Community Enterprises Celebrates 40 Years of Service

NORTHAMPTON — Richard Venne, president and CEO, announced that Community Enterprises recently celebrated 40 years of empowering individuals with disabilities to live, learn, work, and thrive in the community.

More than 350 participants, staff, individuals, and businesses in the community attended the luncheon at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. Various guest speakers, led by master of ceremonies Scott Coen, congratulated Community Enterprises and assisted in presenting the Community Partnership Awards, recognizing 75 employers, funding sources, participants, supporters, volunteers, and staff who have exemplified the organization’s mission throughout the past 40 years. Thanks to those who sponsored the event and everyone who contributed, Community Enterprises was able to raise $40,000 for its programs.

Community Enterprises is a human-service organization that provides employment, education, housing supports, and day supports for people with disabilities. Headquartered in Northampton, it boasts 27 service locations in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and Kentucky. The nonprofit organization, which started as a small program at the Northampton State Hospital, has grown to a $22.5 million business in 2016.