HRU Vision

To provide high quality community rehabilitation for individuals who have disabilities or are otherwise at a disadvantage to access employment, skills training, and community resources. We will excel at creating and supporting employment options that incorporate individual goals and promote full inclusion into the community.

HRU Mission

To seek out knowledge and opportunities to the implementation of innovative pre-employment and employment services. To maximize opportunities for the personal growth and independence of disabled and disadvantaged people. To provide information and technical resources to businesses, organizations, and individuals.

HRU Board of Directors

Officers:

• William B. Marsh, Chairman
• Henry Rigali, Vice-Chairman
• John Ernst, Treasurer
• Francis Fitzgerald, Secretary-Clerk

• Timothy J. Marini, Chairman Emeritus
• Edward Wytrych
• Charlene Smolkowicz
• Patrick Leary
• Joel Morse
• Thomas F. Crogan
• Thomas Bienkowski

The Year in Review

Thirty-seven years ago, HRU began on the grounds of Belchertown State School. On March 17, 1970, Carval Workshop was created in memory of Mrs. Stanley T. Carle and Rod S. Valliere, Jr. for their lengthy volunteer service. At that time, we were a vocational training service for individuals with mental retardation, providing work experiences to the residents of the School. We recognized the power that meaningful work and a sense of community had brought to these individuals, and noted the same need in adults with mental illness. With that in mind, twenty years ago, we started one of the first clubhouse programs in this area. Now celebrating our 37th Anniversary, HRU has transformed and continued to grow to meet the ever changing needs of individuals with disabilities.

Letter from the Chairman of the Board and the President:

"This was a year where we had solid program outcomes, instituted some key initiatives and began to make necessary changes that we expect to pay long term dividends.

As we reflect on our positive performance and instituting program and department improvements, it felt like we worked particularly hard this year to get those results. In part because we had unanticipated events such as turn over in key positions, multiple funding source reviews and accreditation visits, as well as addressing some long standing issues that just required us to put our heads down and work. For example we upgraded all of our facilities and implemented new systems to keep them and our equipment in top notch shape, and we reviewed our vendor agreements and put many out to bid to either cut costs or improve service. In addition, we redefined the core components of our clubhouse services to emphasize employment and education. All of these were necessary and positive changes that have added value to the organization.

We also had some fun this year as we held our first ever Board of Directors strategic planning retreat as well as our first full staff development day. These activities allowed us to launch a number of initiatives, such as instituting a centralized job placement acquisition system across the agency, resulting in reducing our cycle time to place individuals and increased placements. This initiative will go a long way in increasing the job placement competency and creating opportunities throughout the agency. We also purchased the assets of Custom Packaging and added its President to our staff to lead the charge in increasing the amount of work available for members as well as to upgrade our commercial operations to offer greater value to our customers. We initiated housing services for a select number of homeless members of our Star Light Center program in Northampton. We reached out to provide additional targeted mental health services for young adults (ages 18-25) in Springfield and Westfield. We also launched Workforce Alternatives, an evaluation, placement and follow-up services program for Springfield area individuals on welfare in need of employment. As we continue to grow in depth and size, we will continue to focus our efforts on key strategic initiatives that will allow us to improve every year."