March 9, 2010 — Mental Health Programs, Inc., a Newton-based nonprofit that develops affordable housing in Boston, the North Shore, and central Massachusetts, announced that it has opened a senior living facility in Spencer.

Sheldon D. Bycoff, president of Mental Health Programs, Inc. (MHPI), said, “In keeping with our mission of creating housing, supporting lives, MHPI is thrilled to officially open the doors at Senior Living at Prouty. I am fully confident that we will deliver the highest possible quality of life to our residents. We bring 35 years of experience in this area and it gives us great pleasure to extend our reach into central Massachusetts.”

Funding for the 36-unit facility was provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; the Massachusetts Deptartment of Housing and Community Development; and the Community Economic Development Assistance Corp., a public-private, community development finance institution that helps spur economic development across the state.

The Sterling project marks the second time MHPI has done a adaptive re-use of a building. The first was completed 10 years ago in Chelsea.

Earlier this month tenants began moving into the facility on Main Street, first MHPI has spearheaded in central Massachusetts. Each apartment unit whether it be studio or one-bedroom has a kitchen area, a private bath, a living/dining area, and a 24-hour emergency call system. All units are designed to meet tenants’ needs as their functional abilities change with age in an effort to help them “age in place”.

Originally funded by benefactor David Prouty in 1888, The David Prouty Intermediate School was built in 1889 as the Town’s high school. During WWII, the school played an active role in aiding the war effort. It served as a location for the Selective Service Board to provide physicals for men drafted into the service. With the opening of a new regional high school in September 1966, the building became David Prouty Intermediate School. Then, upon the completion of the new Wire Village School on Paxton Road in 2004, the school closed its doors for good.

Since 1975, MHPI, Inc. operates 15 residential facilities throughout the greater Boston area and central Massachusetts With its affiliate, Residential Support Services, Inc., and other service providers, MHPI, Inc. further enriches the quality of life for residents by offering the appropriate level of specialized care that promotes overall well-being.