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A place for everyone: several years ago Alternatives Unlimited, Inc., had a big problem--a 32,369-square-foot problem to be exact.

Article Excerpt
The provider of employment, housing, and day habilitation services for people with psychiatric and. developmental disabilities in central Massachusetts couldn't find a buyer for an old mill complex it had used as a sheltered workshop since the 1970s. In 2001, the organization moved its employment programs into storefront locations in the community and implemented public-outreach programs at these career centers. For example, Alternatives created an art gallery at its Uxbridge location. By inviting the community in, Alternatives increased public understanding of and interest in its mission and created more opportunities for social integration for the people it serves. In fact, employers began approaching Alternatives with job opportunities for its clients.

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So the organization dared to dream big and wondered if it could replicate the concept on a much larger scale by turning the mill (built in 1826) and several other historic buildings into a place everyone could enjoy and where people with disabilities could have opportunities to further integrate into the community.

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Five years after the planning began, last May Alternatives held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Whitin Mill complex, an environmentally friendly arts center that now houses:

* Alternatives' headquarters

* Three two-bedroom apartments for people with psychiatric and developmental disabilities

* An employment program

* A theater and artisan spaces

* Museum and educational spaces

* Space for a 60- to 70-seat restaurant

The campus's name pays homage to the Whitin family and the industrial companies they operated at the mill and in the area through the mid-20th century. With the project Alternatives believes it is helping to redefine the role of human services providers in their communities.

"We are creating a new paradigm in human services that emphasizes community building, that generates reciprocity, and converts real estate capital, the mill, into what [Harvard professor] Robert Putnam calls 'social capital' for the people we serve but also for the larger community," explains Alternatives Executive Director Dennis H. Rice, who views the mill complex as "an inclusive community treasure for the whole region to enjoy."

Building support

With such a bold concept, though, did come concern that Alternatives would drift away from its core mission. Former board member Scott Rossiter wasn't sold on the project right away.

"I just thought, 'Look, you guys are going to take your eye off the ball here. You have a mission of serving people. All of a sudden you're going to become real...