On April 17, 1974, the Taunton Area Associates for Human Services (TAAHS) was incorporated. Designed by a group of concerned families, service providers, and members of the community the organization was created for the purpose of purchasing services for children and adults with developmental, cognitive, and medical needs. A broad-based grassroots approach with input from each of the surrounding communities was used to evaluate the needs.

 

By May of 1975, TAAHS had become an official non-profit organization registered with the state of Massachusetts. This allowed TAAHS to solicit and accept donations of cash and property. Notably, one of the early fundraising efforts was The Curiosity Corner Thrift Shop run by agency volunteers. In addition, TAAHS was applying for, negotiating, and receiving funding from federal and state grants as well as service contracts. Some of the first TAAHS programs, the Foley School, Gateway School, Middleboro/Lakeville Community Center, and the Intermediate Care Facility demonstrated TAAHS’ evolving Program, which had its beginning in these years, continues to grow and thrive today.

 

During the 1980’s community supports involved psychiatric day treatment, respite care, counseling services, and day activities, met through a variety of TAAHS programs, including the current Early Intervention Program. Changing needs and the court decision binding the state to support community residences for deinstitutionalized clients from the Paul A. Dever School, led to the opening of the Taunton Apartment Network Program, which evolved into the Residential Services Program of the agency.

 

Upon the resignation of the first Executive Director, Tom Paulhus, Colin J. Couture was appointed his successor. Always an innovative force in the community, TAAHS was again at the forefront of providing services to individuals with developmental disabilities with the establishment of a pilot program for the elderly called Wide-range of Individualized Services for Elders (W.I.S.E.). This program has expanded its services as a licensed Adult Day Health Services Program to include individuals 18 years of age and throughout the lifespan. They are now known as Wise Elder Services. Realizing the broad-based scope of their endeavors, the agency changed its name to Associates for Human Services, Inc (AHS). This name change helped to re-define the grassroots intent of the original incorporators.

 

After months of searching, a decision was made to hire Joseph P. Churchill as the new executive director. Under his leadership the agency’s offices consolidated and relocated to the Jones Building on Broadway in Taunton. With state funding issues and programmatic problems, a strategic plan for streamlining and fortifying the agency was established.

 

Teetering between success and failure, several programs were discontinued due to the lack of adequate funding, the expiration of grants and unrenewed state contracts. However, at the same time, AHS’s core programs were expanding and strengthening their services to the community. In looking towards the future, the agency recognized the continued need for more varied funding sources which resulted in the opening of a Development Office as well as an Human Resources Office. Centralizing the personnel services, fundraising and marketing activities for the agency was a primary function.

 

In 1997, the appointment of Kathleen M. Tunney as Executive Director was approved by the Board of Directors. Under her leadership, the agency redefined its mission and core values. Program specialization increased, service delivery was upgraded and administrative supports was optimized.

 

Identification of an increased need for family supports within the community facilitated an AHS collaboration with Triumph, Inc., adding two new programs in 2000: the Early Head Start (serving Taunton & Raynham) and the Parent-Child Home Program. After 15 years of engaging the community through these programs, both contracts reverted back to Triumph, Inc. to continue the good work. AHS applied and received a contract for EHS Home Visiting Program (serving Attleboro, Middleboro, & Norton) which provided free comprehensive services and supports to families with children birth to age three, who meet income eligibility guidelines.

 

A long-term financial plan was designed which included the goal of acquiring real estate to preserve fiscal stability and supporting the agency in its future goals. AHS purchased 2.5 acres and received a donation of 2 adjacent acres of land on Allison Avenue in Taunton in 2003. A modern 15,000 square foot facility was built to house the programs, offices and staff, which we moved into in August 2004. The building was expanded by 7,200 square feet in 2016 to accommodate agency and program growth.

 

In 2012, AHS also left the business of Residential programming to expand its early childhood programs.

 

In 2015, EHS applied and received a contract for Child Care Partnership which focused on providing supports to a partner Child Care Center in Brockton, New Bedford & Taunton. The same year, Taunton Area School to Career Program, a partnership of employers and school systems in the Greater Taunton area, merged under the AHS umbrella.

 

In 2018 Kathleen “Kit” Tunney, retired from her Executive Director position and the appointment of Zulmira Allcock as Chief Executive Officer was approved by the Board of Directors. As a tribute to Kit, the building was renamed for her commitment and vision to the growth of AHS.

 

In 2020, AHS applied to be able to provide Pre- Employment Transition Services (Pre-Ets) through Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission. The Contract was awarded in 2021 through Taunton Area School to Career.

 

AHS continues to strengthen its ties to the community at large, as well as represent the agency and its programs on state level committees. AHS is honored to continue to fulfill its original intent, established 50 years ago, to provide quality services for quality life through choice, opportunity, and support.