History

Let’s Start From The Beginning

Founded in 1975 as South Central Massachusetts Rehabilitative Resources, the agency began by supporting individuals transitioning from institutional care into community-based homes—the first of its kind in Worcester County.

The organization quickly expanded, opening Massachusetts’ first licensed adolescent group home and pioneering family support services. Over time, the agency grew statewide, developing innovative programs that promoted independence and accessibility.

In 1999, we became Rehabilitative Resources, and in 2015, Venture Community Services—continuing our legacy as a leader in progressive, person-centered care.

In 2024, we expanded further through our merger with Life-Skills of Webster.

Explore the timeline below to see key milestones in more detail.

1900

Standard Practice

People with disabilities are segregated. Laws are passed to forbid them from marrying and some are even sterilized without consent so they won’t have children. Warehousing people in institutions is considered standard practice to keep them hidden from society!

1972

Institutions vs. Community

Debates over institutions vs. community start to arise. A first in the country federal lawsuit charged that the constitutional rights of the residents of the Belchertown State School were being violated because of the deplorable conditions at this facility. These concerns continued to expand to include the other Massachusetts facilities: Wrentham, Fernald, Paul A. Dever and Monson. Transition toward community living begins!

1973

Setting the Foundation

Our Agency is founded by a group of 5 volunteers. They fundraised for two years to purchase two homes in Southbridge, one on Oliver Street and one on Hamilton Street. Both houses were rented out to another local non-profit to provide services. The revenue from these rentals was used to get the agency up and running.

1975

SCMRRI Is Born

In response to the 1973 class-action suits brought against the five State Schools, US District Judge Joseph Tauro issues the historic Consent Decree, which enforces humane standards in the state schools and calls for the movement of thousands of residents to clean and safe community homes. South Central Massachusetts Rehabilitative Resources, Inc. (SCMRRI) is incorporated to meet this need.

1977

Programs Come to Life

The agency hires its first Executive Director to start developing programs for the community living. The first two group operated by SCMRRI are opened. One on Cherry Street in Spencer (for adults) and one on Prospect Street in Webster (for adolescents). The Home Teaching Program, now known as Individual Supports, is also established.

1983

Expansion & Transportation

Transportation services begin throughout the state. People are transported to and from their day programs with funding from the Department of Education. Community residential services continue to expand as more people are moved from Massachusetts institutions. SCMRRI Transportation and Administrative offices are located on Elm Street in Southbridge.

1988

Tech Act Independence

The Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988 is passed. This piece of legislation improved access to funding and increased awareness of the needs of individuals with disabilities for assistive technology devices and services. This provision enabled some individuals to have greater control over their own lives and participate more fully in activities in their homes and communities

1990

SCRRI Moving Forward

The name of the agency is shortened to South Central Rehabilitative Resources, Inc. (SCRRI). Administrative offices are located at Willow Ridge Office Park on Charlton Road in Sturbridge. SCRRI has 17 community residences spanning 8 towns.

1990

ADA Signed Into Law

On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is passed by Congress and signed into law. It is the nation’s first comprehensive civil rights law addressing the needs of people with disabilities, prohibiting discrimination in employment, public services, public accommodations, and telecommunications.

1994

New Levels of Fundraising

SCRRI holds its first charity Road Race to raise funds for communication devices. The race will continue to be held and grow over the next 20 years. Due to limited funding from the state and no cost of living increases for many years, fundraising becomes a way of life for the agency. Many events come and go over the years – including craft fairs, pasta dinners, golf tournaments, motorcycle rallies, and wine and beer tastings.

1999

Expanding in the Commonwealth

The name of the agency is changed to Rehabilitative Resources, Inc. (RRI). The reference to Central Mass is removed to reflect the expansion of services across the state. New community residences are established in Medway, Dedham, Worcester, Palmer and Barre.

1999

Landmark Settlement

The Rolland lawsuit (initiated by Loretta Rolland) settled with intent to move 1,500 people from nursing homes to community services and obtain specialized services for hundreds more. This lawsuit proved that even people with complex medical conditions can live and thrive in the community and paved the way for our medical model homes to be constructed. Loretta would eventually move into the Venture residence located on Main Street in Holden.

2005

More Services, More Space

Agency moves from a 7,500 square foot building at 171 Charlton Road, Sturbridge to a newly renovated 54,000 square foot space located on Picker Road in Sturbridge. This move accommodated the growing number of employees that were required to support more services and the space allowed for increased focus on training and education.

2006

First Day Program Opens

Our first Community Day Program opens in Sturbridge. The program was created to provide a stimulating environment for people with developmental disabilities to explore their interests and learn new activities while receiving the supervised medical attention they may require.

2007

Complex Care at Home

Our first medical model home opens on Hope Street in Fitchburg. The home provides around the clock nursing care to people with complex medical issues allowing them to live in the community instead of in rehab facilities or nursing homes. This shift in care was a direct result of the 1999 Rolland lawsuit.

2009

Meeting Needs in Leominster

The second Community Day Program opens in Leominster to provide services to people in the North Central region of the state. Additional transportation services are also provided in this area in conjunction with the day program.

2009

End the R-Word

The Spread the Word to End the Word campaign began this year to inspire respect and acceptance through raising the consciousness of society about using the k-word. As a result of this campaign and input from advocates, The Department of Mental Retardation (DMR) officially changed its name to The Department of Developmental Services (DDS).|

These actions were key steps in promoting respectful and inclusive language and toward ending the stigma of living with an intellectual disability.

2010

Day Program Growth

The Sturbridge Day Program moves to the 21,000 square foot renovated lower level area of the Picker Road building with a capacity to support 90 people daily.

This transition allows for expanded programming that offers even more choice and opportunity for people with disabilities to include space for outdoor gardening. woodworking, fitness, music therapy, and more.

2015

RRI Undergoes A Rebrand

On the agency’s 40th anniversary, RRI undergoes a major rebranding. The company name is changed to Venture Community Services, a set of core operating values is established and the mission statement is updated: Providing support to individuals facing diverse challenges through a compassionate and dedicated workforce using innovative practices that encourage independence, empowerment, and opportunity.

2015

WBJ'S Top Workplace

Venture is acknowledged as Top Workplace by The Worcester Business Journal for the benefits and wellness programs offered to employees. This recognition had been a strategic goal of the agency and it reflects the change in company culture to be a workplace invested in employee growth and support.

2015

Hoyt Foundation Support

The Hoyt Foundation continues to generously contribute to Venture. Their partnership and support throughout the years has impacted many people living with disabilities.

In December, we were proud to unveil our new multi-sensory environment in our Sturbridge Day Program named in honor of Rick Hoyt.

2016

2016 Employer of Choice

Venture is recognized as an Employer of Choice by The Employers Association of the NorthEast. The Award identifies employers who have created cultures and communities that have become the best places to work. Venture was honored for our focus on
employee recognition, company culture, employee training and unique benefits.

2017

Blackstone Valley Presence

A newly-renovated facility opens at 670 Douglas Street in Uxbridge, our first in the Blackstone Valley region. The building houses both an active community day program for young adults with autism and our forthcoming autism support center that will provide vital support services. The new location is a hub for adaptive yoga classes, social skills groups, and other recreational opportunities for children and young adults with autism.

2020

Stronger Together

During the COVID-19 global pandemic, Venture’s committed teams from across the agency banded together to keep all 40- programs operational while continuing to provide exceptional care. Over 200 employees sheltered in place with residents for two weeks or more while 76% of direct-care employees worked overtime to ensure 24/7 supports.

2022

First of its Kind Program

Our transitional program for young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) opens in Sturbridge. The Venture Advancement Center is the first of its kind program in the region to provide training, education and social skills supports to people with ASD to help them find meaningful employment.

2024

A Stronger Presence

Venture and Life-Skills merger becomes effective on July 1, 2024. The consolidation allows for greater leverage due to scale to attract staff, increase influence, and most importantly, enhance the impact on the community.

2025

50 Years and Counting

Venture provides services in 30 cities and towns in Massachusetts with five offices and more than 1,100 employees. As we look ahead to the next 50 years, the future of Venture is one of growth, leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment. Together, we will continue to build a community where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.