Hands-On Teaching Kitchen & Peer Social Skills Instruction at 74 Atlantic Avenue, Marblehead
Programs Tailored for Adults Ages 20 to 60
Anchor to Windward serves high-functioning adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities who live on their own or with family members across the North Shore. Our programs bridge the gap between structured daytime work and fulfilling evening and weekend community life.
Every activity is conducted in a strictly smoke-free, alcohol-free, and drug-free environment supervised by experienced staff and dedicated volunteers.
Six Pillars of Anchor to Windward Programming
One-on-One Living Support
Individualized mentoring for independent living clients managing their own apartments or preparing for greater autonomy. Includes budgeting, bill paying, apartment upkeep, grocery planning, and navigating medical or community appointments.
Cooking & Nutrition Classes
Introduced after moving into our 74 Atlantic Avenue headquarters in November 2011, our full kitchen allows members to practice safe food handling, recipe reading, healthy meal preparation, and shared dining etiquette.
Movie & Drop-In Game Nights
Held every Friday evening at 74 Atlantic Avenue. Movie Nights (6:00 PM–9:30 PM) are free for Social Club members ($10 for guests), while Drop-In Nights (6:00 PM–9:00 PM) feature board games, music, crafts, and relaxed peer conversation.
Saturday Field Trips & Cookouts
Supervised Saturday afternoon outings departing in ATW's two passenger vans at 12:00 Noon to destinations such as Salem Willows, local beaches, museums, malls, and restaurants, plus backyard Beginning of Summer Cookouts.
Mid-Week Bowling & Mini-Golf
Year-round mid-week bowling league competition and summer miniature golf outings across the North Shore, encouraging physical activity, friendly sportsmanship, scorekeeping, and consistent mid-week peer contact.
Weekly Men's Group & Mentoring
Facilitated weekly discussion groups where members share workplace experiences, practice conflict resolution, build self-advocacy skills, and strengthen long-term friendships in a confidential, respectful setting.
North Shore Employment & Scholarship Partners
Many Anchor to Windward members hold steady part-time or full-time jobs across Marblehead and neighboring towns. We also partner with historic local charities so that financial need never prevents an eligible adult from participating:
Marblehead Female Humane Society
Provides annual scholarship grants enabling low-income members to attend Social Club programs and trips.
Crosby's Market (Marblehead & Salem)
Longstanding community grocer employing ATW members in customer service and store operations.
North Shore & Marblehead YMCA
Employer and recreational wellness venue supporting ATW member fitness and community inclusion.
National Grand Bank of Marblehead
Historic Main Street community bank supporting local employment and nonprofit civic events.
Member & Family Reflections from the Archive
In the archived 2012 newsletter, Debbie Ball, mother of ten-year ATW member Courtney Ball, described why Anchor to Windward is irreplaceable for North Shore families:
“Anchor to Windward gives Courtney and her peers their own social calendar, their own circle of close friends, and a safe place on Friday nights and weekends where they are respected as independent adults.”
Featured under Community Resources in ATW's 2011 and 2012 sidebars, the Marblehead Community Counseling Center (led by former ATW Board President Paul Crosby) has worked hand-in-hand with ATW for decades, providing clinical referrals and emergency space during the October 2011 flood.
Across the Street: Our Lady Star of the Sea Church on Atlantic Avenue, landmark neighbor to ATW Headquarters.
