Adult Planned Community at Melmark New England, Tewksbury
| “When we look at the individuals we serve who are turning 22, there’s a significant cliff and drop-off in terms of financial resources as well as the number of providers who will serve individuals with profound or severe challenging behaviors and what we’re increasingly seeing is that individuals who have these needs are not able to get access to adult services once they turn 22. Our goal is to develop an infrastructure and model that is site-based on a three-acre parcel and rooted in full community integration and resource-sharing, which will allow individuals to age in place through their whole lifespan with access to retail, public transportation, banking opportunities, etc., and opportunities for continued best outcomes.”
Rita M. Gardner, M.P.H., LABA, BCBA, CDE® |
Video flyover and photos of the proposed Adult Planned Community in Tewksbury, MA.
Project Description
Melmark, a national leader in the human services field, is creating an innovative new adult home and community-based services (HCBS) model. The project will address an ever-growing need in the state of Massachusetts for adult services that are evidence-based and instructional for individuals with profound autism, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. The three- acre site in Tewksbury, MA will include four residences housing a total of 20+ adults, an instructional and vocational day program for 50+ individuals, a vocational coffee shop social enterprise, daily living activities, supports, community engagement, recreational opportunities, and affordable staff housing.
The pilot project kicked off with a groundbreaking in February 2025. With an expected cost of over $15 million, construction will take one year to complete. Melmark’s goal for adult services is to expand the continuum of care to include viable, cost-effective alternatives that enhance the current service choices. With over 750,000 individuals in the United States waiting for HCBS services, this model offers staffing efficiencies and support in the light of the national human services workforce crisis. This intentional community model will provide comprehensive public policy guidelines that can be replicated by other human services providers, leading to another solution to address the HCBS waiting list crisis.
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- Estimated Total Project Expenses: $15M
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- Fundraising Campaign Goal: $5M
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Naming Opportunities
Named spaces are an opportunity to not only support the individuals and families that Melmark serves by creating state-of-the-art environments to learn, work, grow, and engage with each other and the community, but also a way to honor an individual, family member, friend, or organization.
Naming opportunities are available for donations of $10,000 or more and subject to availability.
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- Adult Residences (4)
- Conference Rooms (2)
- Multi-purpose Room (Cafeteria/Gym)
- Work Rooms (9)
- Greenhouse
- Patio/Gazebo
- Entrance Road
- Garden
- Tribute benches
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| Renderings: Cancro Center for Adult Services and Community Campus | ||
For more information please contact:
Ellen Kallman
Director of Advancement
978-654-4371
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