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Waystone Health & Human Services

The Inclusion Connection

A welcoming space for people with disabilities and their families to learn, connect, and grow. Right here in Lawrence.

Explore the calendar Get to know the IC

Come find your connection439 S. Union Street, Suite 107, Lawrence, Massachusetts

Preparing a smoothie together during a Family Support Center cooking class

Where paths connect, people thrive.

About the IC

A place to belong.
Room to be you.

The Inclusion Connection brings people with disabilities and their families together through opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and community.

Home to the Keystone Social Inclusion Hub and the Merrimack Valley Family Support Center, the IC is a place to build independence, practice self-advocacy, and make meaningful connections.

GrowthIndependenceConnection

People talking and smiling together at the Inclusion Connection launch

Our programs

Two programs. One connected community.

01 / Keystone

Social Inclusion Hub

A vibrant, inclusive space where people with disabilities can develop skills, build independence, and help shape their own experiences.

Member-driven activities and flexible offerings
Training and skill development
Social activities, art, and music therapy
Health and wellness activities

Connect with Keystone

02 / Merrimack Valley

Family Support Center

A welcoming place for children, teens, young adults, caregivers, and families to find resources, share experiences, and grow together.

Caregiver and family training and support groups
Information sessions and referrals
Recreation and therapeutic activities
Offerings in English and Spanish

Connect with the Center

Come be part of it

Find your next connection.

From creative activities to new skills, there’s something to look forward to.

All times Eastern

Questions about an activity? Email the Inclusion Connection.

Inside the Inclusion Connection

Connection comes to life here.

A look at our space and the people who bring it together.

People talking and smiling together at the Inclusion Connection launch — A community built through connection.

The bright, open Inclusion Connection space with tables and chairs, brick walls, and large windows — Space for learning, gathering, and growth.

Inside the Inclusion Connection

Watch the Inclusion Connection story

Home to the Keystone Social Inclusion Hub and the Merrimack Valley Family Support Center.

In their words

Voices from our community

“We are calling this space The Inclusion Connection… We all want to be connected. We all want to be included.” Brad Howell, President & CEO, Waystone

“This was a big empty space from the front all the way to the back… and now look at it.” Matt Osgood, Director of Facilities, Waystone

“I’m excited to continue watching this evolve into serving the people and providing them more community opportunities, inclusions with their family.” Ann Lorenzo, Director, DDS Merrimack Valley Area Office

“They finally get to make the schedule that works for them. They don’t have to conform to what a day program has been for so many years. They get to come and do what they want to do.” Courtney Salerno, Chief Program Officer, Waystone

“I want to quote Mr. Rogers: It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood, right?” Elizabeth Grady, Director, Waystone Family Support Center

“I’m blown away. It is so much better than I could have imagined it would be.” Sarah Peterson, Commissioner, Department of Developmental Services (DDS)

“We chose this space particularly because we are in Lawrence. We are part of this community. We want to be accessible to the entire community.” Brad Howell, President & CEO, Waystone

“This is a place where, I hope, we will empower families. We’ll introduce them to more community services… not just the usual ones.” Elizabeth Grady, Director, Waystone Family Support Center

“It’s been quite the project. And welcome. Make sure the space stays clean.” Matt Osgood, Director of Facilities, Waystone

“It’s really become more than what we expected… definitely a great collaboration with the Family Support Center.” Ann Lorenzo, Director, DDS Merrimack Valley Area Office

“We can offer more training and opportunities for our families… while also bringing their children if they need to, because child care is an issue.” Courtney Salerno, Chief Program Officer, Waystone

“The vision we have is that we are part of this community, and the more we all work together to lift all populations up, all diverse populations, all marginalized groups, the better results, the better outcomes, the better quality of life the people that we support will also have.” Brad Howell, President & CEO, Waystone

“This is a really wonderful place where families can access support while their loved ones engage in social connections, art therapy, music therapy, and just be part of their community.” Sarah Peterson, Commissioner, Department of Developmental Services (DDS)

Connect with us

Your next step starts with hello.

Have a question about a program or activity? We’d love to connect with you.

The Inclusion Connection
439 S. Union Street, Suite 107
Lawrence, MA 01843
connection@waystonehhs.org
978-685-9471

Email the IC Get directions