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.

For the past 15 years, Aaron Needle, a member of the Charles Webster Potter Place Clubhouse in Waltham, has been quietly redefining what it means to create art in the margins鈥攓uite literally. His body of work, which he calls 鈥淢arginal Existence,鈥� transforms the overlooked edges of composition into intricate, expressive landscapes of color, texture and design.

Aaron鈥檚 artistic journey began modestly with handmade greeting cards. What started as simple designs has evolved into highly detailed, large-scale compositions that reflect both patience and precision. Today, his work is immediately recognizable for its signature structure: a central image framed by meticulously hand-cut patterns layered over vibrant marble paper.

The process behind each piece is as fascinating as the final result. Aaron uses handmade marble paper sourced from a local workshop, folding it much like one would when creating a paper snowflake. With a chiseled-edge blade or an X-Acto knife, he cuts through as many as nine layers of paper at once, producing delicate, symmetrical designs. These intricate cutouts are then carefully layered over the marbled backgrounds, creating depth. It takes Aaron over 15 hours over the course of 3-4 days to cut out the intricate designs.

At the heart of each composition lies a 鈥渢rade card,鈥� which was a form of commercial advertising popular during the Victorian Era. Rather than overshadowing these vintage images, Aaron鈥檚 ornate borders are designed to enhance them. The result is a harmonious blend of old and new, where historical imagery is elevated through contemporary craftsmanship. As Aaron describes it, he is 鈥渃reating art from art.鈥�

His approach is deeply rooted in the idea of composition. Aaron views his work much like a musician. It鈥檚 an arrangement of colors, shapes, and patterns that come together like notes in a musical score.

Aaron鈥檚 connection to art began early in life, thanks to his older sister Patty. She introduced him to museums at a young age, literally wheeling him through the galleries at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts in a baby carriage. That early exposure sparked a lifelong appreciation for creativity, one that Aaron has cultivated largely on his own. Aside from having taken a few classes, he is entirely self-taught.

For the past decade, Aaron has also worked as a Gallery Attendant at the Rose Museum at Brandeis University. Immersed daily in an environment of artistic expression, he continues to learn and draw inspiration from the works around him. 鈥淚 love that I am around art all the time,鈥� he says. A sentiment that clearly resonates in his own creations.

鈥淲e love showcasing the talents of our C.W. Potter Place members,鈥� said Director Patricia Vella. 鈥淪o, when we found out what an incredible artist Aaron Needle is, we couldn鈥檛 wait to display his art in the clubhouse. His pieces truly are amazing.鈥�

Aaron鈥檚 work has been featured in several local venues. In addition to the C.W. Potter Place Clubhouse, Aaron鈥檚 work has been displayed at the Waltham Public Library, the Belmont Media Center, and the Newton Free Library. He also sells his art at local craft shows.

Regina St. John, owner of Chena River Marblers and creator of the handmade marble paper Aaron uses, describes his work with admiration. 鈥淲e were awed by the originality of his meticulously cut paper compositions. The impact of seeing Aaron鈥檚 genius with color, patterns, and design firsthand leaves a viewer momentarily speechless. For a marbler, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing paper you鈥檝e created become an intricate part of a work of art.鈥�

Despite the recognition he has received, Aaron remains focused on a simple mission, to share his passion for marble paper and inspire others to explore its potential. He says, 鈥淢y own mission is to promote the use of marble paper as a medium for creating art, and my hope is to inspire people to explore marble paper as an artistic medium just as I have done.鈥�

In a world that often overlooks the margins, Aaron Needle has found a way to make them the main event, transforming edges into expressions, and paper into poetry.