A Community of Belonging and Opportunity
Our Purpose
We connect individuals with mental health needs to purpose, independence, and belonging; and partner with communities and employers to reduce stigma and build life-changing opportunities.
Our Story
More than 1 in 5 adults, and nearly 1 in 3 young adults, experience mental illness each year. And behind each number is a person dealing with isolation and uncertainty, in addition to their mental health needs. Novus was founded as Employment Options, with a vision to create pathways
to employment and independence for them.
Over time, our work expanded beyond employment, because mental health touches every part of a person's life. We came to understand that real change begins in community. Where belonging is built, confidence is restored, and individuals find purpose and renewal in their lives.
In 2026, we became Novus.
A name that reflects new beginnings, renewed possibilities, and forward movement.
While our name has evolved, our mission remains steadfast: To create spaces and workplaces where individuals living with mental health needs can thrive.
Spaces, such as our Clubhouses, where members feel understood, capable, and connected to purpose.
Today, Novus partners with employers, community leaders, and supporters to advance mental health in action, building inclusive workplaces and expanding opportunity in our communities.
Dedicated to New Beginnings and Community
Shannon Leary
Liz Gulachenski
Jim Grasberger
Where Community Meets Opportunity
Novus supports adults and families living with serious and persistent mental illnesses through structured community engagement and employment pathways. Our approach connects individuals, employers, and community partners in a shared effort to expand opportunity and reduce stigma. We understand that mental health touches every part of a person's life. As needs evolve, so must the community that surrounds them.
Belonging Comes First
Support for Every Stage
Skill Building Opens Doors
Community Grows Stronger
Meet Steve and Jen.
Two clubhouse members who agreed to share their story: what it felt like to struggle, and what it felt like to begin again.
Steve hit the lowest of lows before reaching out for help. What followed is a story of recovery, focus, and hard-won light.
Jen has known suffering and loss. And yet, every single day, she chooses to start again.
Their stories here are just a few minutes long. But they’ll stay with you much longer than that.
Connected to a Broader Network of Support
Novus works within a larger mental health ecosystem. In addition to our programs, we help individuals and families locate trusted community resources that support wellness.
Transportation Support
- Novus provides daily transportation for eligible members, ensuring reliable access to our Clubhouses. See each Clubhouse’s page for details:
Mental Health & Crisis Services
- Resources for crisis intervention, peer support, community-based counseling, and ongoing mental health services across MetroWest and North County.
- Advocates: crisis services, outreach, peer support in Framingham, MA
- Community Health Connection: compassionate care regardless of income or insurance (Fitchburg, MA)
- Community Healthlink: 24/7 emergency services and screening (Leominster, MA)
- Psychiatric Emergency Services: 24/7 crisis hotline support
- Wayside Youth & Family Support Network: mental health and family supports
Employment & Career Support
- Workforce development and vocational supports that complement Novus programs and help individuals build job skills and pursue employment opportunities.
- Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission: vocational rehabilitation and job retention support
- Work Without Limits: employment network focused on disability inclusion and employer engagement
Housing & Basic Needs
- Community organizations supporting housing stability, food access, and material assistance.
- Fitchburg Housing Authority: Section 8 and affordable housing support
- Spanish American Center: food security assistance, ESL, and outreach
- BayPath Elder Services: home care and wellbeing programs (MetroWest)
- Fresh Start Furniture Bank: donated furniture and housewares for individuals in need (Hudson, MA)
- South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC): supports low-income individuals and families
Be Part of the Community
Your time can help someone find connection, rebuild confidence, and start their new beginning.
Partner with Us
Connect with Novus through:
- Workplace Lunch & Learns on mental health and inclusive hiring
- Skill-based volunteering (resume coaching, financial literacy, mock interviews, tutoring, or mentoring)
- Inclusive hiring partnerships
- Event sponsorship and community investment
- Board of Director opportunities
For Individuals
Get involved by:
- Supporting Clubhouse operations and meals
- Assisting with events and community gatherings
- Sharing professional, educational, or job-readiness skills
- Helping with special projects, including landscaping, painting, refresh projects, or administrative support
- Mentoring members as they build confidence, independence, and employment skills
- Donating your time to the community and awareness efforts that share Novus’ message
Volunteer opportunities are flexible, with options ranging from one-time event support to ongoing involvement. Volunteers join a community grounded in purpose, connection, and new beginnings.
About Our New Name
Novus is a new name, but the same organization you've known and trusted. Here are answers to some of the questions we hear most.
Why did Employment Options change its name?
We’ve grown. Our work has always been about more than employment. It’s about connection, purpose, and belonging. The name Employment Options reflected an important part of our journey, but it no longer captured the full picture of who we are or where we’re headed. Novus gives us the space to honor everything we’ve built while making room for what comes next.
What does "Novus" mean?
Novus comes from the Latin word meaning new, renewed, revived. It reflects the kind of transformation we see every day in our community. People living with mental health conditions taking steps forward, beginning again, and finding their place. And look closely: within the name is us. Our work has never been about an organization alone. It’s about all of us, together.
What does the Novus logo represent?
The logo is inspired by a flower in bloom. It’s a symbol of growth, healing, resilience, and transformation. At its center is a guiding star: a symbol of hope, direction, and possibility. Not something distant, but something steady that helps light the way forward.
What is Novus's tagline?
Together, Change Happens.
Every word is intentional. ‘Together’ speaks to community and shared effort. ‘Change’ reflects the growth and healing we support. And ‘Happens’ is a reminder that this work produces real outcomes, for real people, every day.
How do I refer to the organization now?
We are Novus: a social enterprise dedicated to connecting individuals living with mental health conditions to belonging, purposeful work, and independence, while partnering with communities to reduce stigma.
However, you may still see references to Employment Options for some time as we work through the logistical details of our transition, including donation statements and other official materials. We appreciate your patience as we update our identity across the organization.
Are you still the same organization?
Completely.
Our values and our commitment to the people we serve haven’t changed. What’s changed is how we express who we are. The heart of this organization (the people, the purpose, the care) remains exactly the same.
Does this mean employment is no longer part of your work?
Not at all.
Employment remains central to what we do. Novus simply reflects that we support people beyond a single outcome. We walk alongside individuals through connection, confidence, and long-term growth. Employment may be one part of that larger journey.
What changed, and what didn't?
What changed: our name, our logo, and how we tell our story to the world.
What didn’t change: our values, the people we serve, and the way we show up for this community every single day.
Media & Public Information
Novus welcomes media inquiries and community engagement. We are committed to advancing thoughtful dialogue around mental health, workforce inclusion, and community partnership.
For press inquiries, please contact us.