The 1970's
In 1975 The Incentive Community evolved from a program at the state hospital and became a separate corporation called, Incentive Community Enterprises, Inc. (better known as ICE). With the establishment of this new corporation headed by Executive Director Dan Loux, the company took over a sheltered workshop located in the basement of the main administration building of the state hospital. These first few years led to the foundation of innovative programs that have been replicated throughout our region, many of which still exist today. Early grants from the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) allowed the organization to hire new professional staff to further develop rehabilitation services in Holyoke and Greenfield, Massachusetts. Two service divisions were born ICE employment services and AIM community living services.

The 1980's
With the 1980's we had a new leader Joseph Campbell and a new direction. With Dr. Campbell's leadership the organization took a bold step forward and created a plan and model of service delivery to close down its sheltered workshops and institute a community based employment model for all consumers. The organization moved from the grounds of the Northampton State Hospital to 441 Pleasant Street. The AIM program model was refined to a natural network of support for people with mental illness. Key elements of this model include "Home-share Providers", "Assisting Neighbors" and "Volunteer Companions". State institutions like the Northampton State Hospital began to close and there was a tremendous influx of resources for community-based services and the agency grew throughout the region. Services grew throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. The annual budget swelled from $400,000 in 1980 to just over $5 million dollars by the end of the decade. In 1989 the agency changed its name to Community Enterprises.

The 1990's
A new subsidiary was created to help augment governmental funding. Dependable Business Alternatives, a temporary staffing business began operating at our corporate headquarters in Northampton, Massachusetts. Two of our employment partners Big Y Foods and Custom Packaging gained recognition from the Massachusetts Governor William Weld as employers of the year for their work in hiring individuals with disabilities. The AIM programs had two major developments: Community Enterprises was awarded a grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for a dual-diagnosis house for individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues. A beautiful home was purchased in Pittsfield, Massachusetts and renovated for this program. The Springfield AIM self-directed household moved into a great home in one of Springfield's prominent neighborhoods. In 1997 the organization saw a leadership change when Dick Venne was promoted from Sr. Vice President to President/CEO as Joseph Campbell moved back to California. As the 1990's came to an end the organization had three major developments, the acquisition of an community based supported living services organization named RISE in East Hartford, and the expansion into Long Island New York, and the affiliation with Greater Boston Rehabilitation Services. The annual budget had doubled from $5,000,000 in 1989 to $10,000,000 by 1999.

The 2000's
Community Enterprises (CE) continued to grow through the assumption of Greater Boston Rehabilitation services in Cambridge. One of our employer partners, Six Flags New England was the recipient of two major awards this year. In July they were awarded the National Employer of the Year award from the Association of People in Supported Employment (APSE). In October, CE received the employer of the year award from Massachusetts Governor A. Paul Cellucci. Community Enterprises, Inc. was selected by the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities to receive the "Best Practices Award" for its education and employment programs for people with disabilities. Community Enterprises was awarded a Disability Employment Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration. The Log Cabin Meeting and Banquet House of Holyoke received the Employer of the Year award from Massachusetts Governor Jane Swift.

Starting in the basement of Northampton State Hospital over 30 years ago, the organization has continued to grow and thrive as a vibrant non-profit offering community-based employment, housing and education services to individuals with disabilities through a regional network of 15 offices. The agency's services are well received and respected by its many stakeholders. Service funding comes from over 100 different state contracts. Additional resources are generated through fund-raising and business activities. Most of these services are licensed by the state and the agency is accredited in Community Employment Services, Job Development, Job-Site Training, Job Supports, Community Services and Community Living Services by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. With a budget fast approaching $16,000,000.00, a clearly defined mission, strong community support and a willingness to take risks Community Enterprises is well prepared to meet the needs of our consumers and funders. The future will bring advances in technology and programs that will only further enhance the quality services we will be able to offer our consumers.