Corporate

MassDev Issues Tax-Exempt Bond for The Guild

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The Guild’s new headquarters

Concord, MA – MassDevelopment has issued a $14 million tax-exempt bond on behalf of The Protestant Guild for Human Services, Inc., a nonprofit that provides educational and vocational day and residential programs for individuals with mild-to-severe intellectual disabilities. The Guild, which currently leases its headquarters in Waltham, is using bond proceeds to buy a 60,250sf building on 5.2 acres in Concord. The facility will serve as the organization’s new headquarters.

The Guild will also use bond proceeds to renovate the building’s roof, bathrooms, elevators, and HVAC system; install a kitchen; and purchase kitchen items, furniture, and security and telephone systems. In addition, The Guild will use bond proceeds to refinance previous debt, which financed the purchase and renovation of the organization’s group homes. The organization expects the project will create 40 jobs and support 30 construction jobs. Belmont Savings Bank purchased the bond.

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“Organizations like The Protestant Guild for Human Services are essential resources for individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Marty Jones. “By purchasing and expanding its new headquarters, Middlesex Green, The Guild can devote more resources to its programs and reach more children and young adults in need. MassDevelopment is proud to work with the Commonwealth’s vast network of human services providers as they evolve and grow.”

Founded in 1952, The Guild provides services for individuals with special needs, primarily those with autism and other mental health issues, along with visual impairment, food allergies, seizure conditions, and Type I diabetes. The organization also operates 12 group homes, which serve 80 adults and 77 students ranging from ages 6 to 22. The Guild will also offer residential services to another 15 adults in the next six months as the organization prepares to open three more homes. The Guild is licensed and contracted by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care, the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families, and the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services.

Thomas Belski, CEO of The Guild for Human Services, added, “We are excited to move our school to our new property in Concord, Massachusetts.  The natural setting, safe environment, and additional classroom space will provide many benefits for our students, families and faculty, and will help support our mission to be a leader in the education and care of those with complex special needs.  We are grateful for the opportunity to have worked with the Mass Development team. They provided tremendous support in helping to arrange financing for our new school and student residences.”

MassDevelopment, the state’s finance and development agency, works with businesses, nonprofits, financial institutions, and communities to stimulate economic growth across the Commonwealth. During FY2014, MassDevelopment financed or managed 314 projects generating investment of more than $2.9 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are projected to create more than 6,300 jobs and build or rehabilitate more than 1,600 residential units.