’re there every step of the way.”
B2 Community Care has built strong partnerships with local businesses to ensure that individuals have real-world opportunities. One standout example is their partnership with Willamette University, which has consistently welcomed B2 clients into their kitchens to learn valuable job skills.
“Willamette University has been an incredible partner,” Katie said. “They allow our individuals to come in and learn by doing, which gives them hands-on experience and builds their confidence.”
Katie encourages more businesses in the Salem area to get involved. “We work with a wide variety of individuals with different skill sets, and we’re always looking to match businesses with the right candidate. From working interviews to company tours, we can help make that connection,” she said.
B2 Community Care also operates several residential homes for individuals who need assistance with daily living and mental health support. Blair Goldstein discussed the organization’s approach to residential living, which focuses on community engagement and social integration.
“Our residential homes follow the same philosophy as our other programs,” Blair explained. “We aim to involve our individuals in the community as much as possible, helping them build connections and lead fulfilling lives.”
In addition to their residential services, B2 recently expanded into mental health care. With a grant through Senate Bill 1548, B2 launched a behavioral health hybrid model in Kaiser, one of only three programs of its kind in Oregon. This grant-funded program focuses on providing much-needed mental health services to individuals in the community, and the team is excited to continue expanding their offerings in this area.
By the end of the year, B2 will also launch a 501(c)(3) nonprofit sister company to further their mission through fundraising and grants. They plan to open a mental health clinic in Dallas, Oregon, by the fourth quarter of next year.
With six years of rapid growth under their belt, Baylee and Blair have no plans to slow down. The team at B2 Community Care is constantly looking for new ways to serve the community and expand their impact.
Baylee summed it up perfectly: “Everything we do is for our clients. They’re the reason we’re here, and we want to keep finding ways to help them succeed.”
As B2 Community Care continues to grow, their commitment to the community remains strong. Whether through their Day Support Activities, employment services, or residential care, they are making a real difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities—and in the broader Salem community as well.
About B2 Community Care
B2 Community Care is a state-licensed agency providing Day Support, Employment Opportunities, and Group Home services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They focus on offering person-centered, inclusive care that helps clients thrive in their homes, jobs, and communities. B2 promotes socialization, life skills, and job skills to empower individuals, fostering an environment of support and fun. Their services aim to unify individuals of all abilities while encouraging personal growth and independence.
For more details, visit B2 Community Care.
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