Based in Needham and Natick, Massachusetts, the Charles River Center is a nonprofit agency that provides employment and job training, residential homes, day habilitation, and recreational programs for over 1000 children and adults with developmental disabilities. Our mission is to empower and support people with developmental disabilities by offering high-quality, individualized opportunities that foster independence and community inclusion.

We currently serve children and adults with developmental disabilities such Down syndrome, autism and cerebral palsy.  Our organization operates 30 group homes and apartments, provides day programs for those with significant needs, provides vocational training and job placement, and offers vacation, after school and support programs for children, including the Wings for Autism program, specifically designed to support families of children with autism, creating a travel test run to help ease the stress of airline travel.  Charles River serves individuals in over 15 towns throughout MetroWest Boston.

We are excited to be in person again for our 29th Annual Building A Dream Gala.  This is traditonally our largest fundraisier of the year, and provides the bulk of the funding that is critical to our ability to help those with developmental disabilities become as independent as possible and lead happy, fulfilling lives. We hope you consider donating an item to the silent auction portion of the evening.  With three hundred people attending, the gala is a great opportunity to show your appreciation for our work and promote your business to the guests.  It’s also a fun night, with cocktails, dinner, and an inspiring program.