Southbridge, MA – Hope, a common word that people use all the time. Defined as a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen or a feeling of trust, it is a word that most take for granted. Hope is fundamental to the human condition and if you ask most people what they hope for, you will hear responses like “good fortune”, “good health”, “peace and happiness” or “to win the lottery”. Now if you asked a person with intellectual or developmental disabilities or their family members what they hope for, you will hear responses like, “to be included”, “to be treated like everyone else”, “to make new friends”, “to get a job”, or “to live on my own”.

For over 65 years, the Center of Hope Foundation in Southbridge, MA has built and strengthened the agency to foster this hope by broadening the scope of care and expanding the safety net of resources, advocacy, and services to individuals and families facing disabilities or disabling circumstances. We continue to hope for the well-being of our families, caring relationships, financial wholeness, health, and productivity. We hope for the prosperity of our friends, neighbors, and community. We even hope for peace and stability for the larger world around us. It is this hope that drives the agency, to continue with our mission to support people with disabilities and their families from diverse backgrounds, providing them with the resources, services, and opportunities needed to be contributing members of their communities and to achieve the most fulfilling and meaningful lives possible.

Providing this hope takes an army and to achieve success, everyone must do their part. It starts with the Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who care for the individuals we serve, gaining their trust, and becoming their friends while providing the highest level of care. The DSPs, Case Managers, and other staff within the programs help our program members work toward achieving their goals, providing a sense of hope and accomplishment. It is members of the community and local businesses that help us change the lives of so many, by providing that hope, raising awareness, and creating an inclusive environment. Our army is comprised of many partners including The Hoyt Foundation, Angel Guard Products, US Tool & Fastener, Southbridge Credit Union, Cornerstone Bank, Marsh & McLennan Agency, The Herman F. Becker Family Charitable Foundation, the Scott Mackay Memorial Golf Tournament, and the Fundación MAPFRE, generously supported and attended all our fundraising events.

Other local businesses such as Joe Cleans, Abacus Distributors, Southbridge Tire, Exsel Advertising, OFS Optics, Helgerson’s Excavating and Septic, 5 Star Automotive, IBEW Local 2324, IBEW Local 2222, Country Bank, Bank Hometown, Savers Bank, OFS Optical, Vibrance Technology Corporation, Open Sky, Cormier Jewelers, Masterman’s, Lamoureux Ford, The Publick House, Simple Indulgence Spa, Sneakerama, G&F Precision Molding, Morin Jewelers, Spherion Staffing & Recruiting, Bay Path Archers, Big Bunny Market, Fletcher Tilton PC, Southbridge Tire, Powers Industrial and Safety, Co., Charlton Optical, CMEA, Knights of Columbus, Whitco Sales, Inc., Harrington Healthcare, Steadfast Co., Dexter Russell, Darwin Design, Country Bank, Chamber of Commerce, and Green Meadows sponsored and supported our events and programs throughout the year. We can’t forget all the businesses and families that have generously donated, attended events, and advocated for us.

Every day we see the happiness on our program members’ faces in knowing that they are living meaningful and productive lives, accomplishing their goals, spending time with friends, and being given the opportunities that everyone else has. That is why we do what we do, but we know that hope doesn’t end at the end of the day when our programs are closed so our job is not done. To provide much-needed support to the community we run a food pantry, emergency relief programs, and a Holiday Giving Program.  “It’s around the holidays that we see the families we serve begin to worry about how to make the holiday season special for their loved ones. How will they put food on the table for Thanksgiving and gifts under the tree for Christmas? This is what these programs are all about, especially the Holiday Giving Program, taking the worry and stress away and putting smiles on as many faces as we can.” said Cindy Howard, CEO of the Center of Hope. 

We are beyond grateful to have the generous support from the community to make all these wonderful services possible and continue enhancing the lives of the individuals we serve. With the support from our community, we continue changing lives, providing hope, raising awareness, and strengthening our community. We look forward to the new year and what it has in store for us and our community. Thank you for supporting the Center of Hope.