b'Dear New England Village Our NEV Family Association also playedMESSAGE Families & Friends, a pivotal role, purchasing numerousFROM Without a doubt, 2024 was an excitingwish-list items, including a sensory year at New England Village (NEV),wall and equipment for the Efron CenterSTEPHANIEmarked by a profound focus on thefor Enrichment (ECE), a new tent and meaning of inclusion and its importancetreadmill for the Sollar Wellness Center, to our mission. Inclusion is at the heartnew carpeting for Ray Assembly Hall and of what we docreating opportunitiesthe Sheingold Building, beautiful cedar for all individuals to thrive, feel valued,glider swings, and new banquet tables. and contribute meaningfully to theirThese items allow us to gather and provide community. It has been truly inspiring tomeaningful activities for everyone we see how our efforts to foster an inclusivesupport, fostering spaces for connection, environment have been embraced andengagement, and joy. In addition, they amplified by the greater community,sponsored our vibrant Summer Kickoff strengthening our collective impact inParty and held a successful annual golf remarkable ways. tournament, further reinforcing the unity and celebration that defines NEV.Over the past year, our community hasOn a broader scale, our advocacy efforts championed our fundraising initiatives,contributed to the addition of $390 advocated for the people we support, andmillion in Chapter 257 funding line in the celebrated their successes with joy andCommonwealths FY25 budget, resulting purpose. From the NEV Family Associationin an unprecedented increase in residential to local businesses, the collaborative spiritservice rates for organizations like NEV. and unwavering support have remindedThis historic commitment allows us to us of the incredible power of communityrevisit staff wages, ensuring we remain to drive meaningful change. Together, wecompetitive in recruitment and retention continue to build a culture where everyonewhile continuing to deliver the high-quality is welcomed, supported, and celebrated. care our community deserves.Thanks to the generosity of our donorsAs you explore the following pages, you will during the 2024 Spring Appeal, we werediscover how our supporters have played able to purchase outdoor recreation itemsa vital role in empowering individuals, such as sensory elements for the Schoolfostering equity, independence, and Street walking path, outdoor games, ainclusivity for everyone we serve. Helen portable pickle ball net and paddles, andHenderson, a writer, author, and disability more. We are also thrilled to resurfaceadvocate, wisely said, Inclusion works to the basketball court outside the Sollarthe advantage of everyone. We all have Wellness Center this coming spring,things to learn, and we all have something ensuring even more opportunities forto teach. At NEV, we embrace this outdoor fun, wellness, and communityphilosophy wholeheartedly, believing that connection. inclusion is not merely a goal but the very One of our dedicated donors, Paul Sullivanfoundation of our mission. Together with of Sullivan Tire, exemplifies this spirit ofour community, we are building a future generosity. His kindness continued towhere everyone feels valued and truly shine as he treated three individuals andbelongs.their support staff to a trip to Fort Myers toSincerely,watch a Red Sox gamean unforgettable experienceand plans to do the same for another group this year. He also hosted another wonderful Holiday Party at Indian Pond Country Club, spreadingStephanie Costa, MPH joy to so many. We are deeply grateful forPresident & CEOhis enduring friendship and unwavering support.3'