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Changing Lives - Building A Community Graham Earl is ready to serve a variety of tasty treats at the Bass Café. A campaign for children and adults of all abilities The goal of the Changing Lives – Building a Community capital campaign is to raise funds to construct a new educational and vocational building and establish an endowment. Phase 1, estimated to cost $8.8 million, will include the construction of a 20,000-square- foot building that will house state-of-the-art classrooms that support the Bass Café restaurant, Timeless Treasures thrift shop, and Cushing Trader gift shop. The retail stores will be staffed by Cushing students and adults served by the organization. As we continue to raise the necessary capital, we will move into the second phase of the project, which will include eight academic classrooms. A $2 million endowment will provide a permanent funding source for building maintenance. The new building will provide students with the highest level of classroom and hands-on job training. The location of the building – on Route 53 – will make it more visible and accessible to the general public, ensuring that it will be frequented by customers at the same rate as a typical retail location. Students will have the opportunity to meet and interact with more people outside of their families and the Cushing staff. Giving students the opportunity to work and interact with customers is critical. According to the Mass. Department of Developmental Services (DDS), young adults who have work experiences while attending school are much more likely to find and keep a job after leaving school. Also, the unemployment rate for people with intellectual disabilities is double that of the general population. To this point, we have raised approximately $6 million. HOW YOU CAN HELP Cushing Centers by the numbers 6 retail shops open to the public 13 community residences for adults with disabilities age 22 and older 463 full-time staff 110 students supported in our employment training program 70% of these students working in the community 45 employment partners (companies or businesses that employ both students and adults) 200 volunteers 70 years of history • Make a pledge • Support the endowment through a planned gift • Join the Campaign Committee • Help us broaden our circles through introductions • See if your employer has a foundation or giving program • Take a tour to learn more about us To learn more, or to schedule a visit, please contact: Jansi Chandler, Vice President of Development 781-829-4611 Jchandler@cushingcenters.org www.CampaignForCushing.org 24