Grant Supports MAB's Training and Rehabilitation Center in Westborough

October 15, 2024; Westborough, MA—There are day services designed for people with intellectual disabilities but few for people with brain injuries. MAB Community Services (MAB), a statewide nonprofit organization and rehabilitation services provider, supports both distinct populations in living full and satisfying lives.

“In the last few years, we’ve put increased focus on giving participants the skills they need to become as independent as possible,” said Barbara Salisbury, CEO of MAB Community Services. “The Training and Rehabilitation Center (TRC) is part of a range of programs that can help our participants achieve goals that wouldn’t have been possible before.”

Last year, MAB’s Adult Disability Services division created and opened the TRC in Westborough, a unique program for people with brain injuries. MAB’s TRC serves MassHealth-eligible participants from the Commonwealth’s Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) and Moving Forward Plan (MFP) Waivers. Unlike other programs, MAB’s TRC offers an array of classes and services under one roof that support building independence, including physical and occupational therapy; employment services; social recreation activities; and educational classes. Participants from Central MA and Greater Boston sign up for 3-hour blocks of services during a 12-week cycle that meet their needs and interests.

After enrolling the first 25 TRC participants, MAB gratefully accepted a $43,325.00 grant from the Miller Innovation Fund, offered through the Herman and Frieda L. Miller Foundation. This grant partially funded the TRC’s operations while the program enrolled more participants.

The Training and Rehabilitation Center now has 52 participants and will soon add nighttime and weekend programming. In recognition of the TRC’s positive impact and growth, MAB received a second $43,325.00 grant from the Miller Innovation Fund, to use as needed.

“Nonprofit organizations rarely receive funding to innovate and experiment,” said Shaun Kinsella, Director of New Business Operations for MAB’s Adult Disability Services division. “That’s why we’re so grateful to have received two consecutive Miller Innovation Fund awards. MAB is committed to changing human services delivery systems in ways that help people with disabilities navigate challenging circumstances and live full lives.”

Heather was one of the first MAB TRC participants. Eight years ago, a motorcycle accident left her unable to speak, walk, or care for herself. In August 2022, Heather moved from a locked rehabilitation facility to a MAB Adult Disability Services community-based home serving participants with brain injuries. Now she speaks, eats solid food, and walks. Heather was one of four Adult Disability Services participants to share their journeys during MAB’s October 2023 Annual Meeting and recently celebrated her daughter’s wedding.

“It’s the simple things,” Heather said. “You can’t imagine how wonderful it is to go to the kitchen and make yourself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.”

Heather’s rehabilitation progress is remarkable. She continues to work hard and achieve new goals. Heather’s occupational therapist helps her practice exercises that build strength in her left hand. This summer, Heather began a new role with MABVoc’s janitorial business. She now cleans and organizes the TRC in the evenings with her 1:1 employment specialist.

“There’s no expiration date on rehabilitation,” Shaun Kinsella explained. “With the right support, there’s always hope.”

For more information about MAB’s TRC, please visit http://tinyurl.com/ADSTRC or email wtrc@mabcommunity.org.

MAB Community Services (MAB) is a statewide nonprofit organization that annually supports nearly 2,000 people with a variety of disabilities in living full and satisfying lives. Now celebrating more than 120 years of service, MAB has three divisions: the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (since 1903), MAB Adult Disability Services (since 1973), and Ivy Street (since 1993). To learn more, please visit www.mabcommunity.org.

MAB Adult Disability Services (ADS) provides residential supports, community living supports, transitional assistance, community-based day services, and vocational services for people with intellectual disabilities and brain injuries. MAB ADS operates 30 community residential homes in Greater Boston and Central Massachusetts; offers community-based day services and vocational services; the Community Living Supports program; and the Training and Rehabilitation Center. Visit www.mabcommunity.org/adult-disability-services to learn more.