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Affordable Housing and Services Collaborative, Inc. (AHSC) Receives “Community Quarterback” Recognition Award from Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation for U.S. Veterans

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Last week, AHSC received a “Community Quarterback” Recognition Award from the Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation for its intended use of grant funds to assist formerly homeless U.S. Veterans residing at the Pleasant Street Apartments in Beverly, MA, 32 furnished units of permanent affordable housing with on-site case management and other wrap-around supportive services, managed by Peabody Properties, Inc. AHSC will utilize Eastern Bank Foundation grant funds to provide transportation access for the Veterans to participate in the VA’s Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) program offered at the Edith Norse VA Medical Center in Bedford, MA.

The CWT program is designed to provide critical employment preparation, training and experience for Veteran to access employment opportunities. Additionally, funds will be used to provide transportation access to the Strongwater Farms Therapeutic Equine Center in Tewksbury MA where residents will interact with registered therapeutic horses with the assistance of two Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) certified instructors learning horse behavior, trust and relationship building. Through this no cost program, Veterans have the opportunity to develop friendships and horsemanship skills, and work on individualized goals in a relaxing and healing environment that includes a communal luncheon and fellowship.

“We are very appreciative of Eastern Bank’s recognition of AHSC and Peabody Properties’ efforts to assist U.S. Veterans residing Pleasant Street Apartments to have access to the services they need and to help them stabilize into permanent housing. Forming community partnerships to achieve reintegration goals has proven effective for achieving successful tenancies.”
said AHSC Executive Director, Michael Mattos.