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Public Affairs
News
Coach Harold Jones from Movie “RADIO” Visits Seven Hills Foundation
Coach Harold Jones, immortalized first in a classic Sports Illustrated story and later in the acclaimed film starring Ed Harris as Coach Jones and Cuba Gooding Jr. as Radio (Sony Pictures), recently made a surprise visit to Seven Hills Foundation in Worcester. Coach Jones and his friend James “Radio” Kennedy were the inspiration behind the 2003 movie “Radio”. The movie told their personal story about a relationship between a high school football coach and his assistant, Radio, an individual with disabilities.
Coach Harold Jones was recently in Worcester as the Keynote Speaker at the 2006 Shared Living Conference held on Tuesday, October 24th at The College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA. At the Conference, Coach Jones talked about his friendship with Radio, who got his nickname from his love of music and his transistor radio. He also discussed their collaboration with movie executives as they brought their “larger than life” experiences to the big screen.
Following the Conference, Coach Jones visited Seven Hills Foundation with Dan Sullivan, Vice President of Seven Hills Family Services. The visit highlighted Seven Hills Family Services and provided Coach Jones with a snapshot into the daily lives of those individuals receiving supports at Seven Hills Foundation.
The Coach’s tour ended with a visit from Worcester South High School students, who are in the school’s special education program, along with the school’s Assistant Principal, Maureen Binienda. Mrs. Binienda is also a member of the Seven Hills Foundation Board of Directors. The Coach engaged in a question and answer session with the students who are avid fans of the movie:
Q: “Were any of the scenes from the movie made up?”
A: “Everything was true, but may have been represented differently.”
Q: “Did anything bad come out of the movie for Radio?”
A: “…no, everybody wanted to be Radio’s friend…”
The Coach also gave the students meaningful advice: “It’s the small things that count”; “…Something you say or do can change someone’s life.” “Have a dream, work hard, and you can accomplish it.”
The Shared Living Conference gathered provider agencies, care providers, family members, educators, legislators, Department of Mental Retardation staff, and resource providers from across New England to share experiences, exchange information, and learn innovative ways to overcome challenges and meet the needs of individuals with disabilities who are supported through this profession. Shared Living Providers are compassionate caregivers who open their homes and lives to adults with developmental disabilities.
For more information on the Seven Hills Family Services Shared Living program, contact Deborah Roberts, Shared Living Recruiter at 508.755.2340 x489 or droberts@sevenhills.org.
Public Affairs |
Copyright © 2006 Seven Hills Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
