Worcester Business Journal

10 Giving Guide 2023 Worcester Business Journal www.wbjournal.com FUTURE GOALS Advocates and our affiliates, HMEA and Family Continuity, have a shared vision to provide robust, culturally competent, integrated services to enhance the health, well-being, and quality of life of individuals and families affected by a broad range of physical, behavioral health, and developmental needs. Our goals are: 1. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging – Build and maintain an agency-wide culture that is fully committed to diversity and equity; promotes inclusion and a sense of belonging; fosters cultural competence; and works towards racial justice in all the communities where we live and work. 2. Talent Investment – Be an employer of choice with a well-trained, competitively compensated, highly engaged, culturally competent, and satisfied workforce. 3. Engaged & Equitable Communities – Minimize social isolation and disrupt stigma by creating welcoming, community-focused supports to improve quality of life for individuals and families. 4. Advocacy, Influence, & Impact – Advocate and partner to influence legislation, policy, and practice that support our mission and service delivery and benefit individuals and communities supported. 5. Strategic Growth – Increase in size through fiscal year 2024 via continued expansion of current programming, mergers, affiliations, philanthropy, and new business opportunities. 6. Organizational Readiness – Build the capabilities and skills necessary to achieve organizational excellence, optimize efficiencies, and meet growth targets. FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES Join us at Boston Park Plaza on November 8, 2023 as we celebrate e Next Chapter in the Advocates story of helping people along their own journey towards independence. e night starts out with magical animals in the Enchanted Forest Reception, and then moves to the Grand Ballroom where you'll meet some of your favorite literary characters, enjoy a delicious meal under the crystal chandeliers, and take a chance in the auction. Oh, the stories you will have to tell! Sponsors, donors, and auction items are welcome! Visit www. Advocates.org/eNextChapter or contact Diane Newark at DNewark@ Advocates.org for more information. GIVING OPPORTUNITIES Advocates serves more than 30,000 individuals and families each year with a wide variety of challenges including autism, brain injuries, intellectual/ developmental disabilities, mental health issues, substance use challenges, and more. We operate ninety group homes for adults with disabilities, four mental health clinics, four family support centers, plus dozens of community-based programs. Donations help us provide safe and nurturing homes, interesting social and recreational events, employment programs and volunteer opportunities in the community, free care to those in need, and lots more. Gis also help us recognize our incredible staff, who have gone above and beyond to keep individuals they care for safe, healthy, and happy these past few years. To make your donation, visit www.Advocates.org/Donate; call Diane Newark at (508) 661-9575; or mail your gi to Diane Newark, Vice President of Development, Advocates, 1881 Worcester Road, Framingham, MA 01701 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Friendships play an essential role in happiness, health, and overall quality of life. e Friendship Project matches people supported by Advocates with individual or group volunteers from the community to create meaningful connections, helping reduce social isolation and feelings of loneliness. We are seeking volunteers to be companions for people with an intellectual/developmental disability, brain injury, or mental health challenge. Activities may include playing games, going on outings, developing a common interest, chatting on the phone, or texting. Visit www.Advocates.org/Volunteer to learn more and apply. Advocates Diane Gould, LICSW President and CEO Jessica Kemp, M.Ed. Board Chair Daniel M. Weir, Vice Chair Patricia G. Vinter, LICSW, Vice Chair Michael Sheridan, Treasurer Christine Hubbard, Clerk Dennis Millner-Hanley, Assistant Clerk BOARD MEMBERS Steve Boczenowski Gary Bubly, MD Alex Fidalgo Eddy Frazier, CPA, MBA Kevin Gould Kay H. Hodge, Esq. Charlene Jacobs, LMHC Charlene McEntee Mark O'Reilly Jaya Pandey Michael Quink Richard Rovner Darren Tong BOARD OFFICERS "Advocates changes the trajectory of people's lives, including individuals we support, their families, and our employees. First, we listen to what matters to each person, and then we help find creative solutions to life's greatest challenges. I am honored to be a part of the Advocates team and serve on the Board of Directors. You can feel the commitment and dedication to our mission across the whole organization – from the CEO to program leadership and managers, to direct care workers." – Jessica Kemp, Board Chair 1881 Worcester Road Framingham, MA 01701 Phone: (508) 628-6300 www.Advocates.org Employees (including affiliates): 2,500 Annual revenues (including affiliates): $200M Year founded: 1975 MISSION STATEMENT To partner with individuals, families, and communities to shape creative solutions to serious life challenges such as addiction, autism, brain injury, intellectual/ developmental disabilities, and mental health conditions. We envision communities in which every person has a full life, decent and affordable housing, meaningful work, satisfying relationships, and good health. SERVICE AREA Together, Advocates and our affiliates, HMEA and Family Continuity, serve more than 40,000 individuals and families in communities throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island. TOP FUNDING SOURCES 35% Department of Developmental Services 24% MassHealth 18% Department of Mental Health

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