On November 15, more than 400 guests gathered at the InterContinental Boston in a remarkable show of support for the students of NECC. The evening, which raised $1.27 million, was a celebration of growth, opportunity, and the transformative impact of NECC’s vocational program.
After a long hiatus due to the pandemic, a special partnership between NECC and St. Mark’s School in Southborough has made its return. This collaboration, which had been in place for several years before the pandemic, was designed to foster meaningful connections between the high school students from St. Mark’s and NECC.
Nathan Weinberger has always felt a deep connection to NECC. His aunt, Rebecca Geller, attended NECC (then ERI) from the age of 15 until she was 21, while his grandfather, Mickey Geller, was a dedicated and active board member for many years. Now, Weinberger is a Boston Marathon finisher, and he did it for Team NECC, carrying forward his family’s legacy of support.
For the last six years, Matt Maloney has dedicated himself to making a difference in the lives of children with autism at NECC. For Maloney, who currently works as a level 2 teacher in NECC’s Intensive Instructional Program (IIP), being able to help others is something he’s passionate about.
Ellie Storey, a residential coordinator for NECC’s Francine Road team, was nominated for Staff Spotlight because “since she joined our team, she has been effective at taking on staff feedback and quickly implementing it, which has greatly improved and fostered better communication, teamwork, and a strong and positive work ethic.”
Nina Tomic, a teacher in Downey Center for Child Development, was nominated for Staff Spotlight because she is a “committed, loving teacher who cares deeply about the children and their education.”
NECC’s Green Committee is an example of how a small group of like-minded individuals can have a big impact on their community.
Renee Makiling Portillo, a rehabilitation counselor on NECC’s Westborough 2 residence team, has been working at NECC for over a year. She was nominated for Staff Spotlight by a colleague for “her kindness, positive attitude, and patience working with our students!”
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Special Education operated by The New England Center for Children (MRC-NECC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri Hotel in Abu Dhabi, which will provide education, vocational training, and community engagement for MRC students.