Our History
| Riverside Industries, Inc. was founded by a small group of families in 1968, a time when the civil rights movement in the U.S. expanded to include people with disabilities. The neaby town of Leeds donated two abandoned school buildings to Riverside for 50 cents. Riverside created a small manufacturing business to employ young adults with developmental disabilities. Community members were engaged in renovating the buildings and offering financial support. The Kennedy Foundation was also a source for capital funds. Many local businesses and manufacturing plants provided the work opportunities for Riverside clients.
Durning the 70′s, when integration and inclusion was at the forefront, peope were ”de-institutionalization” from Belchertown State School and returned to their communities. From the early 70’s until 1982, Riverside was also a residential program. In 1976, Riverside purchased One Cottage Street, in Easthampton, MA, from J. P. Stevens for one dollar. It was 165,000 square feet of open space! People coming from institutional living settings had a range of physical and cognitive challenges. Many were not able to work. Riverside responded with Day Habilitation services in 1981 to offer personalized therapeutic care in a communal setting. Now, in it’s 45 year, Riverside provides individualized services combining life skills development, rehabilitation, and employment options for more than 260 adults living with developmental disabilities from 33 towns in the tri-county region. Riverside also offers a wide range of innovative therapies and programs, including music, art, farming, yoga and other movement classes. |
|