History

In its 35 years of existence, Alternatives has grown from a three-program agency serving just 26 people with 15 employees to a 55-program agency with a $35 million budget and a staff of more than 600 dedicated professionals serving about 1200 people.

From our founding in Uxbridge, we have evolved into a major provider of services throughout the Blackstone Valley as well as in Greater Worcester, Greater Milford, Fitchburg/Leominster, and Wrentham/Plainville areas. We now offer an unparalleled slate of services to hundreds of people with developmental and/or psychiatric disabilities.

Many of our staff members have been with us since our early years, facing the challenges of growth with an unwavering commitment to the people we serve. We are proud of our record of integrating people into the community by giving them the skills and support needed to achieve success. With our help they attain real jobs, real homes and real relationships in the communities in which they live, work and play.

Our rapid expansion proves to us the need for Alternatives and its services and underscores the success of our vision of redefining community. Despite our size, we have retained the core values of compassion and community involvement on which we were founded.