Worcester Business Journal

10 Giving Guide 2026 Worcester Business Journal www.wbjournal.com FUTURE GOALS Advocates is continually working towards achieving our 2030 vision of becoming New England's leading provider of high-quality, whole-person, and family-centered care. In the year ahead, we will continue to advance that vision by helping more people thrive at home, at work, and in their com- munities, guided by the voices of those we support and grounded in equity, excellence, and impact. Expand Access to Care Ensure more people can access timely, high-quality services by reducing barriers, strengthening care navigation and language access, and expanding pathways to behavioral health, disabil- ity, and family services that respond to evolving community needs. Strengthen Outcomes Through Innovation Prioritize data-driven quality improve- ment, innovative service models, and community partnerships that improve quality of life and help people build stability, independence, connection, and opportunity. Build a Stronger, More Connected Organization Invest in our teams, technology, and systems to strengthen collaboration and deliver more seamless, high-quality care, ensuring every person we serve receives compassionate support tailored to their needs. FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES Advocates Thriving Together Gala is year we are celebrating Advocates' continued legacy and next chapter of compassionate care at Advocates' annu- al fundraising gala. Join us on ursday, November 5, 2026 at the Renaissance Framingham Hotel and Conference Center for an evening dedicated to creating better lives for individuals and families across Massachusetts and Rhode Island. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities or purchase tickets, visit: www.Advocates.org GIVING OPPORTUNITIES Each year, Advocates supports more than 50,000 adults, children, and fam- ilies navigating developmental, mental health, or other life challenges. rough a comprehensive network of residential and community-based programs and services, we help people build stability, independence, and belonging. Every gi, no matter the size, helps people receive the compassionate, Advocates Advocates 1881 Worcester Road Framingham, MA 01701 Phone: (508) 628-6300 www.Advocates.org Employees: 2,572 Annual revenues: $237.3M (FY 2025) 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 50,000 individuals and families in communities throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island. TOP FUNDING SOURCES 42%: Department of Developmental Services 21%: MassHealth 13%: Department of Mental Health high-quality care and support they need to thrive—making sure no one is le behind. Annual gifts sustain our work and help us respond to urgent needs. We conduct winter and spring appeals, and online donations are gratefully accepted year-round. Monthly giving provides reliable fund- ing that allows us to plan ahead and expand our impact. Leadership gifts fuel innovation by supporting new programs, expanding access to care, and modernizing group homes to create safe, welcoming envi- ronments. We also welcome in-kind donations of essential items such as toiletries, winter clothing, and household goods. To learn more, contact Tara McCabe, Senior Vice President of Advancement, at (774) 410-0359 or TMcCabe@Advocates.org, or make a donation at www.Advocates.org/Donate. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Advocates offers meaningful volunteer opportunities for individuals, groups, and businesses, including e Friend- ship Project SM , Days of Service, dona- tion drives, and support at community events. Volunteers play a vital role in our mission by fostering inclusion, connection, and joy for the people we serve. Businesses and community groups can donate time through customized Days of Service, such as painting group homes, hosting seasonal celebrations, or assembling care packages. Volunteers can also organize donation drives for essential items like winter coats, toilet- ries, and school supplies. The Friendship Project, our signature volunteer program, matches volunteers with individuals supported by Advo- cates to build genuine, one-on-one friendships. Many of the people we serve spend most of their time with professional staff who provide essential care but cannot replace the connection of a true friend. Volunteers typically commit to meeting once or twice a month for shared activities, conversa- tions, or outings, helping reduce social isolation and improve quality of life. If you're looking to brighten someone's life—and your own—visit: www.Advocates.org/Volunteer. "Advocates' next chapter is supported by decades of impact and a continued commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our communities. Every day, we see what's possible when people have access to the right support, meaningful opportunities, and the ability to thrive on their own terms. What gives me confidence in the future is that as Advocates grows, our approach remains the same: listening first, partnering with each person, and creating services that reflect the realities of people's lives. With the support of our community, we have an incredible opportunity to expand that impact and help even more people build lives defined by dignity, independence, and belonging." - Jessica Kemp, Board Chair Regina Marshall, J.D. President and CEO Jessica Kemp, M.Ed. Board Chair BOARD MEMBERS Kevin Gould, Vice Chair Michael Sheridan, Treasurer Christine Hubbard, Clerk Dennis Millner-Hanley, Assistant Clerk Gary Bubly Marty Cohen Alex Fidalgo Eddy Frazier Kay H. Hodge Charlene Jacobs Charlene McEntee Jaya Pandey Richard Rovner Darren Tong

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