Making a Difference for Individuals with Disabilities
Southbridge, MA – 5/3/2021 – 2021 marks the Center of Hope Foundation’s 65th anniversary. Since its inception in 1956, the Center of Hope (CoHF) has continued to support and advocate for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The CoHF began as a small school for children with disabilities and has since grown to provide day services for adults, employment supports, in-home supports, youth services, recreational services and emergency relief services. Now serving over 700 families from 64 towns in Massachusetts and Connecticut, the CoHF is one of the largest employers in the town of Southbridge and is a vital part of the community.
You have probably seen their vans all over, transporting individuals to one of the five-day habilitation or employment programs. You may have also seen many of their staff and program members out in the community; whether they are volunteering at local non-profits or cleaning up the local streets and parks.
The CoHF also has an employment supports department which allows individuals the opportunity for meaningful employment, whether it’s in the community or in one of their 9 small businesses. The small businesses include Just the Details, Hope’s Treasures Thrift Store, Vivid Print, Noress Corporation, Cans of Hope, Shred of Hope, Janitorial, Fair and Square Construction and The Festive Home. All these businesses offer employment opportunity while providing quality services to the community.
The CoHF continues to grow and has plans to open another day program along with residential housing soon. These plans will allow individuals to learn to live independently and be provided the help needed to grow, flourish and become contributing members of their community.
The CoHF would like to thank everyone who has been a part of this milestone in making a difference in the lives of so many and encourage you to share your stories on their website, www.thecenterofhope.org/stories.
