Our FY25 Impact
MHA By The Numbers
Total Number of People Supported by MHA Programs
Amount of Funds Raised
Number of MHA Programs
Number of People Newly Housed
Number of Employees
MHA Highlights
Created
a brand-new agency video and commercials to air on local NBC affiliate. These projects garnered 2.2 million impressions, promoting the critical work being done by our dedicated staff.
Increased
the number of people receiving services at BestLife, our outpatient behavioral health clinic. This rapid growth has led us to "breaking ground" on a satellite clinic at our administrative campus in Chicopee.
Grew our FY25 budget by 19% over FY24.
Opened
several new residential programs across every line of service, meeting the needs of individuals with a mental health diagnosis, substance use disorder, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and acquired brain injury.
Partnered with our long-time supporter, Springfield Pharmacy, to bring MHA's first pharmacy to our administrative campus.
Voted
Best Nonprofit and Best Place to Work for eight consecutive years by MassLive and The Republican. We thank our community of supporters for their support of our mission.
Some may refer to him as Elvis, but to many, he is affectionately known as Mike “The Music Man”, a nickname that has accompanied him for over 40 years. Mike, a resident of a program within the division of Integration & Community Living (ICL), has been an entertainer since childhood. Growing up in East Springfield in a musical family, his cousin Jimmy is a professional musician, and Mike's father introduced him to music, teaching him how to play the accordion.
Mike’s passion for music is well-recognized by others at MHA. While his first instrument was the accordion, his favorites are the drums and the double keyboard organ, which he taught himself to play. As a big Elvis Presley fan, Mike performed as the legend in last year’s Talent Show, winning a trophy for his performance. “I love performing in front of everyone,” he said,
expressing his enthusiasm.
When Mike isn’t entertaining a crowd, he usually spends his days either reading in the living room or working in his "workshop" in the basement, where he develops his skills and works on his next composition. Fred Destromp, Director of ICL Residential Services, has known Mike since he first arrived at MHA in 2019 and believes that Mike has found peace here. “He’s enjoying his retirement, his twilight years. The time he spends in his “workshop” is like someone who goes golfing every day. It’s what he loves.”
Mike’s charming personality fosters strong bonds with everyone he meets. During his time with MHA, Mike has built meaningful relationships with housemates and staff. Although friendships have developed in a short time, it is evident that Mike and his program staff share a special bond and a relationship they all hold close to their hearts.
"I care for Mike. I want to see his smile. Every week, we go out for breakfast and take trips to the library. It’s important to do your best to understand and get to know the person you care for. When I come here, I am greeted with so much love.” - Program Staff Member
Mike's uplifting personality and showman attitude make him truly special. Everyone knows him, and he expresses himself through his music. Mike loves his home and cherishes the people who are close to him.
"I love living here; I wouldn't change a thing," -
Mike, The Music Man
What We Do
MHA helps people live their best life. We provide access to therapies for emotional health and wellness; services for substance use recovery, developmental disabilities and acquired brain injury; services for housing and residential programming, and more.
Our Core Values
Our Divisions
Working from strength-based residential, outreach, and shared living models, MHA partners with those we serve to help them lead meaningful and productive lives in their community.
After a brain injury, MHA helps people move forward in their life—in a New Way. We transition individuals out of nursing homes and into purpose-designed residences, applying adaptive accommodations and advanced technologies along with personal care.
The BestLife Emotional Health and Wellness Center partners with adults, children, families, and couples impacted by the challenges of long-term or temporary mental health, substance use, and/or co-occurring concerns.
MHA applies the principles of Housing First to address homelessness and ensure that all people have access to safe and affordable housing. We also provide safe and homelike environments where those who have both a substance use disorder and a mental health diagnosis benefit from supportive, structured, and developmentally appropriate care.
Who We Are
Senior Leadership Team
Board of Directors
Nancy Mirkin, Chair
Donna-Rae Kenneally, Vice Chair
Joseph Lepper, Treasurer
Dee Cady, Clerk
Maureen Babineau, Director
Denise Cogman, Director
Jacqueline Johnson, Director
Neal Lakritz, Director
Darlene Libiszewski, Director
Earl Miller, Director
Janette Vigo, Director
