ANDY’S PLACE A Community of Optimism and Hope

Written by 5 Healthy Towns Foundation staff

The Community Action Agency of Jackson provides job training and employment services through collaboration with local business owners and manufacturers.

“This circle of hope gives individuals the chance to live productive and full lives,” says Hirst. “I remind our residents that it doesn’t matter what you did last year, or even last month – what you are doing today and tomorrow to improve your life and live your potential will be your legacy.”

The apartments are currently at capacity, but two more buildings will break ground this summer. One will support pregnant women in their recovery from addiction; the other will support those seeking recovery who are not part of Recovery Court.

Andy’s Angels is a non-profit foundation formed to educate the community on opiate abuse and provide support for families and those suffering addiction. Our foundation raises funds to assist with the costs for treatment programs. Andy’s Angels honors Andy Hirst who passed away May 17, 2010 from a heroin overdose. https://andysangels.net/story/

Andy’s Place received the 2021 Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Excellence in the Special Needs Populations category, recognizing affordable housing and organizations that have demonstrated impactful use of the low-income housing tax credit.

Every organization must bring innovation into its existence, to be able to adapt and prosper. So has been the journey for St. Louis Center (SLC) in Chelsea, a residential community for people with intellectual and development disabilities (I/DD).

St. Louis School for Exceptional Boys, established in 1960, once functioned as the only boarding school for youth with disabilities in the area, at a time when students were not mainstreamed into public education. The school was named after Father