Employment Options, Inc.

CONTACT:

82 Brigham Street
Marlborough, MA 01752
508-485-5051 x222
www.employmentoptions.org

Toni A. Wolf, Executive Director

DESCRIPTION:

Employment Options began in 1967 as “Venture Corporation”, a workshop for adults with mental illness from the former Grafton and Westborough State Hospitals. In 1989, when individuals began transitioning from state hospitals into community “clubhouses”, Venture moved to a manufacturing center in Marlborough, where in 1991 three agencies merged to form Employment Options, the first clubhouse in central Massachusetts. The original workshop continued through the 1990s when it was known as “Options Packaging” and generated more than $100,000 for Employment Options before it closed in 1998. But EO continued to grow—in 2002 extending into MetroWest, in 2004 adding a 10-unit apartment complex for homeless adults, and in 2005 a Family Options program for parents living with mentally ill children. Today EO serves more than 70 individuals every day, with an active annual membership of 300, of whom 50 are placed in the workforce. They have published a book, "Voices of Hope", showcasing 23 inspiring stories of members and staff. Executive Director Toni Wolf has received local and national awards for her work, including the prestigious Rutman award of the International Association of Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services (IAPSRS). This is a difficult field in which to excel, but EO has succeeded, and deserves your support.

(2008: HUMAN SERVICES: Health & Aging: Disabilities: Mental)