FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Paul Lemieux
(617) 431-4934
MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS, INC., LEADER IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES, WELCOMES LARRY OAKS AS NEW PRESIDENT AND CEO
Newton, MA – Mental Health Programs, Inc. (MHPI) announces the selection of Larry Oaks as its new president and CEO.
MHPI, a non-profit charitable organization founded in 1975, is a pioneer in the world of service-enriched affordable housing. MHPI owns and manages fifteen housing facilities, including two that provide independent living opportunities for seniors. The organization also provides supportive services to people of low income, including those with substantial emotional, cognitive, and/or physical challenges.
Oaks, who formally took control on January 1st, is a recognized non-profit leader who brings over twenty years of experience in the affordable supportive housing and community development field. Most recently, he served as Managing Director for CSH – The Source for Housing Solutions, a New York-based organization whose mission is “to advance solutions that use housing as a platform for services to improve the lives of the most vulnerable people, maximize public resources and build healthy communities.” At CSH, he partnered with government leaders, public agencies and philanthropic organizations to secure grants to stimulate supported housing development. Previously, as Senior Project Manager at Peabody Properties, Inc., Oaks oversaw the successful development of the first U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Enhanced Use Lease project for homeless veterans in the country.
“I’m thrilled to be joining MHPI,” said Oaks, “an organization that’s been providing quality care and supportive housing in Massachusetts for decades. I’m especially excited to be working closely with the staff to create a new brand for MHPI that expands our housing and services.”
Jeanne McHallam, board chairperson of MHPI, speaking of Oaks, said, “Larry is a talented executive who will be able to revitalize MHPI’s mission in developing supportive housing for individuals in need.”
Oaks received his bachelor’s degree from SUNY Oneonta, and later graduated from SUNY Stony Brook with a Master of Public Administration degree. He lives in Gloucester with his family.
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MHPI, Inc. delivers both affordable service-enriched housing and home-based long-term care to frail elders and those with disabilities. Founded in 1975, the organization was one of the first to provide community-based services to people with disabilities. MHPI enjoys a presence in Greater Boston, Greater Worcester, and Southeastern Massachusetts.
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