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Developing Abilities Willow Tree Day Habilitation

Willow Tree in Natick and Northboro, Massachusetts, offers active treatment programs that focus on helping adults with significant learning needs, including those with autism, chronic health conditions, and mobility challenges, gain new abilities and enhance their rehabilitative outcomes. Our programs are designed for transition-aged adults and others who benefit from a personalized, small-group approach emphasizing community integration and active engagement in meaningful activities.

Two people painting and laughing together.
At a Glance
Providing innovative, community-based day supports in small groups to help adults with significant learning needs develop valuable skills, enhance their quality of life, and achieve their personal goals.

Age

22+

Gender

All

Referrals

MA DDS

Capacity

Capacity

Willow Tree Natick and Willow Tree Northboro each have a capacity of 55
The Willow Tree Approach

At Willow Tree, we believe in helping individuals with significant learning needs develop meaningful adult roles through creative and personalized practices. Our approach combines frequent, integrated community activities with therapies designed to improve your functioning and enjoyment of life. We partner closely with you, your family, and other service providers to ensure our supports align with your goals, helping you reach your full potential.


Willow Tree Participants

Participants at Willow Tree seek to improve various aspects of their lives, including social skills, self-care, communication, physical health, and mobility. Our small, focused program is highly appreciated by those with autism, chronic health conditions, and those transitioning into adulthood. Friends, family, secondary schools, the Department of Developmental Services, and the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission often refer participants to us. Basic services are funded through MassHealth Insurance.

Willow Tree Services

Willow Tree offers a rich schedule of activities and services, including:

  • Physical, Occupational, and Speech and Language Therapies: Targeted therapies to improve mobility, communication, and daily functioning.
  • Self-Advocacy Training: Empowering participants to make informed decisions about their lives.
  • Positive Behavioral Supports: Techniques to encourage positive behavior and personal growth.
  • Studio Arts, Animal Therapy, Music, Swimming, Yoga, and Fitness: Engaging activities that promote mental and physical well-being.

Innovations at Willow Tree

We are proud to lead in several areas:

  • Technology and Communication: Utilizing the latest tools to enhance interaction and learning.
  • Transitioning to Employment: Supporting participants in gaining skills and confidence for the workplace.
  • Supporting People with ASD: Tailoring our approach to meet the unique needs of those on the autism spectrum.
  • Improving Independence: Fostering greater autonomy for individuals with health, behavioral, and mobility needs.

Our Resources

At Willow Tree, participants benefit from:

  • Engaged Program Staff, Nurses, and Clinicians: A dedicated team providing personalized care and support.
  • Friendly Environments: Safe, welcoming spaces that encourage growth and learning.
  • Accessible Vehicles: Enabling daily community activities and outings.
  • Strong Community Relationships: Collaborations with local organizations that enhance our programs.
Our Team

No team members found.

Frequently Asked Questions
Referral Information

Referrals come from the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Disabilities.

Let's Connect

Louise Jeffy-Dennis, MSc., MA., PhD

Director of Developing Abilities

508-745-0069

[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?
Teen Parenting Program
Teen parents are referred to Teen Parenting Programs by DTA. If you have a DTA worker please reach out to them. If you do not have a DTA worker please follow the below instructions. 

How to Get a DTA Worker in Massachusetts
If you need to speak with a Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) worker — whether for benefits, SNAP Path to Work, or employment services — there are several ways to connect with them.

1. Call the DTA Assistance Line
      Phone: (877) 382‑2363
      Hours: 8:15 A.M. – 4:45 P.M.
      This is the main line for general DTA inquiries, but note that DTA has been experiencing high call volumes and may hang up on some calls due to staffing shortages MassLegalHelp.

2. Use DTA Connect
      Visit the DTA Connect website to report changes, view notices, and get updates.
      You can also use the DTA Connect mobile app to manage your account and communicate with staff Mass.gov.

3. Contact Your Local DTA Office
     Find your local office’s phone number in the DTA office directory or by calling the Assistance Line. Go in person during business hours for in-person interviews or to speak directly with a caseworker MassLegalHelp.
 
IRTPS
Referrals for IRTPs come from Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities, and services are funded through the Department of Mental Health. Please connect with your referring physiatrist or inpatient provider.
Employment Verification
JRI has partnered with EmpInfo to provide all verifiers (lender, bank, mortgage company, etc) with employment verifications through a fast and secure connection!

1. Verifier visits www.empinfo.com or 1-800-274-9694
2. Verifier follows process to register by selecting “verify now”
3. After registration is complete, verifier can obtain verification by entering the following details in the EmpInfo portal:
- Company Name: Justice Resource Institute, Inc.
- Social Security Number
- Authorization Code (if verifying income, you must obtain an
Authorization Code directly from the employee).
4. Verification of employment is immediate! If you run into any issues or need further assistance, please contact EmpInfo directly at 1-800-274-9694.
Record Request
Please click here to submit a record request. 
Referral Status
For an update on the status of your referral for community-based services (In-Home Therapy, Therapeutic Mentoring, In-Home Behavioral Services, Outpatient Therapy or our Community Services Agencies), please reach out to Lori McGahan, [email protected]. 
Job Application Status
To check the status of your application log back into the UKG account you created when applying. You can view active applications under 'My Presence' then clicking on 'Applications'  If you have any further questions please contact [email protected].


Check Status
Educational Advocacy
Please click this link for more information on how to access educational advocacy resources.


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?
Teen Parenting Program
Teen parents are referred to Teen Parenting Programs by DTA. If you have a DTA worker please reach out to them. If you do not have a DTA worker please follow the below instructions. 

How to Get a DTA Worker in Massachusetts
If you need to speak with a Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) worker — whether for benefits, SNAP Path to Work, or employment services — there are several ways to connect with them.

1. Call the DTA Assistance Line
      Phone: (877) 382‑2363
      Hours: 8:15 A.M. – 4:45 P.M.
      This is the main line for general DTA inquiries, but note that DTA has been experiencing high call volumes and may hang up on some calls due to staffing shortages MassLegalHelp.

2. Use DTA Connect
      Visit the DTA Connect website to report changes, view notices, and get updates.
      You can also use the DTA Connect mobile app to manage your account and communicate with staff Mass.gov.

3. Contact Your Local DTA Office
     Find your local office’s phone number in the DTA office directory or by calling the Assistance Line. Go in person during business hours for in-person interviews or to speak directly with a caseworker MassLegalHelp.
 
IRTPS
Referrals for IRTPs come from Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities, and services are funded through the Department of Mental Health. Please connect with your referring physiatrist or inpatient provider.
Employment Verification
JRI has partnered with EmpInfo to provide all verifiers (lender, bank, mortgage company, etc) with employment verifications through a fast and secure connection!

1. Verifier visits www.empinfo.com or 1-800-274-9694
2. Verifier follows process to register by selecting “verify now”
3. After registration is complete, verifier can obtain verification by entering the following details in the EmpInfo portal:
- Company Name: Justice Resource Institute, Inc.
- Social Security Number
- Authorization Code (if verifying income, you must obtain an
Authorization Code directly from the employee).
4. Verification of employment is immediate! If you run into any issues or need further assistance, please contact EmpInfo directly at 1-800-274-9694.
Record Request
Please click here to submit a record request. 
Referral Status
For an update on the status of your referral for community-based services (In-Home Therapy, Therapeutic Mentoring, In-Home Behavioral Services, Outpatient Therapy or our Community Services Agencies), please reach out to Lori McGahan, [email protected]. 
Job Application Status
To check the status of your application log back into the UKG account you created when applying. You can view active applications under 'My Presence' then clicking on 'Applications'  If you have any further questions please contact [email protected].


Check Status
Educational Advocacy
Please click this link for more information on how to access educational advocacy resources.


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JRI's intensive residential treatment programs, clinics, and community-based services are accredited by the Joint Commission. JRI's residential schools, group homes, day habilitation and Huntington at Symphony are accredited by CARF.
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