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The following is a press release submitted to SOURCE media.

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MARLBOROUGH – Thrive Support & Advocacy, a nonprofit empowering youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, announced it has received a $5,000 grant from the Foundation for MetroWest to support its Leadership Experience And Development (LEAD) initiative.

Thrive’s LEAD initiative is a year-long, application-based program for young adults between the ages of 17 and 25 who live with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

 Under the guidance of LEAD staff and mentors, these future “LEADers” develop a dynamic set of leadership skills through a curriculum that includes role-play activities, public speaking, and group leadership projects.  

Mentors include students from the Advanced Math and Science Academy (AMSA) in Marlborough, past LEAD graduates, and business leaders who share insights and real-word experiences.

“There are many individuals with disabilities in our community who are eager to realize their leadership potential through thoughtful mentorship and education like those offered by Thrive’s LEAD initiative,” said Sean M. Rose, President & CEO of Thrive Support & Advocacy.  “We are grateful that the Foundation for MetroWest has recognized and invested in this program and the potential of its LEADers.”

The grant was awarded through the Foundation for MetroWest’s Youth in Philanthropy leadership development program, which empowers and educates youth to become our community’s next generation of philanthropists.

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Thrive Support & Advocacy has been empowering youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to lead active and self-directed lives since 1973.  The Marlborough-based nonprofit supports over 500 individuals and families living in 46 eastern and central Massachusetts communities through recreational and social initiatives for youth and adults, community residences, and individual and family supports. 

Established in 1995, the Foundation for MetroWest is the only community foundation serving the 33 cities and towns in the region.  We promote philanthropy in the region, help donors maximize the impact of their local giving, serve as a resource of local nonprofits and enhance the quality of life for all our residents.  Since inception, the Foundation has granted $19 million to charitable organizations and currently stewards more than $26 million in charitable assets for current needs and future impact. 

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By editor

Susan Petroni is the former editor for SOURCE. She is the founder of the former news site, which as of May 1, 2023, is now a self-publishing community bulletin board. The website no longer has a journalist but a webmaster.