As we launch the “Hearts United for Abilities” campaign this March, we align our efforts with the spirit of Developmental Disability Awareness Month, celebrating the extraordinary synergy of our community’s collective action. The emblem of our campaign—a circle of hands clasped around The Price Center’s logo—serves as a powerful symbol of unity and support, embodying our core belief in the strength of togetherness. Each hand in the circle represents the diverse members of our community: individuals living with disabilities, their families, and our dedicated staff, all uniting to uplift and empower. 

This month, we not only applaud the resilience and achievements of those with disabilities but also spotlight the critical role of inclusion and support facilitated by our programs. Your contributions are the keys that unlock new possibilities, forging a community where belonging is not just an ideal but a reality. 

Let’s embrace this mission with open hearts. Your generosity is pivotal in enhancing the quality of life for our participants, enabling them to realize their fullest potential. Together, we are crafting a more inclusive world that warmly welcomes all abilities. Join us in this vital journey, as we continue to champion a society that sees beyond limitations and celebrates every individual’s unique contribution. 

Link: https://givebutter.com/5T2uXM 

 

As we stand on the brink of an exciting new chapter, The Price Center seeks a new CEO to guide us through an era of growth and innovation. Our mission, to foster personal growth, community integration, and a nurturing environment for everyone we serve, is at the heart of our search. 

We envision a future where our programs not only expand in reach but also in impact, enhancing the quality of life and ensuring true community inclusion for a broader audience. The ideal candidate will bring strategic vision, compassionate leadership, and a robust commitment to our values of respect, individuality, and diversity. They will drive us forward, honoring our past while seizing the opportunities of tomorrow. 

This is a call to those who see beyond the horizon, who believe in the transformative power of community and inclusion. If you or someone you know embodies these qualities and is driven by a passion for making a meaningful difference, we invite you to explore this leadership opportunity with us. 

Your support, whether through sharing this announcement or considering the role, is invaluable. Together, we can continue to create an environment where every individual is empowered to shine. 

The Price Center Application Link: https://bit.ly/4bYhbex 

A Journey Fueled by Passion: Suzie Thibault, our beloved Program Innovation Manager, is full of excitement as she prepares for the 128th Boston Marathon. For Suzie, this marathon is more than just a run; it’s a journey of the heart. Returning for her second year, she’s not just braving the challenging course, but she’s also passionately supporting The Price Center. Join “Suzie’s Squad” and be part of this exciting journey!

Suzie’s Squad Swag: A Fashionable Way to Show Support: Add a dash of enthusiasm to your wardrobe with our exclusive Suzie’s Squad merchandise. Each item you purchase is a statement of support, combining style with heartfelt purpose. All proceeds and donations through GivenGain are dedicated to uplifting The Price Center. Wear your heart on your sleeve and join us in making a fashionable and philanthropic impact. Stay tuned for more information about the next opportunity to grab your exclusive Suzie’s Squad gear.

Donate to Make a Difference and Be Recognized: Here’s an exciting opportunity to shine! Be among the first 30 to donate $100 and see your name, your company’s name, or a personal message featured prominently on Suzie’s marathon attire. It’s not just a donation; it’s a way to be an integral part of the marathon excitement and contribute to a meaningful cause in a very visible way.

Suzie’s Eco-Friendly Initiative: Suzie is leading an inspiring green initiative, transforming everyday redeemable cans and bottles into a source of funding for a noble purpose. When you contribute your recyclables, you’re doing more than just helping the environment – you’re actively supporting our cause. To join this eco-friendly movement, please contact The Price Center at (617) 259-6100. Every small act of recycling is a big step towards our collective goal.

Suzie’s Heartfelt Words: “Running the Boston Marathon for The Price Center is not just a challenge, but a joy and an honor. The overwhelming encouragement I received last year has inspired me to hit the pavement once again. This race symbolizes more than physical endurance; it’s a celebration of our unity and dedication to the Price Center family.”

Step Forward in Support: Are you ready to join forces with Suzie? Click the link below to donate. Every step she takes is a leap forward for The Price Center, and with your support, we can make each mile count!

Donate Now to support Suzie and The Price Center

May 25, 2023 | Newton, MA

Price Center participants thrive because our employees are passionate about their work!

On Thursday, May 24th, Crystal Palermo, Employment Services Supervisor, was presented with a Dougie Award and a $500 donation (in her name) to the charity of her choice. “I am donating the $500 to The Price Center. I’ve been working there for five years; it’s a great organization — really fulfilling,” explained Crystal.

The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism put out a call in April for Dougie Award nominations, to highlight a ‘STAR in your life who shines bright in their own way and makes a positive impact on the autism community.’ Price Center Employees and participants agreed that Crystal was that star! Read the nomination below:

@flutiefdn The Price Center is #nominating Crystal Palermo, our Employment Services Supervisor, as our STAR who ‘shines bright and makes a positive impact on the autism community.’ She has worked at the Price Center for five years and, during that time, has provided 1:1 Job Coaching supports to a man with autism. One of our participants recently explained that [Crystal] provides excellent support “she is very helpful — she helped me with my resume, interview, references and at my job, helps me focus on tasks.” 

We appreciate her work ethic and the support she provides to our participants. That is why Crystal Palermo is our STAR!

#DougieAwards #AutismCommunity #newton

Crystal recently opened up about her personal connection to the work she has done — for over 20 years: “My uncle is on the spectrum. When I was young, I asked him if he could read to me. He said he did not know how, so I read to him. Ever since that day, I’ve been trying to support/empower my uncle and individuals in the autism community.”

We applaud Crystal for her achievements and appreciate her work ethic as well as the support she provides to our participants in Employment Services.

On Saturday, September 23rd, The Price Center hosted the 2nd Annual Fall Festival/45th Birthday Celebration (presented by Bernkopf Goodman and The Village Bank). Many family members, staff, and participants came and celebrated our birthday with us!

“When a group of parents got together to think about what was going to happen to their kids, they knew that if they wanted a place, they would have to create it,” said Board Chairperson Michelle Fineberg. “So, this group of visionary parents decided that they would create a day program where their kids could go every day to feel productive, to feel valued, to feel appreciated…and in that vision came The Price Center.”

“One of the things that we have to remember is that we all are responsible for each other in this community. We are a community brought together through our children and their diverse needs, being able to support them and give them this place they can call their own…I would love for all of us to take the legacy that they built and take responsibility for that legacy and continue to build The Price Center to something we can all be proud of. So I am going to ask all of you to do something on this 45th birthday…The gift that I would like all of you to give to The Price Center: I would like you to be a part of this community: volunteer, join a committee, advocate for better funding, donate money. Let’s make sure that we get to celebrate 90 together; that this is just the beginning of The Price Center’s history and its legacy, and so all of us together should celebrate those 45 years of success that The Price Center has had. Thank you all for being here!”

From sponsorships, donations, raffle items, silent auctions, merch sales and more, we raised over $31,000! We could not be more thankful for our devoted families, community partners, sponsors, and staff members for helping pull off such a successful event. We thank you for attending and hope to see even more of you next year!

Felicia Nova is a vital part of The Price Center community. She has bridged an incredible gap for our most vulnerable individuals by making sure they have what they need and that their guardians are well-informed — translating agency communications and answering questions that may arise. Price Center participants, families and staff members love Felicia and we are so proud to announce that she has been named the Gerry Wright Direct Service Employee of the Year by the Providers’ Council.

David Byrnes, Director of Intensive Day Habilitation says, Felicia is tireless and takes on any challenge. She is a valued member of the Price Center team and has an in-depth understanding of our participants. Felicia is thoughtful and generous when it comes to interactions with our clients and her supervisors. She listens closely to direction and is pleasant to work with. Felicia’s positive interactions with Price Center participants rub off on others. To say that Felicia is an important part of the Price Center team is an understatement. I am happy to have this opportunity to thank Felicia for her (nearly) 25 years of service that she has given to our Intensive Day Habilitation Program.”

 

The Price Center is set to receive a $20,000 donation from the Cummings Foundation, an institution that supports a limited number of national and international organizations through invitation- only grants. The donation was made through the Cummings Foundation’s “Make A Difference Dollars” (MAD$) program. The program invites Site Visits Committee volunteers to nominate organizations they have visited for additional funds. In July 2023, foundation volunteers performed a site visit touring The Price Center’s Intensive and Day Habilitation Programs, Community-Based Day and Employment Services located at 27 Christina Street in Newton. 

See the full press release here.

The Price Center Welcomes our Interim CEO, Electa Sevier!

Electa Sevier has spent her career working in the non-profit sector making organizations stronger, more strategic, and successful in achieving their missions. Most recently, Electa led the climate organization, Mothers Out Front, building a national network of mothers organizing to fight climate change.

For more than 20 years, Electa has consulted with non-profit organizations to develop strategic plans, build innovative and impactful programming, implement equitable management practices and decision making, and make real change in the world.

Electa is the mother of two just launched young adults and lives in Boston with her family. She has a BA from Harvard College and an MBA from the Yale School of Management.

We are excited to welcome Katie Kuhl to the Price Center family as Director of Human Resources.

Katie comes to us from an investment firm in Boston and is excited for a change — transitioning to a non-profit agency. “Everyone is so comforting and welcoming at the Price Center,” adds Katie. She looks forward to providing support to staff members.

“I feel like I’ve been here forever. Everyone is so comforting and welcoming.”

— Katie Kuhl

Her ties to the area originated from a previous position she held at The Village Bank, right next door to The Price Center, as well as going to Regis College in Weston, MA. Katie is looking forward to enhancing and improving the strong foundation The Price Center already has laid down to make it even more fun and engaging for employees.

FUN FACT: Katie’s father was in the Air Force. She spent five years living and attending school in Germany while he was stationed there.


MEMO

To: Day Program Families, Residences, Price Center Staff, and Transportation Providers
From: Madeline Avilés-Hernández, CEO
Re: Weather-Related Program Closure Policy
Date: January 19, 2023

It is the policy of The Price Center’s Employment, Community-Based Day, Specialized Supports and Day
Habilitation programs to remain open regardless of local school closing schedules. Our programs will
continue to operate unless local or statewide conditions mandate that we cancel. Under certain
circumstances it is possible that our programs may remain open even if some DDS contracted
transportation is cancelled. In this case families or residential programs may choose to transport
individuals to The Price Center.

*Note* In the case of weather-related program closure, Residential Homes will remain fully operational.

The Price Center’s Employment, Community-Based Day, Specialized Supports and Day Habilitation
programs will close only under the following circumstances:

• When the Governor declares a “State of Emergency”.
• When road conditions are deemed unsafe for travel by the Price Center’s CEO, based on the
present conditions, forecast and recommendations from the local police and/or transportation
companies.
• If a storm hits during the day while individuals and staff are already at The Price Center, we may
close early if present and or forecast conditions are unsafe for travel. Individuals will not be
released early unless residences and families have been contacted and have been given permission.
It is the responsibility of the residences and families to be available in case of an early release.

Any family or residence may choose to have individuals remain at home or choose to pick them up early if
they feel that the local conditions are unsafe for travel. Please notify the Program Director if the
individual will not be coming to the program or to the community work site that day.

If the Price Center’s Employment, Community-Based Day, Specialized Supports and Day Habilitation
programs must cancel the program for the day, the storm closings will be announced on:

www.whdh.comThe Channel 7 News Website

There will also be a recorded message announcing the closing on The Price Center’s answering service at
(617)-244-0065. Please listen closely because it is possible The Price Center programs will be open but
that there would be no DDS transportation to the program sites.

A Call for Visionary Leadership: Seeking Our Next CEO

As we stand on the brink of an exciting new chapter, The Price Center seeks a new CEO to guide us through an era of growth and innovation. Our mission, to foster personal growth, community integration, and a nurturing environment for everyone we serve, is at the heart of our search. 

 

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