Charles River Center

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Needham, MA
Charles River Center

Non-profit Organization in Needham and Natick, MA supporting individuals with disabilities.
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05/28/2026

As we celebrate the 15th anniversary of Wings for Autism, we look back to the small but mighty group of volunteers who made the inaugural event on May 14, 2011, a success. Two hundred families registered to make a trial run of navigating an airport and boarding an airplane at Boston Logan International Airport. The brainchild of Jennifer Robtoy, a member of the Charles River Family Support team, Wings for Autism brought together the Massachusetts Port Authority, the Transportation Security Administration and JetBlue to create an innovative program that seeks to ease the stress of traveling for children with autism and their families.

Fifteen years later, Wings has touched more than 3,000 New England families. In April 2024, we shattered all previous attendance records, when more than 700 children and families took part.

05/27/2026

This is a friendly reminder – you are invited to join Lifeworks, Charles River Center, and Riverside Community Care for our 2026 Legislative Breakfast!

This is a unique opportunity to engage directly with legislators, ask questions, share your experiences, and advocate for the issues that matter most to individuals with disabilities and their families.

Whether you're a family member, self-advocate, professional, caregiver, or community supporter, we encourage you to attend and be part of this important conversation. Your voice can help shape policy and strengthen supports across our communities.

Key topics include:

✅ Protecting Medicaid (MassHealth) and the essential services it funds
✅ Addressing the workforce crisis and the need for sustainable Chapter 257 rates
✅ The "Turning 22" cliff and ensuring continuity of services
✅ Expanding access to community-based services and promoting independence

Together, we can educate, advocate, and make a difference.

Let your voice be heard!

Click on the link to register:

https://ow.ly/CPqJ50Z4sgO

05/25/2026

In observance of Memorial Day, all Charles River Center programs and offices will be closed today, Monday, May 25.

We hope you are enjoying the long holiday weekend and hope that will pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

See you tomorrow!

05/22/2026

We have a few last-minute openings remaining for our Wings for Autism event at Boston Logan International Airport on Saturday, May 30, 2026!

This special program gives families of children with disabilities the opportunity to “practice” the airport experience — from check-in and security to boarding a plane — in a supportive, stress-free environment.

🕘 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
💙 Free to attend
📝 Registration is required

Interested in joining us? Please contact: [email protected]

Spaces are limited, so don’t wait!

05/21/2026

You are cordially invited to join Charles River Center, Lifeworks, and Advocates for our upcoming Legislative Breakfast on Friday, June 5, 2026, from 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. at the Sheraton Needham Hotel.

We’re thrilled to welcome four local legislators who will be joining us that morning: Senator Becca Rausch, Paul McMurtry, State Representative Ted Philips and State Representative Josh Tarsky.

Together, advocates, legislators, and community members will engage in an important conversation about disability services and public policy. This is a valuable opportunity to connect, share insights, stay informed, and help ensure that every voice is heard.

Don’t miss this meaningful morning of advocacy and community engagement.

Click the link to register today!

https://form.jotform.com/260643535967164

05/18/2026

Has anyone seen this rock?

When the three original Army buildings were demolished in 2001 to make way for the new Merritt Center and surrounding parking, this photo was one of many taken to memorialize the process. The back of the photo has the following notation: “Charles River ARC salvages the large rock in front of the McCormack Building to remain as a link to its history and assistance from Speaker John McCormack.”

The McCormack Building was the first to be demolished in July 2001. The open house and dedication of the new Paul D. Merritt Center was held on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2001.

05/13/2026

What a fantastic evening — and what fun! The 2026 Building A Dream Gala will truly go down in the books as a very special celebration.

A heartfelt thank you to auctioneer extraordinaire Harrison Stebbins for leading both our Live and Special Appeal Auctions with energy, humor, and enthusiasm … and for contributing the magnum of wine that became one of the most sought-after items of the night!

We are incredibly grateful to our attendees, sponsors, donors, volunteers, and staff for helping create such a memorable evening in honor of our distinguished honoree, Mr. Jim Jennings.

To view more photos from this unforgettable night, visit the 2026 Building A Dream photo gallery!

https://www.charlesrivercenter.org/news-events/major-events/building-a-dream-gala/

05/11/2026

A big thank you to all who joined us at the 3026 Building A Dream Gala

05/08/2026

Attention Patriots Nation and sports collectors! 🏈

Now up for bid in our online auction — an official NFL football autographed by Mack Hollins, complete with a certificate of authenticity!

This is your chance to own a unique piece of football memorabilia and show your support for one of New England’s rising stars. Perfect for any fan cave or sports collection!

Spread the word, start bidding, and support a great cause while scoring an incredible keepsake.

https://trellis.org/2026-building-a-dream-gala/auction

Address

59 E Militia Heights Drive
Needham, MA
02492

Telephone

+17819721000

Website

http://www.charlesrivercenter.org/

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