Celebrating Community, Choice and Empowerment
As summer begins to turn to fall, I want to take a moment to recognize the many wonderful events and gatherings that reflect the spirit and enthusiasm that are such an important part of Lifeworks.
This past summer brought countless opportunities for the people we support to enjoy time together and in their communities. There were Fourth of July cookouts at our homes, vacations and summer outings, and our popular softball, bocce and cornhole programs that brought people together throughout the season. Our day programs in Norwood and West Roxbury also held cookouts. At our Day Hab and offices in Westwood, extreme heat in early July moved our annual pre-Fourth of July celebration indoors—but the celebration continued!
There were also many spontaneous and unplanned activities that truly reflect the homes our people live in and the communities they are part of. Throughout July and August, individuals and groups enjoyed outings to the Brockton Rox, the Worcester Red Sox and New England Patriots training camp, among many other activities.
As we transition from summer into fall, we are continuing a season filled with celebrations that recognize the accomplishments, participation and successes of the people we support. Some of these events have already taken place, while others are still ahead, giving us many opportunities to come together, celebrate and recognize all that the people we support achieve throughout the year.
On August 12, our Howard Avenue home welcomed Commissioner of the Department of Developmental Services Sarah Peterson, members of her staff, Foxborough Town Administrator Paige Duncan, and Vice Chair of the Foxborough Board of Selectmen Amy LaBrache to our Garden Party. The event gave us an opportunity to celebrate and thank the Powder House Neighborhood group, which includes the men who live at Howard Avenue, our neighbors, and current and former Lifeworks staff.
At the heart of the celebration was the community garden in the backyard of our home. The garden includes 16 beds that are managed and maintained by families from the neighborhood, as well as the men who live at Howard Avenue and our staff. It was a wonderful day and a beautiful example of one of the core aspects of our mission: inclusion in our community.
On August 26, nearly 200 people came together at the Sheraton Four Points in Norwood for our Annual Sports Banquet, celebrating the accomplishments and participation of the people involved in our sports programs. On September 19, we will gather again for our annual Cornhole Tournament at Mick Morgan’s in Sharon.
One of the true highlights of the year will be our Lifeworks Employment & Day Services Annual Banquet on October 2. More than 400 people will gather at the Sheraton Four Points in Norwood to celebrate the employment and community successes of the people we support at our Norwood and West Roxbury employment and day programs.
This event, attended by the people we support, their staff, families and residential teams, has become one of our biggest social events of the year. There is nothing that makes all of us prouder than seeing staff members present awards based on their nominations—recognizing success, improvement and participation. Add great food and dancing, and it truly becomes a night to remember. I hope to see many of you there!
Our dynamic fall season will close with our Art Gallery on November 4 at 789 Clapboardtree Street. The gallery celebrates the artistic accomplishments of the people we support and gives everyone an opportunity to purchase their beautiful work. Most importantly, 100% of the proceeds from artwork sales go directly back to the artists.
As President/CEO, what all of these events mean to me is that Lifeworks continues to put the focus where it belongs: on the people we support—their participation and accomplishments, their skills and abilities, and their enthusiasm for the things they enjoy.
The variety of events and programs also demonstrates another key part of our mission: Empowerment. These activities and choices give the people we support opportunities to make decisions about what they want to do, when they want to do it and where they want to go. They are making choices, building skills, participating in their communities and enjoying life on their own terms.
Fall is such a beautiful time in our region, and I look forward to seeing the people we support and our programs continue to find new and creative ways to be part of their communities and enrich their lives.
I hope to see many of you at the activities and events happening throughout the fall!
Sincerly,
Dan Burke
