About Us
Since 1947, Cushing has positively impacted thousands of exceptional lives.
All Ages. All Abilities. All Together.
Having worked at Cardinal Cushing Centers for over 25 years, I can confidently say that not only does it take a village, but that village needs to be full of kind, smart, compassionate, and creative people who share a common goal.
We embody our mission of supporting people of all ages, all abilities, all together. With tenured staff and state-of-the-art facilities, we help exceptional people lead extraordinary lives.
Come for a tour, meet our community, and find your place at Cushing.
Michelle Markowitz
Cardinal Cushing Center President and CEO
Our Vision
Cushing is a caring intergenerational community where people live full and meaningful lives at home, at work, at school and at play.
Individuals with intellectual disabilities are provided supports to achieve independence, and fulfilling relationships - while honoring Cushing’s founding values of the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi and Richard Cardinal Cushing, whose extraordinary vision encompasses all people, all faiths and all abilities.
Our Values
Community
We respect the strengths of each person and foster caring relationships, kindness and friendship.
Creativity
We encourage independent thinking, learning, and initiatives that result in inclusive solutions.
Stewardship
We consistently oversee and improve our organization to ensure its longevity for future generations.
Accountability
We strive to efficiently use resources to improve services and systems.
Our Impact
Cardinal Cushing Centers has changed countless lives - from the thousands of exceptional individuals they’ve served with care and compassion, to the endless members of the greater community who have championed our mission since being founded in 1947.
Raised for the Opportunity Fund in 2023 – 2024
Group Homes Across the South Shore
Volunteers Providing Weekly Coverage
Participants in Cushing Programs
Cushing Centers Employees
Countless Lives Positively Affected
Major auditorium renovation • New Windows and HVAC system added to the Leonard Florence Education Center School Building • Renovated adult group homes • Renovated classrooms • Repaved parking lots • driveways and track
Growth Worth Investing In
As a non-profit, we operate on a lean budget and consistently innovate to find new ways to grow. By doing so, Cushing continues to be an organization worth investing in.
Fundraisers
Cushing hosts 5 annual fundraising events - with both a stalwart crew of loyal supporters, and a fresh crop of new attendees each year.
Community Outreach
Cushing consistently partners with local businesses, and hosts events in and outside of the Cushing neighborhood, to raise awareness of Cushing and its mission.
Board of Directors & Advisory Board
Cushing’s Boards are made up of top business and community leaders, with a collective eye on Cushing: both now, and down the road.
Young Professionals Group
With an eye toward the future, this network raises awareness for the next generation of Cushing supporters.
Family Spotlight:
The Nash Family
The Nash Family received a diagnosis for their daughter, Sophie, back in 2004 – which began the unique and rewarding journey of having a child with special needs. After experiences at other schools, the Nash family visited Cardinal Cushing Centers in Hanover and instantly felt that the Cushing School day program would be a great fit for their then 15-year-old daughter. Two years later, with Sophie thriving in the Day program, Sophie asked to live in the Cushing neighborhood with the rest of her friends and transitioned to the Residential program - with a focus on a functional life-skills curriculum.
At the age of 18, Sophie transitioned to Cushing’s vocational program – which is available for students age 18-22 and designed to meet individual talents, interests, abilities and needs. Among other skills, she learned how to greet customers and clean, and used those skills to work at a local library. At age 22, she transitioned to Cushing’s South Shore Industries (SSI) day program, supported by DDS, where she is thriving today.
Sophie’s family is nearby, and able to support her and visit her Cushing home often. Her mother, Jody, was so impressed with the organization that she got heavily involved in helping to raise awareness and funds for a Capital Campaign in 2020, and serves as Vice Chair of the Cushing Board.
Sophie’s parents consider Cushing to be Sophie’s second home, and believe her experiences have allowed her to thrive and flourish in ways they never thought possible.
Cushing Differentiator
Cushing Creativity is on display in our schools, at our MarketPlace shops and at local events, helping to raise awareness for Cushing’s exemplary programs.
In the Recreation Department, there are regular field trips and a wide assortment of options, from football to yoga.
In the Music Department, along with regular classes, there are Cushing Choir concerts, open mic events, and talent shows - where self-expression is the star of the show.
Arts & Crafts are a mainstay at Cushing - painting, coloring, sculpture, ceramics, candle- and soap-making – sold at Unique Boutique and various Cushing events.
Industrial Arts wood creations include lawn ornaments, bird houses, chairs, cutting boards and corn hole sets
Vocational Programs by the Numbers:
Students
Adults
Local Businesses
Hiring an Untapped Market
For business owners, hiring someone with an intellectual disability might initially be intimidating. What if they can’t perform the job correctly? Will we be able to communicate with each other effectively?
There is no better time to expand your staffing search to people with non-traditional learning styles. Cushing students and adults have been trained in Cushing’s state-of-the-art MarketPlace shops, and are capable, friendly and hard-working. What’s more – they are typically accompanied by a Cushing staff member to ensure that the quality of work is on par with your other employees.
To learn more, contact Tom Beedle at 781-829-4652 (adults) or Sean Blanchard at 781-826-6371 x2161 (students).
“My son began his journey with Cushing as an adult, training in the culinary program. He’s even worked in the kitchen at Davio’s and has cooked alongside Guy Fieri with Best Buddies!”
– Joannie Jaxtimer, mom of a Cushing vocational adult participant, Michael Jaxtimer Barry
Our History
Honoring our bright past; Building a bold future.
Richard Cardinal Cushing identified the need for “exceptional” children to have a place where they could learn, grow, thrive and achieve successes. In 1947, 35 students entered the doors of what was then called St. Coletta by the Sea.
Since then, thousands of children and adults have enrolled at Cushing - to discover their talents, nurture their passions, and lead remarkable lives in communities where all ages and all abilities can come together.
Rooted In Tradition
At the Cardinal Cushing Centers, our commitment to individuals of all ages, all faiths, and all abilities is grounded in the founding values of the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi and Richard Cardinal Cushing.
The Portiuncula Chapel
The Portiuncula Chapel, on the grounds of Cardinal Cushing Centers in Hanover, Massachusetts, is Cardinal Richard Cushing's final resting place. He desired to be laid to rest close to his beloved exceptional children.
Timeline
1947
Cardinal Richard Cushing purchases 175 acres of land in Hanover, Ma., and requests assistance from the sisters of St. Francis of Assisi in Milwaukee, Wi. to open a school for “exceptional” children. St. Coletta by the Sea - comprised of 35 children, 5 nuns, and 3 employees - opened its doors on October 15.
1953
The Portiuncula Chapel - the future final resting place of Cardinal Cushing - is dedicated.
1955/1956
After years of expansion - including a residential dormitory - the school is renamed St. Coletta School, Inc. and is serving 142 residential and 10 day students
1957
The Cardinal donates 5 acres of land and St. Coletta Day School in Braintree, Ma. opens with 6 students.
1970
Cardinal Cushing dies, ending 20 years of commitment to the two Cushing schools. He is buried in the Portiuncula Chapel, overlooking the Hanover, Ma. campus.
1991
Adult (22+) programs open, providing vocational and residential options
2000
The umbrella organization is re-named Cardinal Cushing Centers, Inc.
2004
11 six-bedroom residential units open on the Hanover campus.
2005
A 3,000-sq. ft. recreation center opens on the Hanover campus.
2015
Adult enrollment expands with 3 additional residences - totaling 12 adult group homes
2018
In partnership with the Planning Office of Urban Affairs, Cushing converts an underutilized former dormitory into 37 units of workforce housing, known as the Bethany Apartments.
2020
The MarketPlace Building opens - a 20,000 square foot, environmentally friendly building that houses the Cushing Café, Take 2 thrift store, and Unique Boutique gift shop, along with state-of-the-art training classrooms. This row of storefronts works toward the vision of creating an integrated neighborhood where people with and without disabilities live, work, learn, shop, and socialize together.
Take The Next Step
Think Cushing may be right for your loved one? Schedule a tour to visit and learn more.