Alternatives Unlimited, Inc has formed a new partnership with North Central Human Services (NCHS) to provide more comprehensive services for the citizens of the Greater Gardner area. North Central Human Services will be a subsidiary of Alternatives as of July 1. NCHS will continue to provide much needed mental health services to the area through their clinic.

This past spring, the Department of Mental Health put out to bid its residential contracts in Northern Worcester County and Alternatives was fortunate to be awarded all of them. This included the contracts operated by NCHS.

The NCHS board subsequently approached Alternatives to explore the possibility of affiliating and a partnership was formed. “This new partnership with Alternatives will allow North Central Human Services to continue as a vital part of the Greater Gardner community,” said Robert W. Anderson, Board Chairman of NCHS. “Our board of directors sought out this affiliation in an effort to both preserve client services and retain jobs in the community.”

“We are excited about providing more services in the Gardner area in addition to our existing programs in Fitchburg and Leominster,” said Dennis H. Rice, executive director of Alternatives. “We look forward to a seamless transition as both organizations form a strong partnership.”

Alternatives will provide all Mental Health residential services along with 3 DDS/DMR residential programs and run the Chrystal Clubhouse, while NCHS will continue to operate the Mental Health Clinic for Gardner and the surrounding communities.

Alternatives Unlimited, Inc. is a non-profit agency currently serving over 1000 adults with developmental and psychiatric disabilities in 55 residential, employment and day programs throughout Central Massachusetts. For more information about Alternatives, visit our website, www.alternativesnet.org.