New MABWorks Opened

The new Adult Disability Service vocational program MABWorks location opened in February 2014, allowing for the program to expand to potentially double in size. This move will allow MAB ADS to welcome new individuals to both its MABWorks and MABHab day habilitation programs, and strengthen programming in each.

“The new space will allow each program to have their own separate identities and also allow each program to accept new referrals as we receive them,” says Anne Carey, ADS Director of Day Services & Quality Management.

Years ago MABWorks used to be a sheltered workshop model and in 2010 transitioned to become a community based day program, offering on site vocational opportunities, community volunteering, social and recreational activities in the community and career planning and development. In 2010 MAB also opened the new line of day services in MABHab programming which has allowed individuals who attend to work on independent skill acquisition along with health care oversight, nursing and occupational, physical and speech therapies on site.

MABHab and MABWorks had expanded from 26 people served in 2010 to 70 by 2013, filling building occupancy capacity at the old joint location. In need of more space to grow, MAB decided to develop a nearby building’s space to become the new MABWorks location.

“It’s a light, bright and open space with lots of natural light within a multi-business building,” says Anne. “We’re hoping to develop community partnerships with our neighbors and job develop for the people we serve!”

Having its own space has already had a wonderful positive effect of the people MABWorks serves and the MABWorks staff team, Anne says. “I can see a sense of pride, ownership and positivity on the faces of everyone!”