Developing Abilities Employment Supports

Developing Abilities Employment Supports, offered through MetroWest Works in Natick, Westborough, and Northborough, provide community-based day supports designed to prepare individuals for meaningful paid work. Our programs focus on skill development, fostering positive work attitudes, and providing hands-on experience across various community tasks and settings.

With small, community-oriented centers, participants have multiple daily opportunities to practice and refine their work skills in real-world environments, paving the way for successful and sustained employment.

Person in apron holding tray of decorated cookies in kitchen.
At a Glance
Helping individuals develop essential employment-related skills and successfully navigate various work environments to secure and maintain meaningful, competitive employment.

Age

22+

Gender

All

Referrals

MA DDS

Capacity

Capacity

125 individuals across four sites
Employment Supports

We offer a range of employment options for individuals with significant learning needs eager to develop marketable skills and secure meaningful employment. Our programs are supported by partnerships with local community businesses and resources, focusing on Competitive Employment, Group Employment, and Community-Based Day Services, all funded by DDS. 

These services help individuals traditionally excluded from the competitive job market to discover their strengths, refine their skills, and sustain employment. We provide transportation to our four locations in Natick, Westborough, and Northborough, as well as individual travel training and transportation to competitive jobs as needed.

Over the past thirty years, our Employment Supports have expanded from a small summer jobs program into four centers offering diverse employment services. We have also operated several social enterprises, including the Hot Diggity Dog food truck, a gift basket business, The Lunch Express café and catering service, and Full Circle ARTS.


Competitive Employment

Our Competitive Employment program helps individuals identify marketable skills, secure jobs, and successfully transition to work. We offer ongoing support in managing work schedules, transportation, and job responsibilities. Our participants work in various fields, and one individual was even named "Employee of the Year" at a large national corporation where they have been employed for over 10 years.

Group Employment

The Group Employment program emphasizes teamwork, a critical job skill in today's economy. Participants work at local businesses, gaining experience in meeting job expectations, interacting with co-workers and supervisors, and performing essential job functions with the support of a job coach.

Community-Based Day Services

Community-Based Day Services engage participants in activities that enhance work-related skills, including communication, social and interpersonal skills, and self-advocacy. Small groups, led by Employment Specialists, participate in meaningful volunteer work, skill-building activities, and various interest-driven recreational, fitness, and social-skill-building activities.

Our Team

No team members found.

One of the many people we support was chosen "Employee of the Year" at the large national corporation where he has worked for over 10 years. He was not singled out for having a disability; he was recognized as superior among all employees.

Frequently Asked Questions
Referral Information

Referrals come from the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Disabilities.

Let's Connect

Charity Madili Konate

Director of Day Services

(508) 872-0669, ext. 2207

[email protected]

1671 Worcester Road, Suite 100, Framingham, MA 01701

Request More Information
Request More 
Information

For assistance determining which programs or services will meet your needs, please fill out the form below. Our service navigator will reach out by phone, text, or email. If you have a question regarding a particular program, please contact the program director listed above.

Please note that this form is not HIPAA-compliant. We urge you not to include protected health information.

Request More Information

For assistance determining which programs or services will meet your individualized need, please fill out the form below. Our Service Navigator will reach out to you about your inquiry via phone, text, or email. If you have a question regarding a particular program, please contact the Program Director listed in the “Let’s Connect” box above. 

Please note that this form is not HIPAA compliant.  We urge you not to include protected health information.

What is your preferred method of communication?


Request More Information
Request More 
Information

For assistance determining which programs or services will meet your needs, please fill out the form below. Our service navigator will reach out by phone, text, or email. If you have a question regarding a particular program, please contact the program director listed above.

Please note that this form is not HIPAA-compliant. We urge you not to include protected health information.

Request More Information

For assistance determining which programs or services will meet your individualized need, please fill out the form below. Our Service Navigator will reach out to you about your inquiry via phone, text, or email. If you have a question regarding a particular program, please contact the Program Director listed in the “Let’s Connect” box above. 

Please note that this form is not HIPAA compliant.  We urge you not to include protected health information.

What is your preferred method of communication?


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