Our Organization

A Message from the Chairperson...

Riverside Industries exists to support individuals with perceived limitations and typical ambitions. While its innovation has led to growth and the success of many clients over the past 40 years the current economic climate and funding cuts from the state threatens their ability to flourish.  Funding projections would decrease support for the types of services Riverside provides by millions of dollars and could result in hundreds of people losing existing support throughout the state. 

RSI has never been an organization to sit back and it will not do so now.  In 2010 they will launch a Major Gifts initiative whose success will depend on the generous support and action of benefactors from the communities in which our clients live. 

 A successful campaign will allow Riverside to:

Provide services for families living in over 30 cities and towns in the Hampshire, Franklin, and Hampden counties, as well as providing a vibrant atmosphere and home to many local artists at One Cottage Street.

Continue to have a social impact by building self esteem, fostering personal worth of clients which in turn strengthening our community’s character. 

Ensure economic growth and stability both by employing clients and providing workers to local businesses and deriving revenue through the marketing of new and innovative products.

The goals of the Major Gifts Campaign are to: 

Work towards being green and environmentally aware by installing 600 new energy efficient windows that will save RSI $40,000 annually in energy costs and allow it to deploy those funds to support its mission. 

Sustain the arts program that has enriched so many and provides an outlet for creativity, growth and discovery and has the potential of producing creative products to market.

Use its innovative and creative nature to attract new capital funds thereby
securing its future.

These are lofty goals to be sure but ones which are not daunting to the spirit of the Riverside family or the community that has supported its success for so many years.  Come and take a tour of RSI, feel the passion and get involved.  There are many ways that you could help that are as unique and individual as each of its clients, their family members and our collective community.  

For it is in giving that we receive.
St. Francis of Assisi

...and from the President

Riverside’s services are flourishing despite these difficult economic times. Funding has diminished but not our spirit. Riverside continues to take on new ventures. Our ability to be forward thinking and successful is due to the dedication and hard work of so many people: the people who receive supports, Riverside’s energetic employees, our many volunteers, the community that we rely on, an exceptionally supportive Board of Directors, to name a few.

Riverside Arts is launching a business which produces items for sale, that are decorated with transfers of art images, created by the artists who participate in Riverside Arts seminars. We will be participating in many craft shows this year.

Employment Services is doing quite well considering the economy and Massachusetts’s unemployment rates. Four people have secured jobs in the community for the first time in their lives! One hundred percent of people who are employed in the community have retained their jobs this fiscal year. Riverside’s Assembly and Packaging Division is busier with more work this quarter than last’s.

Life Enrichment has had a year full of exciting volunteer opportunities with senior centers, survival centers, food banks, nursing facilities, and animal shelters. It has also expanded our alternative therapies by engaging a music instructor.

Transportation has twenty-three vehicles on the road transporting 200 people. It logged more than 600,000 miles this past year. Our safe-driving techniques were enhanced through newly acquired training seminars.

New budget cuts from the state are looming, but Riverside is still financially stable. As we move forward, we plan to keep the momentum going with new ventures, improved supports to our clients, and financial strength. 

Deborah Thomas, MSW, MEd.
Spring 2010