At the Charles River Center, we provide programs and services for over 950 children and adults with Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities. We serve families from many communities including Needham, Wellesley, Natick, Framingham, Newton, Dedham, Sharon, Waltham, Roslindale, and many more.
Our programs are organized into four divisions:
- Employment Services
- Day Habilitation
- Residential Services
- Family Support
There is often much cross-over between the different
divisions, however. For example, an
individual may live in a Charles River staffed home and attend our Day
Habilitation program during the day. Or
an individual may live with family at home, but may attend our Employment
Services program and attend Family Support outings on the weekends.
Whatever your needs, the competent and caring staff at the Charles River Center will work with you to create a plan that works best for you and your family.
Employment Services
Assisted by job coaches, many participants in this program are placed individually or as a member of a crew in jobs within a variety of community businesses. Others participate in Opportunities and Visions, an integrated work and community inclusion program. Job training and employment are at the forefront, but individuals also volunteer in the community, exercise at the YMCA, take computer and cooking classes, and take part in other meaningful activities. All
individuals are encouraged to explore career interests and develop skills for
future job placements.
Day Habilitation
Available to adults with complex needs, these programs offer
physical, occupational, speech and music therapies with full-time nursing
supervision. Participants focus on maximizing daily living skills, volunteerism
and engaging activities such as cooking, computer use, music, arts and crafts
and fitness.
Residential Services
Charles River provides housing to adults with developmental
disabilities in Needham, Newton, Wellesley, Natick and other MetroWest
communities. Assistance varies from
intensive staffing for some residences to intermittent assistance for
individuals living in their own apartments.
Individuals are assisted with meal preparation, personal care and
hygiene, and social skill development.
All are encouraged to develop friendships in their neighborhoods and to
participate in community events.
Family Support
This division offers a broad range of recreational programs,
advocacy services, educational seminars and a multitude of resources to
participating families. From after
school and vacation programs for children to extended day recreational
activities for adults to the Ellie Bloom Olympics for all, Family Support
empowers families with information, helps them network with community resources
and provides support and relief from the constant care required by a child or
adult with a developmental disability.