Alternatives Unlimited

NORTHBRIDGE

Alternatives Unlimited is a nonprofit service provider for people with developmental or psychiatric disabilities who live in the Blackstone Valley.

The organization was founded in 1976 and offers a wide range of services to over 600 men and women, many of whom were institutionalized for much of their adult lives. Beginning in 2001, Alternatives began to close its sheltered workshop facilities in accordance with its goal of ending the isolation of its clients from the larger community. Alternatives then initiated a variety of community-building efforts, such as developing community gardens, sponsoring art exhibits and opening community meeting space. Today, Alternatives provides its clients with employment, residential, clinical and transportation services.

In line with its commitment to engage the community with its clients, Alternatives began to look for a headquarters building, which could accommodate a range of functions and activities. The organization acquired and renovated the Whitin Mill complex located on the Mumford River in the Blackstone Valley. The multi-use community center serves as Alternative’s corporate offices, provides housing units, and includes gallery and performance space as well as a restaurant and function room. The renovation includes many aspects of green technology including solar and geothermal energy.

In 2007, Alternatives needed additional financing to support its ambitious renovation plans. The Life Initiative recognized that the Whitin Mill Redevelopment embodied many aspects of community development including key community services, job creation, increased affordable housing opportunities and use of innovative green technology. TLI was able to assist Alternatives by providing second mortgage financing for the project.