Pathlight (Formerly the Association For Community Living)

Founded in 1952 by five mothers of young children with developmental disabilities, Pathlight was the first organization in Hampden County dedicated to serving individuals with intellectual disabilities. These women shared a dream that their children would live and grow as valued members of their communities, despite the fact that this vision challenged prevalent societal expectations that people with developmental disabilities were best separated from their families and placed in institutions. Together, these mothers and their families joined forces in Western Massachusetts and beyond to  create a movement designed to create opportunities, build relationships, and improve lives of those with developmental disabilities. They recruited friends, neighbors, local businesses, and community organizations to help. Since then, Pathlight has continued to pioneer innovative programs designed to meet emerging needs. Family-based Living (originally called Specialized Home Care) was founded in 1974. This was the first program in Massachusetts to recruit families to open their homes for children and adults moving out of institutions. The program was replicated statewide and evolved into the shared-living model that is popular today. Later, Pathlight created group homes for developmentally disabled people with complex medical needs, some of whom had spent years in nursing homes having their medical needs met, but little or none of their life needs met. Pathlight also offers an array of family services for children with developmental disabilities. Now, over 60 years later, Pathlight serves all of western Massachusetts and northern Worcester County. We do this by providing for the evolving needs of those in our community with developmental disabilities, throughout the expanse of their lifecycle. Whether enrichment and skill-building classes or educational advocacy, employment or family support, Pathlight seeks always to help each individual realize their fullest potential.