History
Venture Community Services was originally incorporated under the name South Central Massachusetts Rehabilitative Resources in 1975, following the movement toward de-institutionalization for people with developmental disabilities. A group of citizens began their journey by fundraising for two years to purchase two properties that would serve as community-based residential programs for individuals transitioning out of institutional settings. These two homes became the very first residential programs in Worcester County for people with disabilities transitioning from Belchertown State School.
After the success of their first two homes, the group decided to begin their own company and offer other services. The agency opened a group home in Webster, which became the first licensed adolescent group home in Massachusetts. The agency also started the first family support in-home teaching program in Worcester County.
The agency continued to grow, opening more residential programs across the state.In 1999, the agency shortened its name to Rehabilitative Resources, reflecting the expansion of its services across Massachusetts. The organization continues to increase the number of programs offered to accommodate this growth and has been leading the way in designing and constructing handicapped-accessible homes. Over the years, the organization has continued to develop new programs that promote independence and a higher quality of life for individuals with disabilities, such as Supported Employment, Adult Foster Care, Shared Living, and Individual Supports.
In January 2015, Rehabilitative Resources officially changed its name to Venture Community Services. This update reflects the agency’s ongoing commitment to innovative growth initiatives that will ensure individuals and families have access to opportunities they deserve. It also represents the agency’s commitment to remaining an industry leader in providing compassionate and cutting edge supports to individuals and families across Massachusetts.
In July 2024 Venture merged with fellow provider Life-Skills of Webster. Click here to learn about the history of Life-SKills, Inc.
Venture Community Services Timeline
1900’s
People with disabilities are segregated. Laws are passed to forbid them from marrying. Warehousing in institutions continues.
1972
Debates over institutions vs. community. Belchertown State School federal lawsuit – deplorable conditions for people with disabilities. Eventually other facilities including Belchertown, Wrentham, Fernald, Pal A Dever and Monson folded into a Consent Decree. Transition toward community living starts!
1973
Our Agency founded by a group of 5 volunteers. They fundraised for two years to purchase two homes in Southbridge—Oliver Street & Hamilton Street. Both of these houses were rented out to another local non-profit. The revenue was used to get the agency up and running.
1975
Agency Incorporated as South Central Massachusetts Rehabilitative Resources, Inc. (SCMRRI)
1977
First two group homes opened—Cherry Street in Spencer (for adults) & Prospect Street in Webster (for adolescents). 16 people were supported. Also began Individual Supports (home teaching program) serving 25 people.
1983
Transportation Services begin.
1990
Name changed to South Central Rehabilitative Resources, Inc. (SCRRI)
1999
Agency name changed to Rehabilitative Resources, Inc. (RRI)
2006
First Venture Community Day program opens in Sturbridge.
2007
First Venture medical model home opens on Hope Street in Leominster. The home provides round the clock nursing care to people with complex medical issues allowing them to live in the community.
2009
2nd Venture Day Program Opens in Leominster.
2010
Rosa’s Law signed by the US Legislature. Replaces the word Mental Retardation with Intellectual Disabilities.
2015
RRI undergoes rebranding—name changed to Venture Community Services. Services include Adult Foster Care, Day Services, Community Residences, Transportation, Shared Living, Supported Employment, Individual Supports, Youth & Family Services—plans to expand to provide more autism supports and behavioral day services. 670 Employees | $31 million revenue | supporting 300 people across the state.
2017
Venture joined fellow providers Open Sky Community Services, LUK, Inc., Center for Living & Working, Elder Services of Worcester Area and AdCare to create Central Community Heath Partnership (CCHP). CCHP is part of a statewide system aimed at helping members of MassHealth with care coordination services.
2021
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
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.