Blue Water Center for Independent Living (BWCIL) - Port Huron, Bad Axe, Caro, Lapeer, Sandusky, MI

Location: Port Huron, Bad Axe, Caro, Lapeer, Sandusky, MI.

BWCIL is part of a state and national network serving people with disabilities. On the state level, we have a board of directors, participate in committees, share ideas, address public policy issues with our legislators, and seek funding to build the network.

On the federal level, many of us belong to the National Council on Independent Living. This group monitors and encourages advocacy on federal legislation, as well as the policy that governs federally funded centers like ours across the US.

Our organization is staffed and managed by a majority of people with disabilities. We serve people with any type of disability, including some that may be “invisible,” such as learning disorders. Instead of focusing solely on the disability, we address the needs of the whole person to achieve a more balanced life. And unlike many organizations, we’re here to support the community as well as the individual.

Everyday Services

• Information & Referrals

• Advocacy Services

• Peer Support

• Independent Living Skills

• Transition Services

Veteran Services

Project Home is a Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) grant funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The focus of the SSVF program is veteran housing assistance. Veteran families must be homeless or at risk of being homeless in order to qualify. Click here to find out more information.

Youth Services

BWCIL offers programs geared toward youths preparing for employment, independence, and community connections. We can help you with: working toward GED credentials, computer skills, career assessments and counseling, resume and interview support, college and training program information and help offer financial support and incentive for reaching education and career goals. Click here to find out more information.

Housing Services

ESG is a housing program through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority and can assist homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless assisting families with rental costs, eviction notices and/or utility shut-off notices. The program is available in Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac and Tuscola Counties. Click here to find out more information.

Nursing Facility Transition Services

The Nursing Facility Transition Program is a program ran by Michigan Department of Community Health and Medicaid Services.  This program assists individuals who choose to leave the Nursing Facility and explore Community Living options. The NFT program assists individuals on Medicaid residing in a nursing facility with a number of activities and needs.  These needs vary per individual but can include: Housing, Furniture, Household supplies and Groceries. Click here to find out more information.