GARDNER — The Quabbin Retreat project in Petersham has received a pledge of $125,000 from the GFA Federal Credit Union as part of Heywood Healthcare’s “Fulfilling Our Promise” Capital Campaign.
The Quabbin Retreat, according to a press release, “has been designed to be a premier regional destination for addiction treatment driven by the wide-spread needs of our regional communities. In partnership with local stakeholders and leading providers, this 82-acre property, featuring more than 75,000 square feet of space for services, will enable Heywood Healthcare to establish a full continuum of programs for adults and adolescents, elevating the quality and caliber of care available in the region. Each program will address core substance abuse and mental health needs, be — financially accessible to patients and provide comprehensive coordinated care.”
Athol Hospital, along with West River Health Center in Orange are part of the Heywood Healthcare system.
CHICAGO (AP) — The national debate over immigration policy could be coming to a diner near you.
From down-home delis to upscale bistros, dozens of restaurants nationwide are seeking “sanctuary” status, a designation owners hope will help protect employees in an immigrant-heavy industry and tone down fiery rhetoric sparked by the presidential campaign. The label is something cities and other public entities have sought to offer local protections to immigrants living in the U.S. illegally.
Roughly 80 restaurants across the nation are participating. The restaurants agree to anti-discrimination policies, put up signs on windows that pronounce their sanctuary status and receive know-your-rights training, such as webinars on how to ask federal immigration agents for proper paperwork if there’s an attempted raid. Some will also offer a text line for customers or employees to report any incidents of harassment.