74 Atlantic Avenue, Marblehead, MA 01945 — ATW Headquarters Across from Star of the Sea Church Since November 1, 2011
37 Years of Grassroots North Shore Service
Anchor to Windward, Inc. (ATW) was established in 1989 by Marblehead parents Bill and Nancy Stiles to ensure that high-functioning adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities have a permanent, supportive peer community once they transition out of school systems.
For more than three decades, ATW has operated independently without state or federal funding, relying on modest program fees, local foundation grants, and generous North Shore neighbors.
Archived Feature: “Flood a Blessing in Disguise — ATW Back to Marblehead”
In late October 2011, a severe coastal nor'easter and flash flood struck Vinnin Square, sending three to four feet of contaminated floodwater rushing into Anchor to Windward's ground-floor office at 600 Loring Avenue, Salem, MA 01970. Nearly 95 percent of ATW's furniture, computers, games, craft supplies, and historical files were destroyed overnight.
Rather than halting operations, the ATW community mobilized immediately. Ten-year member Courtney Ball, her mother and volunteer organizer Debbie Ball, Treasurer Charles Ball, President Judy Jacobi, Vice President Barry Weed, and Clerk & Interim Program Director Pam Foye worked alongside board members and families to salvage surviving records. Former ATW President Paul Crosby generously offered temporary gathering space at the Marblehead Counseling Center on Clifton Avenue so that Friday night programs missed only a single week.
With the dedicated assistance of local realtor Ted Moore and his maintenance crew, ATW secured a sunny, newly renovated first-floor headquarters at 74 Atlantic Avenue in Marblehead, directly across from Star of the Sea Church. On November 1, 2011, ATW officially returned home to Marblehead — gaining a full teaching kitchen for cooking classes, ample storage rooms, a backyard patio for summer cookouts, and dedicated parking for two passenger vans.
Chronological History of Anchor to Windward (1989–2026)
Marblehead residents Bill and Nancy Stiles establish Anchor to Windward to provide lifelong social connections and independent living skills for adults ages 20 to 60 with developmental disabilities who often fall between traditional service categories.
The Internal Revenue Service grants formal tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3), classified under NTEE Code P82Z (Developmentally Disabled Centers & Services), establishing official mailing box P.O. Box 813, Marblehead, MA 01945.
ATW operates its regional drop-in center at 600 Loring Avenue, Salem, MA 01970 (telephone 978-740-0013) serving North Shore adults with active Friday Movie Nights, Salem Willows outings, and 30+ Social Club members.
Chamber Executive Director Ann Marie Casey and State Senator Tom Magee honor ATW President Judy Jacobi and Vice President Barry Weed with the Chamber's Nonprofit Organization of the Year Award.
Following the catastrophic October 2011 flood at 600 Loring Avenue, ATW transitions through the Marblehead Counseling Center on Clifton Avenue and opens its permanent headquarters at 74 Atlantic Avenue, Marblehead, MA 01945 (telephone 781-990-3056) on November 1, 2011.
Under long-serving President Charles T. Ball, Vice President Andrew Christensen, Treasurer William Miller, and Secretary/Clerk Carol Marotta, ATW maintains strong net asset reserves ($179,872 in FY2025) and continues its 100% volunteer board tradition.
Official Facility & Address Ledger (Archive + IRS Form 990-EZ Cross-Verified)
| Address Type | Street / Box Location | Active Period | Telephone & Verification Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current Activity Center & Office | 74 Atlantic Avenue, Marblehead, MA 01945-3066 (Across from Star of the Sea Church) | Nov 1, 2011 – Present | 781-990-3056 · IRS 2012–2025 Form 990-EZ Filings |
| Official Postal Mailing Box | P.O. Box 813, Marblehead, MA 01945 | 1989 – Present | 781-990-3056 · IRS Tax Filings & Official Mailing Address |
| Prior Regional Office (Pre-Flood) | 600 Loring Avenue (Vinnin Square), Salem, MA 01970 | Pre-Oct 2011 | 978-740-0013 · 2011 IRS Form 990 Filing |
| Emergency Interim Space | Marblehead Counseling Center, Clifton Avenue, Marblehead, MA | Late Oct 2011 (1 Week) | Hosted by Former ATW President Paul Crosby (Jan 2012 Newsletter) |
Across the Street: Our Lady Star of the Sea Church on Atlantic Avenue, landmark neighbor to ATW Headquarters.
