The Arc-Center of Hope Foundation, Inc. is Surrounded with Holiday Cheer.
The holiday season is a time for celebration and laughter, spending time with the ones we care for the most. It is also the time of year that support from the local community come out, both financially and emotionally.
The Center of Hope Foundation, Inc., a non-profit agency serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, helped people in the community and received support during this holiday season.
To begin the season, the Center of Hope ran their annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. Program members, staff, families, Table Talk Pies, Big Bunny and Big Y all came together and donated copious amounts of food. With this program members put together 100 baskets filled with all the Thanksgiving dinner fixings and distributed them to families with financial need.
Sturbridge Day Habilitation, the newest day program at the Center of Hope, received a $300 donation from the Young at Heart Red Hatters. Every year this group donates to a local organization to help during the holiday season. This year their donation was given to the Sturbridge Day Hab to be used for a Christmas party. Members, Rachel Lavelle, whose son John is a program member, and Elizabeth Brackett visited the program dressed with holiday cheer to drop off the donation.
The Center’s other day programs have spent time raising money in various ways. The Center of Hope Day Hab, with assistance from other programs, conducted a Grease Musical themed talent show. Tickets, food and beverages were sold and enjoyed while watching music and dancing to the classic; Grease Lighting, Beauty School Drop Out and You’re the One That I Want. Raffle baskets were also sold to raise money.
This holiday season, every program at the Center of Hope was able to have a wonderful Christmas party with food, music, gifts and fun. Program members and staff were dressed to impress with their funny costumes and sweaters. Even Santa made an appearance walking around handing out candy canes. With Christmas music playing around the entire agency, Christmas cheer was spread putting smiles on everyone’s faces.
The Center of Hope was also able to put a smile of hundreds of faces during the annual Holiday Giving Tree Program. After a year of fundraising and with the help of many others the Center gives Christmas gifts to local families with financial need. Marie Smoker, Director of Fundraising says, “It is rewarding to see smiling faces and how grateful parents are, knowing that the Center of Hope is making a difference in helping put smiles on children’s faces.”
The Center of Hope would like to thank everyone who has supported us this year in helping being able to spread holiday cheer. It is great to know that so many people support us in our mission to support individuals with disabilities. With this support we are able to extend our support from day supports to family support and advocacy in the community, so again, we thank you all.
The Arc-Center of Hope Foundation, Inc. Announces the Success of the Second Session of the Internship Program Partnership with Southbridge Hotel and Conference Center & Harrington Hospital
[Southbridge, MA]- The Center of Hope Foundation, Inc., a non-profit human service agency serving adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, has provided a second session of Partners for Positions, a six-week internship program, to program members. This program is funded through the Arc @ Work, a $12,000 grant that was received from the Walmart Foundation. Allowing program members to work in a unified work environment to gain the skills needed to obtain meaningful and paid employment.
In the first session three program members held an internship at the Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center. Here they learned laundry, dishes, time management, organization and hospitality. At the end of the session one of the interns was offered a job and continues to grow and “love it”.
The Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center enjoyed having the interns for the first session that they wanted to be included in the second session. This time the Center was able to send another three program members; Laura Douty, Erin Power, and Chris Lund. Just like the first session the interns learned laundry, dishes, time management, organization and hospitality. They have continued to learn new skills and have become independent with these tasks.
Harrington Healthcare System, in Southbridge, also is involved in the second session of Partners for Positions. Kelly Parker began her internship doing transports which entails transporting specimens and sterile supplies between the different departments within the hospital. April Parzych, IT Application Analyst in the Communication Department & Transport, reported that Kelly takes initiative, has a great demeanor and is dedicated. Kelly takes pride and has been recognized by staff for going above and beyond. Following the internship, Kelly Parker was offered a per diem position that can consist of up to 40 hours a week.
Harrington Hospital was impressed with the program and stated that they look forward to welcoming additional interns.
If you are interested in learning more about our internship program, Partners for Positions, please call us at (508) 764-4085 or visit www.thecenterofhope.org.
Center of Hope Receives Generous Donation from SCU and Worcester Braveheart’s.
The Center of Hope Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit agency that has been serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1956. Operating five day habilitation programs in Southbridge and Sturbridge, offering family and youth supports and a vocational services the Center of Hope continues to provide people with disabilities and their families the resources, services and opportunities to be contributing members of their communities, and to achieve the most fulfilling and meaningful lives possible.
The Center runs several small businesses that are designed as training facilities and work experiences all while offering services to the local community. These businesses include but are not limited to; Just the Details an auto detailing company, Vivid Print a print shop offering small and large format printing and Hope’s Treasures a high-end thrift store offering new and like new items.
The Center of Hope is fortunate to have great community support from local businesses. Southbridge Credit Union, a non-profit community credit union, partnered with the Worcester Braveheart’s for the 2018 season and donated $100 for every home run hit during the 56-game season. After 37 home runs Southbridge Credit Union donated $3,700. Center of Hope Board Members Barbara Palmer and Sherie Bombardier and their children Crissy and Janelle attended the final game accepting the generous donation. During the game Crissy and Janelle set up a tent on behalf of the Center of Hope and handed out information and promotional items. After the game they were able to meet some of the Braveheart Players.
Erika Travinski, Assistant COO of the Center of Hope states “The Center of Hope Foundation is very grateful for the support that Southbridge Credit Union has shown us all through our 62 years, as well as through this endeavor. Braveheart’s General Manager, Dave Peterson, has been a friend and volunteer for our agency for many years and his continued support along with the whole Braveheart’s team is spectacular. We could not do the work we do with people with disabilities without the generosity of organizations like Southbridge Credit Union and the Braveheart’s.”
Congratulations to the Worcester Braveheart’s on their great season and thank you for the support.
For more information regarding the Center of Hope please visit www.thecenterofhope.org or call us at (508) 764-4085.
The Arc-Center of Hope Foundation, Inc. Announces the Successful Internship Program Partnership with Southbridge Hotel and Conference Center
[Southbridge, MA] – The Southbridge Hotel and Conference Center has been the first business partner working with The Arc-Center of Hope Foundation, Inc. in allowing a new internship program for training people with disabilities towards employment in the hospitality industry. This successful venture was funded by The Arc of the United States and the Walmart Foundation to continue bridging the gap between the career world and workers with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), through The Arc@Work.
The Arc, CoHF is also excited to announce the next round of Internships being implemented with Harrington Health Care Systems of Southbridge and Webster. The agency is grateful to all of the enthusiastic staff involved in the different departments who will be supporting the individuals involved.
For more information on ways that your business can participate in this project, please call Cindy Howard at 508-764-4085.
“TIME TO UNCORK & UNWINE”
At the Center of Hope Foundation’s Wine Tasting and Live Auction
The Center of Hope Foundation, Inc. will be hosting a Wine Tasting and Live Auction on October 12, 2018 from 6 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Point Breeze Webster, MA. Proceeds benefit the Holiday Giving Program.
For the past 30 years, the agency has provided gifts for individuals and families with financial need in the local community, helping to ensure that each child receives that special gift. Proceeds from this event, along with partnerships with churches and other local organizations, will allow the agency to purchase specific gifts to fit each child’s wants.
At this event there will be numerous wine, craft beer and special liqueur vendors offering tastings from their best-selling products. Along with the opportunity to taste these beverages there will also be hors d’ourve and dessert tastings from local restaurants. Pair your favorite wine with a plate of fancy cheeses or have a craft beer while trying some chicken wings. The possibilities are endless, and we guarantee you will leave satisfied.
Following the tasting a Live Auction will be held by auctioneer, Rich Merill. You won’t want to miss out on the baskets and services that we will be auctioning off this year! This fun filled event will be full of raffles, door prizes, games and more so come “Uncork & Unwine” with us and enjoy a night out.
The Center of Hope Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit agency serving adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Southbridge, MA. It has been in existence since 1956 and currently serves over 700 individuals and their families in a 64-town area. The agency provides Day Supports through its Day Habilitations, Employment Programs, Small Businesses, and Family Support Programs. The agency’s mission is to provide people with disabilities and their families the resources, services and opportunities to be contributing members of their communities, and to achieve the most fulfilling and meaningful lives possible.
If you would like to learn more about the Center of Hope Foundation, Inc. and the upcoming Wine Tasting and Live Auction Event please call (508)764-4085, visit www.thecenterofhope.org , or email MSmoker@thecenterofhope.org.
Ribbon Cutting for new Program in Sturbridge by the Arc Chapter in South Central Mass.-the Center of Hope Foundation
On June 20th, 2018 the Center of Hope Foundation, Inc., along with the Chamber of Central Mass South proudly held a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Marylou Sudders as the featured guest speaker, at their newest program site at 23 Main St., Sturbridge, MA.
The beautiful rehabbed building, constructed with the Center’s own “Fair and Square Construction Services”, houses a 5th Day Hab. Service, “Sturbridge Day Habilitation”, for around 150 program members, and a new state of the art kitchen to support Vocational Services.
“Hope’s Kitchen” was funded through the George W. Wells Foundation, the Herman F. Becker Foundation and the Hoyt Foundation, built to continue the tradition of creating new small businesses to provide training and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities participating in Vocational services, financial support to the agency, as well as a needed service to the community.
The kitchen is providing fudge, glazed nuts and chocolates to the Hope Sweet Hope candy store, sandwiches, salads, muffins, etc. to their own cafeterias and coffee shops, and will soon offer table ready meals for the public who need healthy meals to bring home in the evenings.
The ceremony was also hosted by the local Central Mass South Chamber of Commerce and included inspiring words by the Executive Director, Alix McNitt of the Chamber, Secretary Sudders and the Sturbridge Town Administrator, Leon Gaumond, Jr.
In gratitude to the funders, a Money Tree (or Pachira plant), which is thought to bring good fortune and luck along with a plaque stating “With great appreciation… for your unconditional support; Your generosity has provided numerous opportunities for our program members”, was given to attendees Dick and Rick Hoyt of the Hoyt Foundation and Randy Becker of the Herman F. Becker Foundation.
The Center of Hope Foundation, Inc. serves 700 families in a 64-town area in Central Mass. and Northern CT, and is one of 18 Arc Chapters in Massachusetts and 650 Chapters in the nation.
Southbridge Credit Union and Bravehearts Team Up for Center of Hope
Credit Union to Make Donation for Each Bravehearts Home Run Hit in 2018
Fans at Worcester Bravehearts games have another reason to root for home runs in 2018: the news that a local credit union will be stepping up with a donation to another local non-profit for each long ball the Bravehearts hit this summer.
Southbridge Credit Union (SCU), a not-for-profit community credit union with four branch locations and a lending center, has partnered with the Worcester Bravehearts to support the Center of Hope Foundation, also of Southbridge. For each home run hit by the Bravehearts in their 56-game regular season and potential playoff matchups, SCU will donate $100 to the Center of Hope Foundation.
Since 1956, the Center of Hope has provided people with disabilities and their families the resources, services, and opportunities to be contributing members of their communities, and to achieve the most fulfilling and meaningful lives possible. The Center has done this through day habilitation programs, family and youth support services, and its 14 agency businesses in the Sturbridge & Southbridge area. These businesses train and employ hundreds of individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities in service and retail industries. For example, customers can plan a home construction project through “Fair & Square Construction,” get their vehicle cleaned through “Just the Details,” or simply pick up a box of fudge at “Hope Sweet Hope,” the agency’s sweetest business on Main Street in Sturbridge.
Erika Travinski, Assistant COO of CoHF states “The Center of Hope Foundation is very grateful for the support that Southbridge Credit Union has shown us all through our 62 years, as well as through this endeavor. Bravehearts General Manager, Dave Peterson, has been a friend and volunteer for our agency for many years and his continued support along with the whole Braveheart’s team is spectacular. We could not do the work we do with people with disabilities without the generosity of organizations like SCU and the Bravehearts.”
Historically, the Bravehearts have hit between 26 and 37 total home runs in their 56-game Futures League season. Last year the team smacked 36 home runs on the way to the championship series before falling to the Nashua Silver Knights in the finals. Southbridge Credit Union will donate $100 for each Bravehearts’ home run hit either at home or on the road. A check presentation on-field is planned at the end of the season so that both Southbridge Credit Union and the Center of Hope Foundation can be honored.
“This is a partnership with some special meaning behind it,” said Bravehearts General Manager Dave Peterson. “It reiterates the philosophy we’ve had since our inception that 1+1 = 3. Here you have two local small businesses working together for each other and for the benefit of a third organization; one that does so much to provide individuals with disabilities the training and work opportunities that help them fulfill their lives.”
For Southbridge Credit Union — known for community citizenship that also includes support of the United Way of Southbridge, Sturbridge and Charlton, Tri-Community YMCA, and even a functional branch at Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School— this creates an exciting summer partnership that could also become a focal point as they celebrate their 80th year in business.
“Southbridge Credit Union has proudly been servicing this community for 80 years. We are thrilled to partner with the Bravehearts on this endeavor that supports the Center of Hope Foundation. We look forward to seeing you at the ballpark and let’s hope for many home runs!”, states President and CEO of SCU, Kate Alexander.
29th Annual Central Mass Legislative Breakfast
The Center of Hope Foundation, Inc, along with the Central Mass Providers and South Valley Citizens Advisory Board hosted its 29th Annual Legislative Breakfast on Tuesday, June 12th at the College of the Holy Cross. This Annual Forum has provided Legislators from across Central Massachusetts an opportunity to hear about prevalent issues in the disability community and to hear how the budget issues will affect those with disabilities.
Each year, this Breakfast has a theme and this year’s breakfast was “Vision”, as those with disabilities and their families look to the future. Each guest received a pair of sunglasses to help remind them about the need for all of us to have a Vision.
Leo Sarkissian, Executive Director of the Arc of Massachusetts welcomed the audience. Linda Cournoyer, Board member of CoHF was the moderator. Speakers on this topic were Jayne Bowler, parent, and her son Alex, who spoke about their vision for his future. Cindy Howard, COO for the Center of Hope spoke about the need for more funding to support higher wages for an under
paid workforce in this economy.
The featured Speaker Jane Ryder, newly appointed Commissioner of the Department of Developmental Services spoke about her vision for the future with the Department, families, providers and other stakeholders.
Recognition awards were presented to Pat Lynch of W. Boylston, from HMEA; Justin Bernard of Webster, from Arc of Massachusetts; Kristine Bauce of Spencer, from CoHF; Joaquin “Junior” Colon of Southbridge, CoHF; Missi McConnell of Webster, from Seven Hills Foundation; Andrew & Justine Marsh, mom and son from Oxford, from Linda Cournoyer; Megan Petty of Mendon, from the South Valley Citizen’s Advisory Board; Jen Walsh of Milford, also from SVCAB; Carol Tripp-Tebo of Worcester, from The Bridge; and Sue Moriarty of Gardner who received the “Linda Cournoyer Excellence in Advocacy Award”, for all for their work in the disability community. Also presented was an Achievement Award to Jim Howard and Cindy Howard, the CEO and COO of the Center of Hope, for their years of dedication and service to the Center of Hope and the disability community. Linda Cournoyer, life-long advocate and parent of an adult with a disability, cited them for their “vision and dedication”.
A special recognition was made by Fire Chief Mark DiFronzo of Southbridge to the 4 people who were in the right place at the right time who were able to assist a family from their burning home in Southbridge in May: Erika Travinski, Monique Chapdelaine, Jim Howard and Cindy Howard.
The sponsors were very pleased that 17 Legislators were in attendance! They were Representatives, Kate Campanale, Daniel Donahue, Peter Durant, Kimberly Ferguson, Stephan Hay, Hannah Kane, Mary Keefe, Joseph McKenna, Brian Murray, James O’Day, Jeffrey Roy, Todd Smola, and Robin Frechette of Rep. Brian Ashe’s office. The Senators included Ryan Fattman, Ann Gobi, Michael Moore and Christy Mylott of Senator Dean Tran’s office. We are grateful for the Citations and for all of their support towards the issues that are so important for the people we serve.
The providers of Central Massachusetts request that all involved stakeholders still call their legislators to get the support needed for disability services. As the plaques for the awardees said, “Because of your vision and inspiration you are making a difference.” For more information call Cindy at 508-764-4085.
