Human Services Provider Viability, Inc. to Relocate, Expand Programming With Help From MassDevelopment Bond
November 26, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
Louisa Stone, MassDevelopment, 617-330-2089 & 857-283-3340 (cell)
lstone@massdevelopment.com
Missi Richardson, Viability, Inc., 413-584-1460
mrichardson@viability.org
MassDevelopment has issued a $2,140,000 tax-exempt bond on behalf of Viability, Inc., a Northampton-based human services provider for individuals with disabilities and other disadvantages, which is using bond proceeds to buy and renovate a 19,982-square-foot building at 123 Interstate Drive in West Springfield. At the new building, Viability expects to serve approximately 165 clients through its day habilitation program and its employment program, which will relocate from 287 High Street in Holyoke. Renovations will include expanding building entrances, adding and removing interior walls, renovating bathrooms, replacing roofs and flooring, upgrading lighting, repaving the parking lot, landscaping, and constructing a patio, sidewalks, and a pavilion. Florence Security Corporation, a subsidiary of Florence Bank, purchased the bond.
“Viability, Inc. is committed to helping individuals of all abilities become valuable contributors to our community and workforce,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Lauren Liss. “As the state’s finance and development agency, MassDevelopment is proud to support Viability’s mission and equally excited to help the organization finance a new home for its important programs.”
Viability was created in 2017 from the merger of Community Enterprises, Inc. and Human Resources Unlimited, Inc. Both organizations were founded in the 1970s as innovative programs located at the former Northampton State Hospital and Belchertown State School, respectively, with a focus on helping people with disabilities build their vocational skills. Viability is headquartered in Northampton and continues to be a pioneer in delivering services to individuals with disabilities in Massachusetts and across the country. With a staff of more than 500 individuals and 37 service locations, Viability’s wide range of services includes employment training and placement services, community living and recreation programs, day habilitation and residential treatment programs, and pre-employment and transitional services.
“Viability, Inc. is very appreciative of the support provided by MassDevelopment to make our day habilitation program expansion a reality,” said Viability, Inc. Chief Financial Officer Pamela Zagorski. “I am especially grateful to Frank Canning, Vice President of Investment Banking, for taking us through every step of the process.”
MassDevelopment, the state’s finance and development agency, works with businesses, nonprofits, banks, and communities to stimulate economic growth. During FY2019, MassDevelopment financed or managed 316 projects generating investment of more than $2 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are estimated to create or support 9,743 jobs and build or preserve 1,992 housing units.
