As we, Open Door Arts, entered the 2021-2022 school year we were excited to return to in-person instruction and assumed that the greatest impact of COVID on our students and schools was behind us. While we carefully prepared to resume programming in our schools, we did not anticipate the extent of the toll that social isolation, remote learning, and interruptions in services had on our students. 

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and Seven Hills is a leader in providing a path to employment for people we support. This year’s theme is “Advancing Access and Equity”.

YOU, Inc. has been selected by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Office of Sexual Health and Youth Development to provide vital services to expectant and parenting youth ages 14-24 and their families. The Massachusetts Pregnant and Parenting Teen Initiative (MPPTI) model is designed to increase life opportunities for young parents, enhance family stability, and promote housing stability in priority communities.

The Arts are Alive at Seven Hills Rhode Island! The Integrated Performing and Visual Arts Program (IPVAP) program teaches performing and visual arts programming with wonderfully skilled artists from the Trinity Rep. Consortium who are highly experienced in working with people with disabilities.

Michael H. had been employed part-time in the commercial kitchen at Seven Hills Foundation at Hope Ave. prior to the pandemic. After resuming day programming with his return to onsite services, Michael was not immediately able to return to his prior employment.