Worcester Business Journal Special Editions

6 Seven Hills Foundation M ary Altomare became involved with WAARC after her son, Michael, was born in 1961, and diagnosed with Down syndrome. "Her vision for her child was that Mike would learn to interact in the community, that he would have a job of some sort, and that he would learn to care for himself as much as possible," said John Altomare, Mike's brother, and long-time member of the Board of Directors at Seven Hills Foundation. "At that time, there was a prevailing sentiment that these children should be sheltered. And there were several parents, my mother included, who were just going to turn that thought process upside down. They were going to immerse their children in the community and get as much life into them as they possibly could." Mary's efforts paved the way for community acceptance. "She's the reason things are much easier for those of us who came after her," he said. "She had an idea of the way she wanted these children to be introduced and immersed into the community. And she did it in a very persistent but graceful way. She was lucky enough to have a number of other parents with the same type of vision and that really catapulted the work." At Seven Hills, Mike lives in a residential setting where he receives excellent care. John Altomare cited the warmth, dedication, and passion with which his brother is treated and applauds Seven Hills for providing that care. WAARC opened Malboeuf Respite House, the first Respite Care facility in Massachusetts. Here, children or adults with disabilities could stay while their families received much- needed personal time. In 1980, Karen Reynolds joined the WAARC workforce as a direct support professional for Malboeuf House. In 1985, Barbara Andersen tapped Reynolds to be the residence director of the second respite facility, e Fitchburg House, which served an estimated 120 families in the North Central area. Reynolds is now in her 43 rd year of service at Seven Hills and currently serves as assistant vice president at Seven Hills Community Services. She reflects on Respite Care as that pivotal point for families caring for a loved one with disabilities. "Many of our families didn't have the luxury of being able to go on a vacation and leave their son or daughter with professional staff," Reynolds said. "We did our best to provide a family-like environment and to make sure they felt safe and secure while away from their families." SKILLS AND JOB TRAINING Once the residential homes became operational, Andersen contemplated ways in which the residents of those homes could learn work skills in a safe environment. WAARC developed sheltered workshops, which taught basic skills and then expanded into more personalized and enhanced skill sets. With newly acquired job skills, people were able to find employment with local retailers. ese stores found that individuals with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities made fastidious, punctual, and thoughtful employees. In addition to job training, WAARC began to offer programs focused on educational, employment, reproductive, medical, and personal rights. WAARC's Occupational Training Center, 81 Hope Ave., Worcester, 1988 Holden Landmark, Malboeuf Respite House Article, 1985

• Cover