Alternatives, a well-respected nonprofit human services agency headquartered at 50 Douglas Road, Whitinsville, was the featured program of the Sutton Woman’s Club February meeting at the Sutton Senior Center. Executive Director Dennis Rice of Alternatives spoke passionately about his agency that he’s been associated with for 33 years. He explained that his agency serves both people with developmental disability and mental illness within 45 programs throughout Central Massachusetts. In his Power-Point presentation, Dennis stressed how, as with each of us, having a certain skills set and proper support ensures success. Persons with disabilities want to be successful just like the rest of us. “We want our clients to have opportunities for a meaningful role in the community--to have a purpose in life.”

Dennis referred to Christopher Reeves and how he had to face an “emotional recovery” after his horseback riding accident that broke his neck and paralyzed him. Reeves said that, because of this accident, he found “more purpose in life as a spinal-cord research advocate than in his previous 40 years.” During his last 9 years of life, he offered “hope” as Reeves took on a “meaningful role as advocate” for others. It is the same for the people Alternatives serves in overcoming their disability.

In referring to the Paul Whitin Mill, built in 1772, he said that the 37,000 square feet four-building brick complex has been transformed into a cultural arts center where it hosts art exhibits, artisan space, and theatrical performances at its Singh Performance Center. It also provides space for an employment program for adults with developmental disability. Dennis expects, in time, for the mill to offer an upscale restaurant where citizens can come and enjoy a good meal with a water view. The mill is a proponent of “green” and operates its site with a combination of solar, geothermal, and hydropower energy. “Operating with hydroelectric power, our agency saves $65,000 a year, which goes right back into our programs.” He also noted that Alternatives Career Center in downtown Uxbridge has also become a popular site for art shows and offers employment services. It also has a boardroom that overlooks the Mumford River. Alternatives “maintains a highly motivated, committed, and competent workforce” that helps 550 adults begin each day with a personalized plan to improve their lives.

The Executive Director then introduced Peg George of Worcester, someone served by Alternatives, who told her touching story about having been a social worker at Worcester State Hospital and ended up “being on the other side” when she was admitted as a patient at the hospital a number of years ago. “I was frozen in fear, I heard voices and I lay in bed and lost everything.” With the help of “special people” like Alternatives’ counselor, Yvette, who got Peg to take walks to strengthen her legs and told her she was a “child of God and important as a person,” recovery became possible. The youngest of 7children, her father a lawyer and her mother a legal secretary, she grew up like any other kid doing “fun things” with her friends, swimming in the pool and lake and “loving childhood.”

She earned her bachelor’s degree from Anna Maria in 1978 and eventually earned her master’s in social work from the State University of New York. She got married and eventually worked at Worcester State Hospital. Before her illness, she had to face a divorce and her world started falling apart and she lost her job. It was at that time that she was admitted to Worcester State Hospital for an evaluation and was admitted to a residential program.

Today, Peg is independent and walks everywhere, takes the bus, cooks, cleans and feels like “I have broken through!” She is now an active member of a local clubhouse, a member of the Worcester Lyceum, Alternatives Advocacy Council and Alternatives’ Board of Directors. “I am once again making an impact on other people’s lives.”

At the end of the presentations, Dennis invited members of the Sutton Woman Club to take part in Alternatives’ 24th annual “Valley Friendship Tour” on Saturday, May 30th, a fundraiser which helps clients obtain “real homes, real jobs and real relationships they deserve.” The funds collected through pledges are used to improve the lives the agency serves. Anyone who has interest in forming a team can contact Hung Pham at (508) 234-6232.