Our Voices
Crystal Howcroot
Program Supervisor
Day Habilitation Program
"As someone who has worked in this field for almost 20 years and has worked with folks from these facilities, they deserve to be heard and deserve for us to not forget what happened here and the treatment they endured. We need to learn from our past."
Donald's Story
Born in Waltham, Donald Vitkus was sent to the Belchertown State School where he lived into his teens. His wife, Patricia Vitkus shares what the passage of this bill will mean for the memory of Donald and for others like him, who are alive today, looking for records, eager to know and tell their stories.
Michael A. Grodin, M.D.
Director, Project on Medicine and the Holocaust
Elie Wiesel Center for Jewish Studies
Emeritus Professor
Boston University
"Passage of this bill will lead to the creation of a commission whose work will inform this broader understanding of the world’s history—and as a result, its present—in ways that have previously been overlooked"
Legislative Testimony
More than a dozen advocates, including former residents, institutional employees, and family members testified before the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Recovery on June 21. Hear their stories by clicking here to watch the video. Testimony begins at 107:00.
