Expanding Community Access in Hopedale

Building a community creates meaningful relationships and opportunities—and Seven Hills ASPiRE! is doing just that in Hopedale, Massachusetts. The newly renovated building at 150 Charles View Road is the newest location for ASPiRE! Community-Based Day and Employment Supports (CBDES), a program of the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS). ASPiRE! CBDES enables individuals with developmental disabilities to develop, enhance, and maintain competency in a full range of personal, social, and community activities. The 40 people enrolled at ASPiRE! Hopedale are building a vibrant community of friendship, learning, and career path exploration.

On June 15, ASPiRE! Hopedale participants and staff celebrated the program’s opening. Family members, friends, and town and state officials learned about the program and toured the new facility. 

ASPiRE! Hopedale is the fifth program location in Massachusetts, and welcomes participants from across southern Worcester County. Many have recently transitioned from their school systems to continue their love of innovative lifelong learning.

Tim Johnson, vice president of Seven Hills ASPiRE!, spoke about the new Hopedale site:
"Guided by the vision and leadership of Haylee Ouellette, program director, our Hopedale ASPiRE! program is earning its reputation as a preeminent provider of creative community-based programming, directed by the input and preferences of program participants...Some participants engage in group-supported employment with community partners such as Hutchinson Aerospace & Industry and National Grid, while others enjoy guided art workshops at the Worcester Art Museum in preparation for community art shows...The move to Hopedale allows ASPiRE! to enhance the day supports provided and expand our capacity to support more individuals and further deepen our many community connections."

One’s health and happiness are linked by their connections. Participants are encouraged to explore their interests and have found the place to create their path—ASPiRE!

Photo: Program participant, Mishka, at program's opening with family

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