In 1977 a group of addiction professionals launched the Middlesex Regional Alcoholism Treatment Center (MRATC), which offered drug and alcohol detoxification and related services in Waltham.
In 1984, G. Peter Donovan became the MRATC’s Executive Director and began expanding services in the areas of shelter for people experiencing homelessness and food for those who cannot afford enough.
As a result of this growth, the agency’s name changed to Middlesex Human Service Agency, more commonly known as “MHSA.” Our growth continued with expansion into Boston and Tewksbury.
In 2014, after 30 years of service to MHSA, G. Peter Donovan retired, and Robert Mills, an MHSA employee since 1993, succeeded Mr. Donovan as CEO. MHSA now employs over 200 people and serves over 1,000 clients a day on their journey to independence and recovery.
Over the years, MHSA continually adapted to the changing needs of those we serve. In 2020 MHSA and the world faced the emergence of COVID-19. Thanks to over 40 years of experience as a company and a talented and dedicated team throughout its ranks, MHSA successfully maintained programing during the pandemic. With the support of the communities we serve, we kept our clients safe and healthy as we adapted our programs to meet the ever-changing needs created by the pandemic.
Looking forward, MHSA stands ready to meet any challenge and is dedicated to continuing to expand its services for people experiencing food insecurity, homelessness, and addiction by helping one person at a time regain their independence.
