Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1524857
10 Giving Guide 2024 Worcester Business Journal www.wbjournal.com FUTURE GOALS We envision communities where everyone has a full life, decent and affordable housing, meaningful work, satisfying relationships, and good health. ere will be economic, health, racial, and social justice, a place for all of us to thrive, and opportunities for everyone to make a contribution. 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 2025 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 November 21 for an evening of celebration and connection at this year's Gala: e Journey Continues! Human connections are the threads that weave our lives together, shaping our experiences and guiding us through the highs and lows of our individual journeys. Come and celebrate the connections and relationships that sustain us on our collective voyage through life. e night includes engaging conversations with fellow travelers; inspiring stories of friends combating social isolation; exciting auction items; and a delicious dinner. Sponsors, donors, and auction items are welcome! Visit www. Advocates.org/eJourneyContinues or contact Diane Newark at DNewark@ Advocates.org for more information. GIVING OPPORTUNITIES Advocates serves more than 40,000 individuals and families each year with a wide variety of challenges including autism, brain injuries, intellectual/ developmental disabilities, mental health conditions, substance use challenges, and more. We operate 169 group homes for adults, 10 mental health clinics, six 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 much more. Gis also help us recognize our incredible staff, who go above and beyond to keep the people they care for safe, healthy, and happy. To make your donation, visit www.Advocates.org/Donate or mail your gi to Diane Newark, Vice President of Development, Advocates, 1881 Worcester Road, Framingham, MA 01701. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES e Friendship Project – Volunteers can make a significant difference in a person's life. Many people supported by Advocates spend their days only with people who are paid to be there. While our staff perform a vital function in our community, individuals are looking for companionship and friendship. 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, autism, 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 Michael Sheridan, Treasurer Christine Hubbard, Clerk Dennis Millner-Hanley, Assistant Clerk BOARD MEMBERS Gary Bubly, MD Marty Cohen Alex Fidalgo Eddy Frazier, CPA, MBA Kevin Gould Mark E. O'Reilly Kay H. Hodge, Esq. Charlene Jacobs, LMHC Charlene McEntee Jaya Pandey Michael Quink Richard Rovner Darren Tong "Advocates' steadfast commitment to changing lives is a beacon of hope for many. As the Board Chair, the recent merger of Advocates, HMEA, and Family Continuity deeply resonates with me. It signifies more than just organizational integration; it reflects a convergence of values and missions. Our ethos of listening, innovating, and empowering families and people we support embodies compassion in action. I'm privileged to be part of this journey, where every voice matters, and where justice and inclusivity prevail. Together, we're not only amplifying our impact but also creating a stronger, more compassionate community for all." – Jessica Kemp, Board Chair 1881 Worcester Road Framingham, MA 01701 Phone: (508) 628-6300 www.Advocates.org Employees: 2,544 Annual revenues: $211M Year founded: 1975 MISSION STATEMENT To partner with individuals, families, and communities to shape creative solutions to even the greatest life challenges. SERVICE AREA Advocates serves more than 40,000 individuals and families in communities throughout Eastern and Central Massachusetts and Rhode Island. TOP FUNDING SOURCES 34% Department of Developmental Services 20% MassHealth 16% Department of Mental Health