Click here to apply for DDS SERVICES
Sunshine Village is a remarkable community where people with developmental disabilities are given opportunities for growth, outlets for creativity and the chance to discover their own niche. We support people of all ages through a wide range of programs that teach life skills, foster independence, promote wellness and give everyone the chance to realize their potential.
On any given day, we can be found gardening, doing yoga, working on resumes, conducting a science experiment, stitching a quilt, reviewing recipes or balancing our bank accounts. On other days, we might be going over workplace safety, taking pictures or discussing our most recent book club pick.
We’re able to do amazing things, thanks to the dedication and compassion of our stellar staff, more than 275 professionals who are focused on the goal of making every day a great day for the people we serve. Our staff recognizes the unique needs and personalities of each individual we work with, and we understand that one size, one lesson, one way of doing things does not fit all. We tailor our services to each individual’s needs, always to provide the appropriate amount of necessary, structured therapy while giving everyone room to grow and a chance to shine.
Life Engagement Services
We offer four MassHealth-funded day programs in Agawam, Chicopee, and Three Rivers. Available to individuals 18 and older, these structured, therapeutic programs are focused on enhancing functional life skills. Individual plans address independent living and self-care areas of need, in addition to nurturing social and interpersonal skills. Clinical services provided include on-site nursing, master’s level clinicians, and indirect occupational, physical and speech therapies.
Community Based Services
Designed for individuals 18 and over with more complex needs, the CBDS career track assists those who want to work but still need additional services and preparation. Our CBDS programs provide workforce-readiness training to strengthen concepts such as professionalism, teamwork, problem solving, social skills, communication, self-motivation and other soft-skills, with a strong emphasis on self-advocacy. Our people are able to apply these skills at volunteer positions with community-based organizations. Days are balanced out with physical exercise, arts and culture, and technology, both on our campus and in the surrounding community.
Employment Services (benefit for clients)
A chance to contribute, a sign of self-sufficiency, a sense of accomplishment—having a job is one of the most meaningful experiences for all of us. Sunshine Village’s Employment Service Division, including our commercial cleaning company, gives individuals 18 years and older opportunities to earn wages in a variety of settings and models. Partnering with businesses and organizations throughout the region, we provide on-the-job training and additional supports to help each individual continually develop their skills.