Our Services (select a service)
Our Services
Autism Supports & CBDS Program
Venture Advancement Center – Realizing Possibilities
Services are based out of our offices located at 1 Picker Road, Sturbridge
For more info contact: Francesca Rafferty
Program Overview:
The Venture Advancement Center benefits young adults (18+) in the central Massachusetts community who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD / ID / DD). This transitional program focuses on assisting with the training, education and social skills required to find meaningful employment. In general, engagement in meaningful work provides a host of benefits in addition to compensation and self-sufficiency. Most people, regardless of ability, will derive a sense of purpose from their work.
The Advancement Center also has a Community Based Day Supports (CBDS) component for individuals with intellectual and other disabilities. CBDS focuses on meaningful community activities to help individuals reach their personal goals. Including volunteering, wellness programs, skill development, interpersonal skills and more.
The program can be customized for participant’s needs:
- Clinical Support – Venture provides structured, ongoing work-related social skills training led by a Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst with extensive experience supporting individuals with ASD. Our clinical team conducts comprehensive assessments to identify personal goals and potential challenges, developing individualized treatment plans tailored to each participant’s needs. Goals may include emotional regulation, coping strategies, receiving and applying feedback, teamwork, active listening, following rules and procedures, and self-regulation. Sessions are conducted both one-on-one and in group settings.
- Competitive Employment – Participants gain valuable job training through Pathful, a virtual platform that allows them to explore career interests, complete assessments, watch instructional videos, and engage in interactive assignments. In addition, hands-on support is provided for resume building, job searching, application assistance, and interview preparation.
- Job Coaching – Each individual receives personalized job coaching based on input from their employer and program staff. Coaching plans are designed to gradually fade support over time as the individual gains confidence and independence in their role.
- Community Based Day Supports – This program emphasizes leisure activities, volunteer work, community engagement, career exploration, and job readiness. Volunteer placements help participants develop essential workplace skills such as time management, social interaction, and job commitment. Community outings provide education on financial literacy, transportation, weather safety, local resources, and appropriate social behavior.
Community Programs
Venture Community Outreach Team sponsors free sensory friendly events for kids with autism and other special needs throughout the year like: adaptive yoga classes, a halloween event, magic shows, movies and more. For more information on these events please contact Kelsey Mondor at 774-922-1135