History & Vision

Partnerships in Human Services – A National Network of Local Providers

The MENTOR Network’s roots date back to 1980 when the organization, as Massachusetts MENTOR, received its first contract to provide therapeutic foster care to children and adolescents.  Since our beginning, we have evolved from a single, residential program provider serving juvenile offenders to a diversified network offering an array of quality, innovative services to adults and children with developmental disabilities or acquired brain injury; to children and adolescents with emotional, behavioral and medically complex challenges; and to elders in need of home care. 

Along the way we have helped to define a new vision for human services delivery — one that offers the choice and trust found in local relationships combined with the strength and stability of a national organization.
 
Named for our innovative "Mentor Model," which builds individualized treatment around the needs of the person being served, MENTOR became one of the first therapeutic foster care providers in the country. We established an early reputation as a pioneer in the movement to provide community-based services for people who otherwise would be served in institutions.

Expanding the Vision

In 1983, we adapted our model to address the need for community-based programs that support individuals with developmental disabilities, and in 1986 we expanded into Ohio and South Carolina. By the late 1980s, we began serving unique populations, such as children with acute medical needs. Our history, values and mission encouraged us to develop and implement a variety of service options for people with specialized needs while expanding our Network of service operations to new areas of the country.

Throughout the 1990s, MENTOR continued to grow and diversify services, locations and populations of people served.  In addition to being the largest therapeutic foster care provider in the country, we expanded our programs to include those serving people with developmental disabilities.  And we began offering nonresidential services, such as in-home support and supported employment.

In 1997, MENTOR began building an integrated network of community-based residential and nonresidential providers who share our values and mission. Our name officially became The MENTOR Network in 1999, reflecting the far-reaching partnerships and diverse program models that collectively offer care and support solutions across the United States.

Together We Are Better

In 2003, The Network partnered with REM, a 17-state provider of services and supports to people with developmental and other disabilities. Founded in 1967 in Minnesota, REM operates an array of services for people who need support and assistance to live in their communities. When the first REM residence opened, community living options for people with developmental disabilities were practically non-existent.  Since then, REM has pioneered a system of high quality services that has advanced the community-based model of care around the country. 

With nearly 60 years of combined service, The MENTOR Network and REM joined together to offer even greater options for people with developmental disabilities.

A Future of Service and Leadership

As The MENTOR Network continues to grow, our commitment to the people we serve remains our first priority.  Ours is a network of shared values and resources – a nationwide team of professionals determined to help every individual thrive in a community setting through innovative, flexible programs capable of being adapted to specific needs.  As a result, The Network has become a laboratory of innovation, delivering some of the most responsive and creative human services in the country. 

Looking ahead, we envision playing an active role in shaping new generations of human services reform.  Our experience as an innovative provider offers the opportunity to test new models of care.  Our cutting-edge systems can help document success and explore ways to achieve greater effectiveness and efficiency.  And our rich history lends a unique perspective to the policy debates taking shape in state capitals and in Washington.

Leading by example: That’s The MENTOR Network.