IT’S ALL IN THE FAMILY: GOOD DAY DOUGH CO. SUPPORTS SEVEN HILLS

How is Good Day Dough Co. supporting Seven Hills?

Good Day Dough Co., a licensed cottage bakery in Leominster, Massachusetts, is giving back to Seven Hills in memory of longtime Seven Hills team member Paula Torrey. Paula’s daughter, Danielle Turner, has directed proceeds from her scratch-made bakery to charitable organizations and community causes, raising nearly $6,000 in just a few months.

Paula was a beloved member of the Seven Hills team for more than 20 years before her passing in 2019. Danielle created Good Day Dough Co. with giving at the heart of its mission, donating 100% of proceeds from its classic boule to organizations and people who could use additional support.

How is the donation helping the Just Us Women program?

Good Day Dough Co. recently donated $1,200 to Seven Hills’ Just Us Women program, helping keep the program affordable and accessible for young women who have built a thriving social community together.

For Danielle, the donation is also a meaningful way to continue her mother’s legacy of caring for others.

“My business is built on getting help to charities, non-profits, and people who need it, people who need a stepping stone to help get on their feet. My hope is that Good Day Dough Co. can be their first step,” Danielle said.

Key Takeaway: Through Good Day Dough Co., Danielle Turner is honoring her mother’s more than 20 years of service to Seven Hills while helping programs such as Just Us Women create opportunities for connection, friendship, and community participation.

To order baked goods and support Good Day Dough Co.’s mission, visit the Good Day Dough Co. online ordering page.

SEVEN HILLS CELEBRATES INCLUSION AT ABILITY DAY 2026

How did Seven Hills participate in Ability Day 2026?

More than 600 members of the Seven Hills community attended the fifth annual Ability Day at Polar Park on August 8, 2026. The event celebrated people of all abilities while highlighting organizations and programs working to advance inclusion throughout the Worcester community.

Gina Bernard, Assistant Vice President of Care Management and Family Support at Seven Hills, attended with Amy and Logan, two young women from the Just Us Women program. Amy and Logan had the honor of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch and spent the day meeting new people and enjoying the ballpark with their families.

What is the Just Us Women program?

Just Us Women provides opportunities for young women supported by Seven Hills to build friendships, develop new skills, participate in activities, and become more connected to their communities. Amy and Logan are among the participants who have formed meaningful relationships through the group.

Key Takeaway: Ability Day 2026 gave Seven Hills an opportunity to celebrate inclusion, community participation, and the accomplishments of people of all abilities alongside more than 600 members of the Seven Hills community.

Thank you to the Worcester Red Sox for five years of partnership and for helping make Polar Park a welcoming and inclusive part of the Worcester community.

A PATRIOTS TRAINING CAMP EXPERIENCE TO REMEMBER

How did an accessible Patriots training camp experience create a memorable day for Justin?

Justin, a participant in the Seven Hills ASPiRE! program in Devens, Massachusetts, recently attended New England Patriots training camp with Seven Hills staff and a group of his peers.

Justin is currently the only participant at ASPiRE! Devens who uses a wheelchair. While staff were looking for accessible seating, members of the Patriots cheer squad noticed Justin and invited him and his staff to spend time in the VIP section. The unexpected invitation transformed an already exciting outing into an unforgettable experience.

A lifelong Patriots fan, Justin is also an active participant in the ASPiRE! NFL Bracket group. Training camp gave him an opportunity to enjoy one of his favorite teams alongside friends, experience the excitement of the event, and connect with the broader community.

Justin described the experience as “one of the best days of his life.”

Key Takeaway: Inclusive and accessible community experiences can create meaningful opportunities for people with disabilities to pursue their interests, build connections, and participate fully in the activities they love.

Go Pats!

SEVEN HILLS EMPLOYEE RESOURCE GROUPS BUILD CONNECTION AND BELONGING

How do Employee Resource Groups support inclusion at Seven Hills?

Seven Hills’ staff-led Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are continuing to grow, creating opportunities for employees to connect, build community, share experiences, and strengthen a culture of belonging across the organization.

Over the past two weeks, members of the Women of Seven Hills ERG and the Seven Hills LGBTQIA+ ERG gathered in person for the first time since the groups were established. Dr. Kathee Jordan joined both gatherings, taking part in conversations, connection, and activities with employees.

Why are Employee Resource Groups important?

Employee Resource Groups provide staff with opportunities to build relationships around shared experiences and interests while contributing to an organizational culture where employees feel welcomed, respected, valued, and included.

Key Takeaway: Seven Hills’ growing Employee Resource Groups are helping strengthen connections among employees and support the organization’s ongoing commitment to inclusion and belonging.

2026 URBAN YOUTH GRADUATES CELEBRATE 35 YEARS OF COLLABORATION

What is the Urban Youth Collaborative Program?

The Urban Youth Collaborative Program introduces college students to careers supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and other human service needs. Now celebrating its 35th year, the program gives students hands-on professional experience while helping develop the next generation of human services professionals in Massachusetts.

Seven Hills Urban Youth interns joined participants from across Massachusetts at the State House’s Great Hall of Flags for the Department of Developmental Services graduation ceremony. The event recognized 240 interns who successfully completed the 2026 Urban Youth Collaborative Program.

Seven Hills also celebrated its interns closer to home with a graduation ceremony at 81 Hope Avenue in Worcester.

What experience do Seven Hills Urban Youth interns receive?

Throughout the summer, Seven Hills Urban Youth interns gain practical experience across the organization, including opportunities in day programs, residential services, and administrative roles. Along the way, interns build professional skills, develop relationships, learn about human services careers, and experience firsthand the impact of supporting people in their communities.

Key Takeaway: For 35 years, the Urban Youth Collaborative Program has helped introduce young adults to meaningful careers in human services while providing valuable hands-on experience serving people and communities across Massachusetts.

Congratulations to the 2026 Seven Hills Urban Youth interns! Thank you for the energy, dedication, and compassion you brought to Seven Hills throughout the summer. We wish you continued success in everything that comes next.