Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1538244
10 Giving Guide 2025 Worcester Business Journal www.wbjournal.com FUTURE GOALS In the coming year, Advocates will take meaningful steps toward realizing our 2030 vision: to become New England's leading provider of high- quality, whole-person, and family- centered care. Guided by the voices of the people we support and rooted in equity, excellence, and impact, we will focus on the following goals to advance care and outcomes: Strengthen Services to Better Meet Individual Needs We will invest in our teams, systems, and infrastructure to enhance the quality, consistency, and accessibility of care—ensuring that every person we serve receives timely, compassionate, and coordinated support. Harness Technology and Data to Improve Lives By advancing our use of data and technology, we will create more personalized and responsive care experiences, empowering individuals and families to achieve their goals with greater ease and effectiveness. Grow Our Reach to Support More People rough new partnerships and expanded service capacity, we aim to bring vital care to more communities—moving toward our long-term goal of being the provider, employer, and partner of choice. FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES Advocates Annual Gala: Celebrating 50 Years Break out your bell-bottoms! is year, we're turning back the clock to the 1970s as we celebrate 50 years of Advocates. Join us on ursday, November 13, 2025, at the Westin Waltham for a meaningful evening honoring five decades of caring partnerships, creative solutions, and better lives. Enjoy a welcoming night filled with dinner, exciting auction items, and inspiring stories that reflect our shared journey—past, present, and future. Whether you've been with us from the beginning or are new to the Advocates community, your presence makes this celebration even more special. Sponsors, donors, and auction contributions are deeply appreciated! Visit www.Advocates.org/Celebrating50 for more information. GIVING OPPORTUNITIES Each year, Advocates serves more than 40,000 adults, children, and families facing challenges such as autism, brain injuries, intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health conditions, and substance use. We operate more than 170 group homes, ten mental health clinics, six family support centers, and dozens of community-based programs. No gi is too small—every donation, no matter the size, helps create meaningful change in the lives of those we serve. Your support helps ensure that no one is le behind. Annual gis are critical to sustaining our work and meeting urgent needs as they arise. We conduct winter and spring appeals, and online donations are gratefully accepted year-round. Monthly giving is a powerful way to provide consistent, reliable support— offering steady, predictable funding that helps us plan ahead and respond quickly. Leadership gis fuel innovation, allowing us to pilot new programs, expand access to care, and develop new models of support. Capital gis help us renovate and modernize our group homes, ensuring safe, accessible, and welcoming environments for the people we serve. We also welcome in-kind donations of essential items such as toiletries, winter clothing, and household goods. For more information, contact Tara McCabe, Senior Vice President of Advancement, at (774) 410-0359 or TMcCabe@Advocates.org. To make a donation, visit www.Advocates.org/Donate or mail your gi to: Advocates ATTN: Tara McCabe 1881 Worcester Road Framingham, MA 01701 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Advocates offers a range of meaningful volunteer opportunities for individuals, groups, and businesses—including our signature volunteer program, e Friendship Project SM , Days of Service, donation drives, and support at community events. Volunteers play a vital role in our mission by helping foster inclusion, connection, and joy in the lives of the people we serve. Businesses and community members or groups can donate time through tailored Days of Service, such as painting group homes, hosting seasonal celebrations, or assembling care packages. We also welcome volunteers to lead donation drives for essential items like winter coats, toiletries, or school supplies. Every contribution of time creates lasting impact. e Friendship Project: Many individuals supported by Advocates spend most of their time with professional staff—who are essential, but not the same as a friend. e Friendship Project matches volunteers with people we support to form genuine, one-on-one friendships that reduce social isolation and enhance quality of life. Volunteers commit to connecting regularly (typically once or twice a month) for shared activities, conversations, or outings. If you're looking to brighten someone's life—and your own—visit: www.Advocates.org/Volunteer. Advocates Diane Gould, LICSW President and CEO Jessica Kemp, M.Ed. Board Chair Kevin Gould, 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 Kay H. Hodge, Esq. Charlene Jacobs, LMHC Charlene McEntee Jaya Pandey Richard Rovner Darren Tong "As we celebrate 50 years of Advocates, I'm continually inspired by the organization's deep commitment to the people and communities we serve. What resonates with me most is how Advocates listens first— truly listens—and then acts with compassion, creativity, and respect for each person's unique journey. is is an organization that continuously evolves to meet the needs of those supported. e values of dignity, inclusion, and connection are woven into everything we do, and I'm honored to serve as Board Chair during this milestone year." – Jessica Kemp, Board Chair 1881 Worcester Road Framingham, MA 01701 Phone: (508) 628-6300 www.Advocates.org Employees: 2,591 Annual revenues: $230M Year founded: 1975 MISSION STATEMENT To partner with people navigating life challenges to support growth, learning, and connections to the community. First, we listen. Then, together, we shape creative solutions to help people thrive. SERVICE AREA Advocates serves more than 40,000 individuals and families in communities throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island. TOP FUNDING SOURCES 43% Department of Developmental Services 23% MassHealth 12% Department of Mental Health