Residential Services
The Institute’s residential services in Massachusetts offer a spectrum of options that range from specialized small Group Homes that are designed to meet the needs of people with intense and comprehensive needs. Small group homes are an ideal setting for people who depend to some degree on others for company and companionship, and assistance in most aspects of life. Situated in good neighborhoods throughout the north 
central Worcester area, they provide fully staffed round the clock supports to three or four individuals.
In addition we offer individualized shared living or an Individualized Service Option (ISO) for those with an interest in establishing a close connection to a companion or family. For those who prefer greater autonomy and who need limited support, supervised independent living in their own home may be preferred. ISO living is often referred to as “shared living,” or “adult foster care.” At The Institute in Massachusetts, great care and consideration, and often much time, are given to creating a match between the individual who has significant behavioral or medical challenges and the care provider.
For more information please contact:
Lisa Lauretano, Director of Residential Services (978) 343-8392 Email llauretano@ippi.org
Community-Based Day Supports
After young adults leave the world of school, several interesting options await them, whether they continue to live at home, move to a group home or another kind of supported living arrangement. The Institute in
Massachusetts's offers, in addition to competitive employment support, three possibilities, each designed to meet the individual’s unique needs, interests and goals.
STRIVES provides people with an opportunity for work-focused day activities and part-time supported employment while they continue to benefit from a range of clinical and educational supports. Small group and individual instruction helps people make progress quickly.
Community-based, enrichment support options MILESTONES and NAVIGATOR are situated in central Fitchburg and serve as a busy and productive daytime base for individuals who are interested in increasing their adaptive, academic, and work skills, and maintaining a stable group of friends. These programs provide opportunities for people to acquire new skills that permit them to take their place comfortably and productively in the culture and life of a community.
FOCUS is a very specialized community-based day program for individuals who have sensory challenges such as deafness, blindness or deaf-blindness caused by Rubella syndrome, congenital problems or developmental illness. Behavioral support using applied behavioral analysis permits individuals to acquire control over their environment while they reduce behavioral responses such as self-injury that may be harmful to their health, or disruption of the environment that inhibits their access to their communities.
For more information please contact:
Laura Graves, Director of Day Services (978) 343-8392 Email lgraves@ippi.org
Vocational Supports
The Institute many years ago became impressed by the number of competent people receiving services from The Department of Developmental Services who were not given the opportunity of working. What was
missing? Job Path is the outcome of analyzing what was needed to help people prepare for, find, and keep good jobs, and of ongoing collaboration with the Department of Developmental Services. Job Path is more a movement than a program. It demonstrates The Institute’s commitment to helping workers experience the values -- financial, psychological, social -- of competitive employment. Job Path employment specialists are both solid advocates for employees and skilled job coaches who evaluate an individual’s interests, aptitudes and abilities, first, and then assist the prospective employee in an active and focused job search.
For more information please contact:
Michelle Cutting, Project Director (978) 343-8392 Email macutting@ippi.org