Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $18.3M in Grants for Respite Initiatives

(BOSTON – 05/15/2023) Last week, the Healey-Driscoll Administration awarded $18.3M to organizations and communities across Massachusetts to create or enhance services that provide short-term relief to family members or primary caregivers of individuals with complex needs. Seven Hills Family Services, an organization offering services in Worcester and throughout Massachusetts, has been selected to receive a $520,273 grant to support their programs.

The 42 awardees demonstrated innovative strategies to deliver person-centered respite care in new or enhanced ways. The funded proposals will support caregivers with reprieve as they care for individuals with chronic or other health conditions, disabilities, or functional limitations.

Funding may also support addressing workforce needs of home- and community-based service providers and ensuring improved access to services that are sensitive to diversity and inclusivity. Award amounts range from $40,000 to $1.2 million.

“Individuals with disabilities and chronic health conditions can sometimes have complex needs that require round-the-clock attentive care,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “Seven Hills Family Services offers critical respite programs for individuals throughout the Commonwealth, allowing caregivers the opportunity to rest and recharge. I’m happy to hear that the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services have allocated funds to support these vital services.”

“So many people in our state act as primary caregivers for others every single day,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Kate Walsh. “It is important to provide these caregivers with the opportunity to rest, while still ensuring continuity and high-level quality of care that is both culturally and linguistically appropriate to those who rely on them.”

Grant funding comes from Medicaid Home and Community Based Services under the American Rescue Plan Act. In 2021, Massachusetts created a plan to use the federal funding for enhancing, expanding, and strengthening home- and community-based services as well as behavioral health services.

Recipients include: 

  • AgeSpan, Inc.

  • South Shore Support Serv Inc.

  • Mystic Valley Elder Services, Inc.

  • Lynn ADHC, LLC

  • Opportunities for Inclusion

  • The Arc of Bristol County

  • Federation for Children with Special Needs

  • Senior Care Inc

  • Home for Little Wanderers, Inc.

  • Southwest Boston Senior SRVS

  • LUK Crisis Center, Inc.

  • Metrocare, LLC

  • Advocates Inc.

  • Boss Lady Sister LLC

  • People Incorporated

  • Childrens Hospital Corporation

  • Tri-Valley Inc.

  • Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Inc.

  • Town of Dennis

  • Archangels

  • Grow Associates Inc.

  • Town of Burlington

  • Mental Health Association

  • Bay Cove Human Services Inc.

  • Alzheimer’s Family Caregiver Support

  • Lifepath, Inc.

  • Martha’s Vineyard Center for Living

  • Charles River Association For

  • The Arc of Greater Plymouth

  • City of New Bedford

  • Town of Bourne

  • Toward Independent Living & Learning

  • Seven Hills Family Services Inc.

  • Northeast Arc, Inc.

  • Premier Home Healthcare of MA

  • WestMass Eldercare Inc.

  • Incompass Human Services

  • Emissary Health, Inc.

  • Riverside Community Care Inc.

  • Magnifique Health

  • East Point ADHC LLC

  • House of Possibilities Inc.

###