For Guild School student Thomas*, drawing had always been a passion. His colorful artwork ranged from abstract designs to renditions of people and current events.  Last fall, he took his skills to new heights by taking Drawing 1, an introductory art course at Middlesex Community College in Lowell.

After a semester of Wednesday night classes, mentorship meetings, and research assignments, The Guild’s second Leadership Employee Advancement and Development (LEAD) cohort has graduated from the program this month.

The Guild for Human Services has been recognized with an Award of Excellence in the 28th Annual Communicator Awards for its short documentary, The World Got Smaller: The Spirit of The Guild During COVID-19. Produced by Viamark Video, the film features interviews with Guild staff, students, residents, parents, and community partners and provides a first-hand look at how the pandemic curtailed the community life of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

The first week of May marked National Teacher Appreciation Week. This year, we honored our incredible school and residential staff with special events each day, including yard games, a Kona ice truck, candy bar, and cupcake party.

Throughout the week, we featured interviews with staff members on our social media pages. Check out interview highlights below, and follow us on Instagram and Facebook @guildhumanservices for full staff profiles:

On a chilly Tuesday afternoon, Guild School student Leah* is busy whipping up some homemade mac n’ cheese in Middlesex Community College’s instructional kitchen. “It’s even better than Kraft,” she promises.

The Guild for Human Services, which educates, encourages, and empowers individuals with intellectual disabilities, is premiering its documentary, The World Got Smaller: The Spirit of The Guild during COVID-19 on March 16th at 1 PM EST online. The short film provides a first-hand look at how the pandemic curtailed the community life of individuals with intellectual disabilities. The film is being released to commemorate the second anniversary of the State of Emergency declared in Massachusetts and the subsequent closing of schools.

Leading up to the March 16th premiere of The World Got Smaller: The Spirit of The Guild During COVID-19, we’ll be featuring students, residents, staff, and parents interviewed in the film on our blog.

Laura Schooley, Student Services Manager, celebrated her 10-year anniversary with The Guild last month! We sat down with Laura to chat about her professional experiences and what motivates her in her role.   

What roles have you held with The Guild?

After remaining closed throughout the pandemic’s peak to provide distanced office space for staff, The Guild’s counseling center has re-opened. Counselors can now take advantage of its chalkboard wall, collection of instruments, therapeutic toys, and art supplies.

*This article was originally published on November 29, 2021, and was edited on July 28, 2026, to include new and updated information.