Teamsters Local 25 Autism Fund Supports Melmark New England

The 13th Annual Teamsters Local 25 Gala for Autism provided grants totaling $350,000 to organizations dedicated to autism research, services, and awareness. These impactful funds were presented to leaders of various autism support organizations during a virtual ceremony that included the honored organizations, Teamsters Local 25 leadership, and supporters. Melmark New England is among the beneficiaries, receiving a $75,000 grant.

"It is with tremendous pride that we provide grants to help these worthwhile organizations," said Teamsters Local 25 President Sean M. O'Brien. "People and families living with autism deserve every opportunity to have the best quality of life possible. By funding our grantees again this year, we are helping people and raising awareness that leads to more support. The Teamsters Local 25 Autism Gala is back stronger than ever and our mission to help people impacted by autism will never slow down."

The Gala was a success despite challenges posed by the pandemic, thanks in large part to the generosity of sponsors and the dedication of Local 25 members and staff volunteers. The 13th Annual Teamsters Local 25 Gala for Autism was held at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.

Melmark New England is a human service provider with premier private special education schools, professional development, training, and research centers that is committed to enhancing the lives of individuals with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their families. "This year, more than ever, Melmark New England is honored to receive a $75,000 contribution from Teamsters Local 25 President Sean O'Brien and the Local 25 members and friends who supported the 2022 Autism Gala. Since 2009, the Teamsters have been dedicated supporters of our day and residential programs for adults with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities. In today's challenging economic environment, state funding for adult services continues to lag well behind the actual cost to provide expert, evidence-based programs. Where some adult care providers are unable to serve new individuals, closing programs or shutting their doors due to lack of adequate funding and reimbursement, we continue to flourish and plan for the future. We are excited to strategically plan an expansion of our adult day and residential programs as we work to meet the heightened demand for adult services in our community. We look forward to Teamsters Local 25's continued friendship, shared commitment to our mission to positively impact the lives of the individuals we serve, and their ongoing support that helps ensure Melmark continues to be Mission First. Every Individual, Every Day."

The wonderful organizations receiving grants from the Teamsters Local 25 Autism Fund are:

BOSTON HIGASHI SCHOOL -- $100,000

MELMARK NEW ENGLAND -- $75,000

McLEAN HOSPITAL -- $75,000

AUTISM SPEAKS -- $25,000

BRAINTREE CHALLENGERS LITTLE LEAGUE -- $15,000

DISTRICT 12 CHALLENGERS LITTLE LEAGUE (MALDEN) -- $10,000

JASON ROBERTS CHALLENGER LITTLE LEAGUE -- $10,000

MEDFORD INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT -- $10,000

SPECIAL TOWNIES ORGANIZATION -- $10,000

STONEHAM LIGHT IT UP BLUE -- $10,000

THRIVE—$10,000

Teamsters Local 25 is thankful for the generous sponsors supporting the Autism Fund:

ABS Investment Management LLC.

Crescent Capitol

Feinberg, Dumont & Brennan

Hilb Group

Intercontinental Real Estate Corporation

Keches Law Group

Regan Associates, Chartered

Steward Health Care