Southbridge, Massachusetts, Aug. 17, 2023 – No Birthday Left Behind has partnered with the Center of Hope Foundation, Inc., to help children living in homeless shelters celebrate memorable birthdays.
Members of the Center of Hope’s employment program are preparing boxes containing everything needed for children’s birthday parties, which are sponsored by the Central Massachusetts Chapter of No Birthday Left Behind.
“Helping fill the No Birthday Left Behind bags and boxes has been amazing. Our program participants are excited to help this program grow and they know that this program helps put smiles on so many faces,” said Dianna Rebello, Director of Employment Services at the Center of Hope Foundation.
“We’re grateful for the help the Center of Hope Foundation is providing NBLB in its effort to serve children in homeless shelters. The party boxes prepared by the Center of Hope will provide every child with a special, memorable birthday,” said Melody Beach, who directs the Massachusetts Chapter of NBLB and is the founder of the human resources consultancy Melody Beach Consulting Group.
The Central Massachusetts Chapter of NBLB sponsored nine birthday children in August. One box for each child is sent to the child’s location. The box includes: streamers; balloons; a tablecloth; plates, napkins, cups and utensils; hats; noisemakers; banner; candle; card; a wrapped gift for the birthday child; and a goody bag for each child who attends the party. Eighty goody bags were produced for the August birthdays.
The birthday child or children for that month are nominated by the homeless shelter staff, and the party boxes are prepared with goods, services or gift cards donated to the nonprofit by vendors.
Founded by a high school student in California, No Birthday Left Behind has a mission to provide every homeless shelter child aged 1 through 14 with the opportunity to celebrate their birthday in a special way. NBLB is supporting 23 shelters across the U.S., including Children’s Services of Roxbury locations in both Worcester and Roxbury, Massachusetts.
The Center of Hope Foundation is a nonprofit agency that serves over 500 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities from more than 64 towns in South Central Massachusetts and Northeastern Connecticut.
The Center of Hope Foundation’s Vocational Employment Services offers over 180 individuals with disabilities and/or disabling circumstances opportunities for productive work and volunteer opportunities. Employment supports also are in place to offer gainfully employed individuals the opportunity to socialize, brainstorm, provide mutual support, and discuss the benefits and concerns regarding employment. They are constantly looking for new opportunities so their program participants can explore their talents and learn new skills while helping others within the community.
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