Crotched Mountain School remains open under new ownership
After sharing in October 2022 that they would be closing the following month because of hiring challenges, Legacy by Gersh’s Crotched Mountain School announced the following month it will remain open under new ownership. It’s quite the positive turnaround for the Greenfield autism educational institute.
A letter on the Legacy by Gersh website dated Nov. 7 publicized the news that one of the largest nonprofit human services organizations in New England, Worcester, Mass. based Seven Hills Foundation, agreed to purchase Crotched Mountain School and make the campus one of its key affiliate educational organizations for children and young adults.
Legacy by Gersh Crotched Mountain Chief Autism Officer Kevin Gersh shared an update with the community on Nov. 23, explaining the closure of Crotched Mountain and subsequent sale to Seven Hills Foundation.
“Due to difficulties brought on by the pandemic, Legacy by Gersh Crotched Mountain was unable to staff at the level needed to ensure the high degree of safety and care that Gersh promises students and families,” he wrote. “Thankfully, we found a partner in the Seven Hills Foundation to take over and take the mountain to the next level.”
Legacy took over the school two years ago after the Crotched Mountain Foundation announced its closure. In a letter, Gersh wrote they “are thankful that we’ve been able to serve the community for the past two years.”
He added that all the staff and most of the students have been transferred to Seven Hills and that the nonprofit is “100 percent running operations” at Crotched Mountain as of Nov. 19.
“Regarding our Legacy by Gersh Crotched Mountain workforce, words can’t express my gratitude for their dedication to our students,” Gersh said. “They were a part of the Gersh family, and I am so grateful to them for their professionalism during this transition to Seven Hills Foundation.”
He thanked the community for welcoming them and “allowing us to be part of the Greenfield and New Hampshire community. It has been an honor and a privilege to do business here, to live and work among you and to experience the beauty of Crotched Mountain.”
In an earlier announcement, he said “there are many reasons” to celebrate the continuation of the school’s longstanding tradition of utilizing compassion, experience, and expertise to make a difference in the lives of children and adults with disabilities.”
He noted Seven Hills was uniquely positioned to help address the staffing issues that have plagued Crotched Mountain School in recent years.
Gersh noted Seven Hills employs more than 4,600 professionals and “offer a continuum of support and services to more than 60,000 children and adults with disabilities and life challenges across New England.”
He also pointed out that Dr. David A. Jordan, who has served as president of Seven Hills for 28 years, also served as president of Crotched Mountain Foundation from 1985-1995.
“Not only does he have a history here and a deep love for the campus, but he is the pioneer who built many of the facilities you see today at Crotched Mountain. He is wholly and personally invested in the success of each student we serve,” Gersh stated.
He added the top priority was to work with Seven Hills to ensure a seamless transition.
When reached via email Nov. 15, Seven Hills Foundation stated “at this time, we have no comment” on the change in ownership.