The Charles River Center

The Charles River Center supports children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and acquired brain injuries across MetroWest and Greater Boston communities. Established in 1956, the nonprofit human services agency delivers a comprehensive continuum of person-centered programs that foster self-determination, active community inclusion, physical well-being, and lifelong personal growth for individuals and families.

Adult services include state-of-the-art day habilitation facilities in Needham and Natick, where multidisciplinary clinical teams provide physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech communication assistance, and sensory enrichment. Employment programs assist individuals in identifying career interests, building practical workplace competencies, and securing competitive jobs with regional business partners backed by dedicated on-site job coaches. In residential living, the agency operates nearly 30 neighborhood group homes providing around-the-clock nursing oversight, personal care assistance, and accessible living environments tailored to individual needs.

Family support programs offer service navigation, educational seminars, and essential respite care for caregivers throughout the region. Youth and young adults participate in structured after-school programs, school vacation camps, and weekend social outings that cultivate lasting friendships and recreational skills. In addition, an innovative horticulture and care farming initiative engages participants in greenhouse plant cultivation, farm animal care, and community mobile market produce distributions. Families and individuals can connect with intake coordinators by phone or online to explore enrollment opportunities and family support services.