MILLBURY — HMEA (Horace Mann Educational Associates), a progressive human services provider that supports individuals with developmental disabilities, autism and behavioral challenges today announced an October 26 ribbon cutting of its new $3.3 million facility that will offer employment programs, day habilitation and community-based day services for 130 individuals with disabilities. The event will take place at 10 am and will be hosted by the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce.
The 16,000 square-foot facility located at 6 Latti Farm Road will also feature a community bottle and can redemption center which will be open to the public in January 2013. This program will provide recycling and refund services, as well as job training and employment for individuals participating in HMEA’s Employment Program, which offers people with disabilities the opportunity to pursue meaningful employment and volunteer positions in the community.
“This is an exciting opportunity to offer individuals with developmental disabilities the chance to work, learn, socialize and volunteer, and really become a part of the vibrant Millbury community,” said Michael Moloney, HMEA’s CEO. “Our new redemption center will provide employment and training opportunities for the individuals we serve, but it will also provide an important service to town residents.”
The new facility’s Day Habilitation program will provide specialized services, including on-site nursing, speech and language therapy, as well as physical and occupational therapy and activities like Zumba and Yoga to build strength and provide a variety of other health benefits. Participants in HMEA’s leased Worcester Employment Program and Sutton Day Habilitation Program will relocate to the new Millbury center which is owned by HMEA.
State and local officials, community leaders, and individuals served by HMEA and their family will celebrate the opening of the new building. The state-of-the-art center was completed months ahead of schedule by general contractor FW Madigan Co., Inc. of Worcester and financed by Fidelity Bank.
“I am pleased to have The Millbury Center opening its doors here in my hometown and I am sure they will be successful in their mission to provide habilitation and employment support services to their clients,” said Senator Michael Moore, who will attend the opening of the new building.
Furnishings and specialized equipment for the center was made possible in large part to the Remillard Family Foundation with a onetime grant of $100,000.
“We are all extremely thankful to the Remillard family for this generous donation which allows us to purchase the precise therapeutic, orthopedic and ergonomically correct equipment for the program and will promote the independence of the individuals supported there,” said Doug MacPherson, HMEA’s Vice President of Development and Public Relations.
“The Remillard Family Foundation is proud to support HMEA and its critical mission,” said Arthur Remillard of the Remillard Family Foundation. “Our grant to them will help with the purchase of specialized furnishings and equipment that is necessary for the individuals with developmental disabilities who will be attending their programs.”
Other generous donations supporting the program included:
- Webster 5 Savings Bank
- Millbury Savings Bank
- BJ’s Charitable Fund
- Millbury Federal Credit Union
- Grafton Suburban Credit Union
- Bay State Savings Bank
HMEA supports 2,700 children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families in more than 110 Massachusetts communities. HMEA, with headquarters in Franklin, affirms and promotes the values, dreams and potential of people with developmental disabilities through education, support and life experiences.
About the Chamber
The mission of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce is to promote the economic vitality of the Blackstone Valley and meet the needs of the Chamber’s business members, while providing leadership on issues which impact the economy and quality of life in the Valley. The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce serves the eleven towns in the Massachusetts BV Region: Blackstone, Douglas, Grafton, Hopedale, Mendon, Millbury, Millville, Northbridge, Sutton, Upton and Uxbridge. For more information on the Chamber please contact administrator@blackstonevalley.org or call 508 234 9090 X101.
