Building for The Future

The New England Center for Children has long depended on the support of family, friends and corporate partners to fund "brick and mortar" projects.  NECC completed their first capital campaign in 2008 in efforts to combat the rising tide of needs in the treatment and education of children with autism. 

Michael S. Dukakis Aquatic Center

Swimming into A Brighter Future

In 2003, The New England Center for Children launched the organization's first ever Capital Campaign to fund the building of an aquatic center on the Southborough campus. Through the leadership of campaign co-chairs, former Governor Michael S. Dukakis and Thomas Hollister, NECC exceeded the original Campaign goal of $5 million and raised $5.5 million. 

On June 20, 2008 NECC formally dedicated the "Michael S. Dukakis Aquatic Center," the first building in Massachusetts to be named after the former Governor, with a Dedication Ceremony marking the occasion.

Governor Dukakis and his wife, Kitty, attended with more than 200 friends and supporters, including Lieutenant Governor Timothy P. Murray and Massachusetts Senator John Kerry, to mark this milestone occasion for Massachusetts and NECC. 

 NECC's Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Vincent Strully, Jr., said, "Governor Dukakis has long believed in the effectiveness of our program and continues to serve as one of NECC's most loyal ambassadors. We are proud to be able to recognize his longtime support by putting his name on our new building for everyone to see as they drive along Route 9."

Thanks to you, the NECC community as a whole is enjoying this beautiful facility on a daily basis. Our students are using the pool as it provides an environment where children with autism can swim improving muscle tone and flexibility, as well as overall physical fitness. By learning to swim, children also learn valuable safety practices and skills such as dressing, socializing, and cooperative play. No other activity can provide all of these benefits while building the confidence that will help our students succeed in the world.