Community Life Profiles
Hundreds of Central Massachusetts residents with psychiatric and developmental disabilities are leading full and successful lives within their communities because of the specialized programs offered by Alternatives. The best way to understand what these programs mean to them is to read some of their stories of real homes, real jobs and real relationships.
Real Homes
All people need safe, nurturing homes in order to thrive and live healthy, happy lives. Alternatives provides a variety of home-based services including Adult Family Care, Shared Living, Group Living and Supported Living for a variety of individuals throughout Central Massachusetts. Here are stories of some of our residents:
Glenn Hirschhorn
"Glenn's life, qualitatively, has been saved."
| Mike Burt
"I like the person I've become, and I'd like to help other people do that for themselves."
| Raymond Jean
"It was wonderful to see Ray in the play. We're so glad that he is involved in so many things and not just being a spectator."
| Terry Walther
"I love having a social life."
| Tom Dwyer
"Tom Dwyer is a man on the move."
| Jacob Barney
"If left to my own devices, I'm not sure I would have survived.'"
| Betty Ann Walsh
"Betty Ann has blossomed, she's happier now, and that's all we've ever wanted for her.'"
| Elinor Neilson
"It helps knowing that everyone has Elinor's best interests in mind.'"
| Peg George
"I hope that I can rise above the stigma of having a mental illness so that others may not feel oppressed, and we can all have a sense of hope."
| James Wallace
When James came to Alternatives, ... he had nothing but a bag of clothes to call his own. Now he has a job and money in the bank.
| Gail Hisoire
Auntie Gail. That's Gail Hisoire's new title in the Rutz household, and it makes her feel all the more like a true member of the family.
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Real Jobs
For individuals served by Alternatives, having a job or volunteer position can mean freedom to go out into the world and be a part of something larger. It is a sense of pride to add value and be valued. Alternatives' training and employment services present opportunities for people to choose, obtain and keep jobs that match their skills, job readiness and preferences. Examples of individuals served by Alternatives who have benefited from working with companies throughout Central Massachusetts include:
Everett Adams
"This job has really helped him to develop a sense of self-confidence, purpose and to be more responsible in general."
| Donald Roy
"Donald faces life's challenges with both enthusiasm and a sense of humor that we can all learn from."
| Jeanne Tradd
Like millions of other working women, Jeanne Tradd is saving her pennies for a dream vacation.
| Kathy Flamand
"I am proud to say that I am much more independent and have my 'own' life."
| Lenny Mills
"If I can turn my life around, so can you."
| Jacob Barney
"If left to my own devices, I'm not sure I would have survived.'"
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Real Relationships
Alternatives believes strongly that people of all abilities and walks of life are enriched by interaction and friendship with one another. Thus the more avenues individuals have for getting to know one another, the more abundant their lives can be. Our programs provide countless opportunities for creating these social ties throughout a community. Examples of real relationships being forged are many, ranging from the everyday to the extraordinary. Listed here are the stories of some of those we serve who have found such real relationships:
Donald Roy
"Donald faces life's challenges with both enthusiasm and a sense of humor that we can all learn from."
| Margaret Caron
"They have taught me to believe in myself and, most importantly, to know who Margaret is and to accept who I am."
| Mike Burt
"I like the person I've become, and I'd like to help other people do that for themselves."
| Raymond Jean
"It was wonderful to see Ray in the play. We're so glad that he is involved in so many things and not just being a spectator."
| Scott Gates
With the help of Alternatives, Scott Gates is pursuing his artistic dreams.
| Rachel King
"Alternatives taught me to value myself. Am I excited about the future? Absolutely!"
| Michael Bingham
"I never ask him to do anything. He just volunteers."
| Kelly Hancock
"...Kelly quickly became much more than simply another riding trainee."
| Lenny Mills
"If I can turn my life around, so can you."
| Betty Ann Walsh
"Betty Ann has blossomed, she's happier now, and that's all we've ever wanted for her.'"
| Peg George
"I hope that I can rise above the stigma of having a mental illness so that others may not feel oppressed, and we can all have a sense of hope."
| Gail Hisoire
Auntie Gail. That's Gail Hisoire's new title in the Rutz household, and it makes her feel all the more like a true member of the family.
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Listed here are the stories of some Alternatives volunteers who have found such real relationships:
Mallory Kenney
"This experience has gone above and beyond my expectations for an internship requirement and has shown me that with a little bit of hard work and a lot of passion, it's possible to make a lasting difference in the world."
| Dennis Cabral
"I never thought of myself as a volunteer, only as someone who is spending time with a good friend, doing things we both enjoy."
| Willard Banning
"I'm glad I have had a small part in its success. We've all had a great time."
| Maria Thomas
"It is a perfect fit because I get to volunteer through doing something I love to do"
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