Southbridge, MA – 8/12/2021 – The Center of Hope Foundation, Inc. (CoHF) is a non-profit agency serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Many of the programs and services offered by the CoHF are funded by the state. However, many programs are unfounded.

The Center offers year-round Special Olympics which allows individuals the opportunity to participate in unified sporting events. Volunteers run practices and take teams to games and tournaments. These teams are provided with uniforms and any other equipment necessary to participate in the sport. Seeing the joy as participants walk onto the field at Gillette Stadium is spectacular! “People are happy, smiling and having so much fun”, said Ryan Chauvin, Recreation Director at the CoHF, “without additional funding, this program and the joy that comes from it would not be possible.”

The CoHF also runs the Holiday Giving Program each year. Around the holidays, gifts and other necessities are given to over 500 individuals and families who struggle financially. “We know that some of our program members or others in the community may not get the chance to experience the holidays like most.”, said Erika Travinski, COO at the CoHF, “It is truly magical to see how the community comes together and helps us provide this amazing support. We see smiles on family member’s faces knowing that their loved ones will wake up on Christmas morning beaming with happiness. There is no better feeling.”

Changing lives and providing opportunities is not only what we do at the Center of Hope, but it is also who we are.  We invite you to join us in making the Special Olympics program and the holiday giving program what they are.   Join us on Saturday, September 11^th for the 15^th Annual Golf Tournament, now known as the Dick Hoyt Memorial Golf Tournament, held at the Heritage Country Club, in Charlton, MA. Help the CoHF continue on with its mission, offering the most opportunities possible for individuals with disabilities. Not only will you be playing for a good cause, but you will also be surrounded by fun and great company. This event is sponsored by The Hoyt Foundation, Team Hoyt, US Tool and Fastener, Joe Cleans, Cornerstone Bank, Abacus Distributors, Fletcher Tilton PC, Helgerson’s Excavating and Septic, IBEW Local 2324, IBEW Local 2222, Southbridge Tire, OFS Fitel, and Excel Advertising. To learn more visit www.thecenterofhope.org/golf or call (508) 764-4085.