Hyland has led one of the region’s largest human services nonprofits for more than a decade and has continued to grow Venture’s presence to support as many individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism as possible across its service reach of 30 cities and towns.
In July, Hyland executed Venture’s merger with fellow human services provider Life-Skills, based in Webster. The merger grew the organization’s workforce from 750 employees to nearly 1,100 while increasing its revenue by more than 43% from $50 million to $72 million.
Now offering more than 70 programs, Venture’s merger has afforded it the ability to broaden its social opportunities and career advancement through services including community residencies, supported employment, and community-based day supports.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025, Hyland has made Venture’s services accessible to a broader population. In the 1970s, Venture only had two community residences and eight people receiving residential services. Today, the organization has 59 community residences with 250 people receiving those services.
Additionally, 50 years ago Venture had zero day program participants and no transportation services, while in 2025, it supports 310 day programs attendees and 130 transportation services.
Mica Kanner-Mascolo is a staff writer at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the healthcare and diversity, equity, and inclusion industries.
