WESTBOROUGH, MA – NFI Massachusetts hosted the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health Commissioner Bailey, State Senator Kennedy, and more at Evolutions 1 & 2.
On September 10, 2026, NFI Massachusetts was proud to host Massachusetts Department of Mental Health Commissioner Emily Bailey, Deputy Commissioner Charlene Zuffante, State Senator Robyn Kennedy, and the staff of Representatives Kate Donaghue and Hannah Kane at NFI Evolutions 1 & 2, located in Westborough, Massachusetts.
NFI Evolutions 1 & 2 are Joint Commission-accredited, statewide Intensive Residential Treatment Programs (IRTPs) for youth diagnosed with serious emotional disturbance and trauma histories. NFI staff provide comprehensive treatment aimed at instilling hope and providing youth and their families with individualized, practical, and skills-based strategies to manage their diagnoses. We partner with youth and families to develop and practice skills that are transferable to the home and community to ensure success long after discharge.
The visit included an overview of the services and care provided by Evolutions and its staff, its connection to NFI Massachusetts’ mission, and the importance of its long-lasting partnership with the Department of Mental Health (DMH). Following that, these esteemed visitors were given a tour of Evolutions 1, providing a full overview of the residential, educational, clinical, and recreational spaces while meeting some of the youth. Finally, the visit was capped off with a discussion of how NFI Massachusetts and DMH can continue to best meet the behavioral health needs of Massachusetts youth and their families, and how the Massachusetts Senate and House of Representatives can best support their constituents who could benefit from the IRTP and its services.
Bryan Lary, Director of Evolutions 1 & 2, had this to say about the visit:
“NFI Massachusetts is proud to work with the Department of Mental Health and is proud of the progress we have made in streamlining access to Evolutions 1 & 2 and its services to youth across the state. Our unique services can benefit youth and their families across the Commonwealth, and it’s important that we continue to make sure we can move kids out of hospitals and into programs like ours to get them the help they need.”
The visit came during an exciting time for Evolutions 1 & 2, as it coincided with the launch of the inaugural school year of NFI Evolutions Academy. The 8th-12th grade school is embedded within the IRTP, providing daily educational services for youth from both Evolutions 1 & 2. You can learn more about NFI Evolutions Academy and its launch here.
About NFI Massachusetts
NFI Massachusetts has been serving communities across Massachusetts since 1974 with its mission to "Maximize Potential to Achieve the Full Promise of Community Living." NFI currently operates 27 human service programs across northeastern Massachusetts, including Community and Home-Based Services, Juvenile Justice, Adolescent Residential Services, Adult Group Homes, Transition Age Youth Services, and Outpatient Behavioral Health And Substance Use services. NFI Massachusetts embraces trauma-informed care and evidence-based practices to build stronger communities and support children, adults, and families.