Legislators Urged to Keep Glavin Center Open

Earlier this week, Sen. Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury) hosted a breakfast for Worcester-area legislators to educate them on the importance of keeping the in Shrewsbury open and operating.

Glavin is one of six developmental centers located within the state and serves as a residential facility for individuals with severe developmental disabilities, many of whom had previously been placed in community-based group homes with unsuccessful results. In 2008, the administration announced its intention to close four of the six facilities, including Glavin.

In attendance at the breakfast were State Rep. Matthew A. Beaton (R-Shrewsbury), Anne M. Gobi (D-Spencer), Vincent A. Pedone (D-Worcester), Kimberly N. Ferguson (R-Holden), and Paul K. Frost (R-Auburn).

Approximately 30 family members of Glavin residents, who are members of the “Friends of Glavin” organization, were on hand to share their experiences with legislators. The event was held at the Glavin Center. 

“For the vast majority of people in the care of the Department of Developmental Disabilities, community-based group homes are the most appropriate option. However, there remains a small segment of that population with more advance disabilities, who require a more intensive level of care,” Moore said in a press release. “Closing Glavin, Monson, and Templeton will not result in a cost-savings for the state, as evidence suggests that some community placements out of Glavin have resulted in the cost-per-resident tripling. In addition to financial considerations, however, we need to look at what is best for these residents and their families, who want to remain where they are.”

Moore provided those in attendance with an overview of the situation, as well as an outline of the strategy that legislators will use to attempt to keep the facilities open. Dr. Alfred Bacotti of Shrewsbury, who served as director of the Glavin Center for 30 years before retiring in 2008, explained the value of Glavin and similar facilities to families and residents who did not find adequate care in community-based settings.

Dr. Bacotti also disputed statements made by the Department of Developmental Disabilities that closing the facilities will result in cost-savings, noting that Glavin provides almost all necessary services in-house, and that many additional costs are not factored in estimates surrounding group homes with no permanent staff. Those costs include psychologists and nursing staff.

Those in attendance also expressed their feelings that residents at Glavin were a strong part of the Shrewsbury community, noting the participation of residents in local sporting events and frequent journeys into the town.