UPDATED, Sept. 11: A small transitional program on Lowell Street with a wide reach in Arlington is closing Sept. 30.
Ray Thomas, director of the Young Adult Vocational Program (YAVP), confirmed Wednesday, Sept. 4, that the state Department of Mental Health decision to put the services out to bid affects the program’s overseer, Eliot Community Human Services, in Lexington.
Displaced will be about a half dozen young adults with psychiatric disabilities.
‘Truly saddened’
The decision leaves Thomas surprised and “truly saddened.” He said he has told “his family,” those he and staff serve.
Over the years, he said, the program has made “great inroads” in Arlington, a community he has found to be “very open-minded and generous, with open doors.” He said he felt like his “heart and soul” were in the job.
From 35 to 40 people a year receive services at 60 Lowell St., an industrial-looking area between Gold’s Gym and the bikeway. He estimates 7,000 people in the 27 years he has served there.
Programs in Lawrence and Acton are said to be aiming to provide the services.
Dates to 1980s
The YAVP has been in Arlington since the 1980s. From 1992, when Thomas was hired, until about 2011, it was situated at the former Congregation Church on Pleasant Street. When that church closed and the Boston Church of Christ renovated the building for services, the program moved to Lowell Street.
The program aims to integrate individuals into the community via daily structured groups and individualized support. Groups help build prevocational, vocational and educational skills, as well as daily life skills as they relate to work or school.
Thomas estimated that 75 percent of those served were not quite ready for the competitive world. To help, YAVP offers structure and continuity.
This occurs through peer mentors as well as internships, some of which involved stipends.
Among the connections widening its reach in town, he noted these:
- Meals on Wheels at Senior Center;
- Arlington House of Pizza;
- The Chamber of Commerce, whose neighborly relationships include Big Foot Moving, at in Acton;
- Food link, since its beginning, in 2012;
- Art display at Town Hall, mentored by Arlington artist Mary Hilt;
- Various connections encouraged by Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine; and
- Craig Rabe of the Computer Cafe, called “an incredible partner/collaborator who offered several years of work for our young adults.” Rabe has announced that his 23-year Arlington business is for sale.
Artist comments
Hilt, who has taught at the program for six years, commented Sept. 6: “YAVP is a remarkable program for youth ages 16 to 26. As an art teacher at YAVP, I have seen many young people develop and become more grounded with socialization skills, job development abilities and how to relate more effectively to the world.
“Many of the students at YAVP have been traumatized in the past and are still healing from the effects of that. The staff at YAVP is masterful in dealing with these young people.
“Often their clients go from depression, high anxiety and hopelessness to be out in the world with new talents and newly developed skills.
“Mental health programs for youth are much needed at this time. The program includes music, art, therapy, socialization skills, therapy dogs, physical recreation and job development skills. Making T shirts with positive statements can help to take away the stigma of mental illness.”
State Sen. Cindy Friedman has been asked to comment.
This summary was published Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019, and updated Sept. 11, to add Computer Cafe.
