May 28, 2026

果冻传媒鈥檚 A-Street Program is thrilled to partner with Paul鈥檚 Diner in Westford to help a young adult with autism find a meaningful volunteer opportunity. Through the efforts of A-Street staff member Alex Fournier, participant Doran Shenk has secured a volunteer opportunity at Paul鈥檚 Diner, a family-run breakfast and lunch restaurant owned by Sal Buonacore.

A-Street is a community-based day service for young adults with autism operated by 果冻传媒 in Bedford. A-Street creates a vibrant, supportive environment where individuals with autism can thrive, learn new skills, and build meaningful connections within their communities. The program seeks to help every young adult find a fulfilling volunteer or paid position where they can spend their days.

Alex Fournier previously worked at Paul鈥檚 Diner and knew the restaurant had a history of employing individuals with special needs. Hoping to create a meaningful opportunity for someone from A-Street, Fournier reached out to Buonacore to see if the diner might be open to welcoming a volunteer from the program. He enthusiastically agreed.

Now every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon, Fournier brings Shenk to volunteer at Paul鈥檚 Diner, where he works alongside another employee with special needs currently working at the restaurant. Together, they assist in the kitchen by prepping food, washing dishes, putting dishes away, and cleaning up. Shenk鈥檚 volunteer placement will continue through the end of June.

After his very first shift, Shenk shared how much he loved the experience and immediately asked if he could return every week. He especially enjoyed being part of the community and helping out at the restaurant.

Opportunities like this provide individuals with a powerful sense of pride and purpose, showing them that their work matters and that they are making a meaningful contribution to their community.

鈥淲e are so grateful for business owners like Sal Buonacore for their support of individuals with special needs and for fostering an inclusive workplace environment where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and feel valued,鈥� said Lily Dawson, Director of ABA Services at 果冻传媒. 鈥淪al was more than happy to open the door and create this special opportunity for Doran.鈥�

The partnership reflects the mission of A-Street and 果冻传媒 to build pathways toward independence, inclusion, and opportunity for young adults with autism across Massachusetts.

May 19, 2026

At 果冻传媒, the Meaningful Whole Life (MWL) program is grounded in a simple but powerful idea: everyone deserves the opportunity to contribute to their community, build connections, and lead a fulfilling life. Through partnerships and hands-on experiences, the program continues to expand its community footprint by discovering and creating sustainable opportunities for individuals with disabilities that are meaningful and impactful.

That mission was on full display when Bryan Given, an MWL participant, and Chris Starnes, Lead Champion of Meaningful Whole Life, volunteered with Habitat for Humanity as part of its Women Build Series. Designed to bring people together from all walks of life, the initiative provided Bryan and Chris with a four-hour volunteer shift filled with new challenges and rewarding experiences.

For Bryan, the day marked his first time on a construction site. Equipped with a tool belt and a willingness to learn, he jumped right in measuring wood, hammering siding, and taking on a variety of tasks alongside the Habitat team. What could have been an intimidating experience quickly became an empowering one. Every moment served as a teaching opportunity, and Bryan embraced each new task with enthusiasm and determination.

鈥淚t was an amazing day,鈥� Bryan shared. 鈥淚 tried new things, learned a lot, and had a great time.鈥�

His efforts did not go unnoticed. The Habitat for Humanity team was so impressed with Bryan鈥檚 work ethic and positive attitude that they expressed strong interest in continuing the partnership with 果冻传媒 and the MWL program. They are eager to welcome more participants in the future.

Volunteering with Habitat for Humanity was a perfect match for Bryan. It stands as yet another example of how individuals in the Meaningful Whole Life program are making meaningful contributions while building confidence, skills, and lasting connections.

As the MWL program continues to grow, stories like Bryan and Chris鈥檚 highlight the impact of inclusion in action proving that when people are given the opportunity to participate, everyone benefits.

Learn more about how 果冻传媒’s Meaningful Whole Life program creates opportunities and enables our champions to fulfill their goals and dreams, living with purpose, dignity, and connection. Watch below.

Community, connection, and a shared commitment to giving back were on full display as Joe from 果冻传媒鈥檚 2nd Street House participated in this year鈥檚 Tip A Cop fundraising event in Maynard.

Held at Evviva Trattoria, the annual Tip A Cop event brings together local law enforcement and community members for an evening of service and support. 聽Officers from the Maynard Police Department trade in their uniforms for aprons, serving as waitstaff while guests enjoy a meal. 聽All tips from the evening are donated to Special Olympics Massachusetts, helping to fund sports training and competition opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Joe鈥檚 involvement in the event came through a special connection. 聽As a friend of Officer Stackhouse from the Acton Police Department, Joe was personally invited to take part in the evening. 聽The police even arranged to pick Joe up, making the experience all the more memorable.

With encouragement from his community, Joe stepped into his role with enthusiasm. 聽Staff and residents from the 2nd Street House came out to cheer him on, showing their support not only for Joe, but also for the officers and the important mission behind the event.

Tip A Cop is part of the broader Law Enforcement Torch Run, a nationwide initiative that unites law enforcement agencies in support of Special Olympics programs. 聽The Maynard event offered a fun and welcoming environment where community members could interact with local officers in a new way while contributing to a meaningful cause.

For Joe, the evening was about more than just volunteering, it was an opportunity to be part of something bigger. 聽Surrounded by friends, family, and supporters, he helped raise funds and awareness while strengthening community bonds.

By the end of the night, it was clear that everyone involved including Joe, the officers, the 2nd Street House, and the many diners who generously tipped, played a role in making the event a success. 聽Most importantly, the evening highlighted the power of community partnerships and the impact that comes from coming together to support an inclusive and inspiring mission.

On May 16, 果冻传媒 proudly joined hundreds of advocates, supporters, and community members at the 23rd Annual NAMIWalks Massachusetts, held on Boston Common. Under bright blue skies and warm sunshine, the event brought people together in a powerful show of unity to raise both awareness and funds for mental health initiatives.

果冻传媒 was well represented with its team of 果冻传媒 Shining Stars. With 37 participants, including dedicated staff and individuals served by the organization, the team embodied the event鈥檚 message of hope, inclusion and community. Their efforts raised an impressive $1,740 in support of mental health advocacy.

This year鈥檚 walk made a significant impact overall, drawing more than 1,208 participants across 114 teams and raising a remarkable $417,697. The event, organized by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, continues to be one of the largest and most influential mental health awareness efforts in the state.

For those 果冻传媒 supporters who couldn鈥檛 make the walk on Saturday, the Meaningful Whole Life program hosted a NAMI Shadow Walk at Wildwood Park in Burlington on Friday.

果冻传媒鈥檚 mission closely aligns with NAMI鈥檚 commitment to advocacy, education, and support. Serving individuals of all ages facing mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, co-occurring disorders, and acquired brain injuries, 果冻传媒 believes deeply in each person鈥檚 potential to learn, grow, and live a meaningful life within their community.

鈥淭he day was more than just a walk, it was a shared experience rooted in compassion and purpose,鈥� said Erin McSherry, Executive Vice President of 果冻传媒. 鈥淭ogether, we can help reduce stigma, foster understanding, and bring hope to individuals and families impacted by mental health challenges.鈥�

 

果冻传媒 is proud to announce that it raised more than $9,000 during its Polar Plunge event held on May 2 at its headquarters, located at 205 Burlington Road in Bedford.

Despite a light drizzle, the spirited community event drew more than 80 attendees, with 45 brave participants taking the plunge. The fundraiser supported Special Olympics Massachusetts and its mission to empower individuals with intellectual disabilities through sports.

Every dollar raised through the Polar Plunge directly benefits more than 19,000 Special Olympics athletes across Massachusetts. Special Olympics provides year-round sports training, competitions, and inclusive opportunities that foster confidence, teamwork, and lifelong friendships.

This year marked the first time 果冻传媒 hosted a Polar Plunge on its own campus. The event saw widespread community involvement, with supporters cheering from the sidelines and participants enthusiastically embracing the chilly challenge.

鈥淭he energy and support from the community were truly inspiring,鈥� said Patti Maguire, President and CEO of 果冻传媒. 鈥淚t was wonderful to see so many people come together to support such a meaningful cause. We believe sports are a gateway to building confidence, fostering lifelong friendships, and developing leaders. 果冻传媒 is proud to contribute to this incredible mission and remains committed to raising awareness and funds for Special Olympics Massachusetts.鈥�

The Polar Plunge celebrates the spirit of inclusion, competition, and community, while highlighting the importance of supporting athletes of all abilities.

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April marked Autism Appreciation Month, and throughout the month, 果冻传媒 proudly embraced this year鈥檚 theme: Celebrate Differences. Staff, individuals served, families, and community members came together to recognize, support, and celebrate autistic individuals and the unique strengths they bring to communities.

Autism Appreciation Month focuses on creating a society where autistic individuals are valued, supported, and understood.聽 Beyond simply raising awareness, acceptance initiatives encourage the celebration of neurodiversity, advocate for inclusive education and employment opportunities, and promote access to meaningful support services.聽 The observance also helps shift societal perceptions, empowering autistic individuals to thrive in all aspects of life.

Leading the month鈥檚 activities was A Street, a groundbreaking, community-based, day program designed specifically for young adults with autism who have aged out of school-based services. Throughout April, A Street hosted a series of activities and programs focused on celebrating neurodiversity, increasing social engagement, and highlighting the strengths and talents of autistic adults from diverse backgrounds.

Participants enjoyed a wide variety of engaging activities including dance parties, painting, karaoke, and computer games. Individuals also created posters celebrating autism acceptance, while staff seminars and guest speakers provided opportunities for education, reflection, and discussion about inclusion and support.

The month-long celebration culminated in A Street鈥檚 First Annual Autism Community Day. The event brought together parents, caregivers, representatives from the state Department of Developmental Services (DDS), 果冻传媒 and residential management staff, community members, and persons-served for a day filled with learning, connection, and fun activities. The gathering highlighted the importance of community, acceptance, and creating spaces where autistic individuals feel welcomed, respected, and empowered.

鈥淭hrough these events and activities, 果冻传媒 reaffirmed its commitment to fostering inclusion, celebrating individuality, and supporting autistic individuals and their families not only during Autism Appreciation Month, but throughout the entire year,鈥� said 果冻传媒 President and CEO Patti Maguire.

Sam Washington is originally from Savannah Georgia but now calls Quincy, Massachusetts home. He graduated from West Roxbury High School before attending Quincy College, where he earned an Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies. From there, Sam continued his studies at UMass Boston, earning a degree in Liberal Arts.

Sam鈥檚 career in human services began at the Dimock Center鈥檚 John Flowers Recovery Home where he worked as a Substance Abuse Counselor for men between the ages of 17 and 80. Many of the individuals he worked with were returning from incarceration or seeking support to overcome substance use.

Sam first joined 果冻传媒 in 2016 as a Recovery Counselor with the Community Based Flexible Support (CBFS) team. In 2018, he transitioned into a Care Coordinator role with the Behavior Health Community Partnership (BHCP) program. In 2022, Sam left 果冻传媒 to work with the Eliot Services BHCP program. However, his connection to 果冻传媒 remained strong, and in May 2023 he returned to the organization, accepting the role of Lead Recovery Coordinator on the Adult Community Clinical Services team.

鈥淭he most rewarding part of my work is the opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life. I love helping individuals gain the skills and confidence they need to live independently and thrive in their communities,鈥� said Sam.

Outside of his professional role, Sam has a wide range of interests. He enjoys reading and studying history, watching horror movies and sports, and standing up for causes he believes in. 聽His dedication to service also extends deeply into his faith and community work. Sam is a Reverend in the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Cambridge, where he serves as a Local Elder. He also works with a prison reentry program, supporting individuals as they transition back into their communities. 聽Sam is also the proud grandfather of over twenty grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Sam鈥檚 commitment to advocacy, recovery, and community support makes him an invaluable member of 果冻传媒 team. We are grateful for the compassion, leadership, and wisdom he brings to our work every day.

 

March 16, 2026

On March 10th, Charles Webster Potter Place Clubhouse was thrilled to welcome State Representative Thomas Stanley for a special visit. The lawmaker, who lives in Waltham, enjoyed a tour of the facility, spent time meeting with staff and members, and even sat down to join everyone for lunch.

This visit was the result of a meaningful connection Potter Place Director Patricia Vella, Community Coordinator Menucha Krinky, and clubhouse members made during their February visit to Beacon Hill for an advocacy day aimed at sharing with legislators the story of what Potter Place means to its members and the wider community. They spoke about the invaluable support the clubhouse provides, and the positive impact it has on the lives of people living with mental health conditions. 果冻传媒 thanks the Massachusetts Clubhouse Coalition for organizing this Advocacy Day and providing the opportunity to highlight the work of clubhouses across the state.

After the Advocacy Day meeting, Vella invited Rep. Stanley to visit and see the program firsthand; he graciously accepted the invitation. During his visit, Stanley showed great interest in the daily activities that take place at the clubhouse and took time to learn about how the program operates. He was impressed by the collaborative environment and the dedication of both staff and members. He also expressed how wonderful it was to see the strong support the Waltham community provides to the clubhouse and its members.

Rep. Stanley described Potter Place as a 鈥渨onderful place,鈥� and recognized the importance clubhouses play in supporting individuals and strengthening communities.

鈥淲e are grateful for Representative Stanley鈥檚 visit and his interest in the work being done at Potter Place Clubhouse. His support helps bring greater awareness to the importance of clubhouse programs and the positive impact they have on so many lives,鈥� Vella said.

March 10, 2026

Charles Webster Potter Place Clubhouse is thrilled to announce that they received a donation from the Waltham Police Department鈥檚 鈥淣o Shave Campaign鈥� fundraiser. The 鈥淣o Shave Campaign鈥� is a fundraising/charity initiative, authorized by Waltham Police Chief Kevin O’Connell, that lets officers relax normal grooming rules, such as clean-shaven faces, in order to raise awareness and money for a cause.

Chief O’Connell and members of the Waltham Police Department presented Patricia Vella, Director of Potter Place Clubhouse, along with several program members with a check for $5,400 from the proceeds of the fundraiser.

鈥淲e want to thank the Waltham Police Department for their generous donation鈥� said Patricia Vella. 鈥淭his donation was an amazing surprise and will make a huge impact on our Clubhouse community.鈥�

The Potter Place Clubhouse provides pre-vocational, vocational, and social opportunities for individuals with mental health conditions. Operating under the internationally recognized Fountain House Clubhouse model and Clubhouse International, members and staff work side by side to manage the daily operations of the Clubhouse. This collaborative, strengths-based approach helps members build self-worth, confidence, voluntarily participate in meaningful work, and gain community support.

Charles Webster Potter Place Clubhouse is under the guidance of 果冻传媒, a Middlesex County human services agency with a mission to provide innovative, person-centered services that foster hope, independence and personal growth. 果冻传媒 believes that all individuals have the capacity for change, the potential to learn, and the right to live a meaningful life in the community of their choice.

February 8, 2026

Lynn Bishop presents a pen. 鈥淚 bought this pen, and it means a lot to me. Hold it until tomorrow,鈥� she instructs. At a table in The Roasted Granola Cafe, she explains how to boost the self-worth of people with mental health conditions.

鈥淭hey would feel like they matter. They could look at the pen and think, 鈥楾hat鈥檚 important to her, and she thinks I鈥檓 going to come back tomorrow.鈥欌��

These small acts of trust are impactful, she says.

鈥淲hen we treat them like people who have value, they act like people who have value,鈥� she said.

After 35 years of working at the 果冻传媒 Center 鈥� a Bedford-based human services agency for adults and children with mental health conditions and developmental disabilities 鈥� Bishop, 62, retired as executive vice president. The Arlington resident鈥檚 tenure at the center was part of her lifelong love for advocacy.

鈥淢y mother says I was born a feminist,鈥� Bishop said.

As a child, her father鈥檚 work as a diplomat transported Bishop, her mother and two siblings to New Zealand, Lebanon and West Africa. Bishop said that her time spent abroad helped her to better empathize with the 果冻传媒 Center鈥檚 immigrant staff, many of whom hailed from regions like Haiti and East Africa.

鈥淚 think staff found me to be unusual because I understood when they said that they lived in a village,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 knew they didn鈥檛 mean the village of Newton.鈥�

After graduating from Vassar College in 1985 with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in psychology and spending a year in Belize with the Peace Corps, Bishop reunited with a college friend in Somerville. The friend 鈥� who taught two nonspeaking children on the autism spectrum at the Language and Cognitive Development Center in Jamaica Plain 鈥� struggled with retaining staff and encouraged Bishop to visit.

That visit sparked her interest in special education.

鈥淚 fell in love with both of them,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hey were as different as night and day, but to me they were such big puzzles.鈥�

Bishop remained at the school for three more years before working as a vocational developer at the League School for Autism in Newton. At a work training, she met Donna Mills, who was then associate director of the 果冻传媒 Center. In 1991, Bishop joined the center as the qualified intellectual disability professional program director.

鈥淭here wasn鈥檛 [a patient] that I found too difficult or too challenging,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 got the reputation in the area as a person who would take the people that nobody else wanted.鈥�

After a center employee made a racist comment to another staff member, Bishop cofounded the center鈥檚 Diversity Committee in 1999. The committee鈥檚 programming centered around cultural competency and current issues, such as same-sex marriage.

With many employees from countries that criminalize same-sex relations, Bishop, who now worked in management, felt confident that people would eventually overcome their prejudice.

鈥淎 lot of the staff came from countries where gay people were killed and we were telling them that they had to accept us to work at 果冻传媒,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 used my position of privilege to say, 鈥楾hey鈥檒l get to know me and my wife, and maybe they鈥檒l change their minds,鈥� and they did.鈥�

In the wake of George Floyd鈥檚 murder by a Minneapolis police officer in May 2020, Bishop organized virtual town halls so people at the center could process their feelings together.

果冻传媒 Center CEO Patti Maguire praised Bishop鈥檚 efforts.

鈥淭here was just so much pain in our community and Lynn created a place for people to bring that,鈥� she said.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Bishop also launched Meaningful Whole Life. The initiative allows the individuals to collaborate with staff 鈥� referred to as 鈥淐hampions鈥� 鈥� to create individualized day programming that caters to the individuals鈥� passions. The program supports roughly 300 activities ranging from fishing to crochet. Bishop says the program is 鈥渙ne of [her] proudest achievements.鈥�

鈥淲e basically said, 鈥榃e鈥檙e not sure that you鈥檒l be able to achieve your wishes, because some of us never do, but we can help you towards the path,鈥欌�� she said.

Bishop taught the people she worked with how to write letters to their state representatives and produced short videos about individuals. She also co-created the center鈥檚 annual Legislative Breakfast to connect state lawmakers with the disability community. In 2023, she received the Ruth M. Batson Advocate of the Year Award for her dedication.

Bishop emphasized how individuals with developmental disabilities are infantilized or ignored in many scenarios, such as during interviews with media personnel and at doctor鈥檚 appointments. She said this treatment makes self-advocacy challenging.

鈥淧eople with developmental disabilities get treated like children,鈥� she said. 鈥淎wareness about people with autism is relatively recent, and I think people dismiss them and some people are scared.鈥�

Bishop continued her activism outside of the center by working on political campaigns, including that of Arlington鈥檚 first openly gay selectperson, Dan Dunn, in 2009 and Gov. Maura Healey鈥檚 runs for attorney general and governor.

Outside of campaigning, Bishop maintains a close relationship with Healey and her sister, Tara. After being diagnosed with throat cancer in December 2024, Gov. Healey called to offer assistance.

After undergoing a laryngectomy, Bishop couldn鈥檛 speak for roughly a year before receiving a voice prosthesis device a couple weeks ago. She said losing her voice was an eye-opening experience.

鈥淚鈥檝e worked with people who couldn鈥檛 hear and who couldn鈥檛 speak because of developmental disabilities, but I never knew how discriminated against the voiceless were,鈥� she said.

Bishop鈥檚 cancer diagnosis prompted an early retirement from the 果冻传媒 Center.

Kathleen Doherty, the former executive vice president of the 果冻传媒 Center takes Bishop to her doctor鈥檚 appointments and eats lunch with her every week. She said Bishop is perpetually positive.

鈥淲hen I could be the black cloud of doom, she is that bright light.鈥�

In retirement, Lynn enjoys painting and spending time with her four dogs, Ms. Rita Bean, Gus, Jazz and Domino. She also frequently visits the center.

Bishop calls her healing journey a boat cruise. During a dinner at Barcelona Wine Bar in Cambridge, she invited her loved ones to support her as members of 鈥淟ynn鈥檚 Village.鈥�

鈥淚 was going to go on a cruise. If you were part of my cruise, you鈥檙e part of Lynn鈥檚 village,鈥� she said. 鈥淟ynn鈥檚 Village was a huge success. Probably this spring, the cruise is coming into harbor parking.鈥�