In the Mid-Twentieth Century, Richard Cardinal Cushing recognized that children with developmental disabilities were in dire need of services. The late Archbishop of Boston had a vision well beyond his time. He envisioned an organization that would provide educational and residential services in the most home-like environment possible. In 1947, his dream became reality. With the assistance of the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Richard Cardinal Cushing founded St. Coletta's by the Sea in Hanover, Mass. The school became the first of its kind in the Northeast.

In addition to founding the organization, Richard Cardinal Cushing was instrumental in its continued operation. Through his advocacy, the organization received a grant from the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation to build a dormitory residence on the grounds of the school. Since in 1957, the Kennedy Dormitory has been the home for thousands of students attending the Cardinal Cushing Centers at Hanover. Through the ceaseless efforts of his Excellency, the organization was able to build a physical plant that has withstood the test of time. Moreover, he was responsible for the acquisition of land which will be instrumental in the future growth and development of the organization.

The influence of the charismatic and well-loved Archbishop of Boston continues today. The bold vision that spawned the development of this organization extended throughout all facets of his life. Particularly inspiring was his focus on the development of relationships outside of the Catholic Church. Cardinal Cushing was a revered leader who reached out to members of the Jewish and Protestant faiths to build relationships that continue to flourish today.

Cardinal Cushing Centers stands as testament of Cardinal Cushing's ecumenical spirit and his unique ability to bring together people of varied backgrounds for a common cause. When the school established its first lay Board of Directors in the mid-1960s, the Cardinal asked Mr. Leonard Florence, a prominent business executive and a member of the Hebrew faith, to join the organization. The bond and camaraderie that Mr. Florence and Cardinal Cushing developed is evident to this day. Each year, Leonard Florence hosts one of the most successful fundraising galas in Boston on behalf of the Cardinal Cushing Centers. Cardinal Cushing's effective outreach resulted in the remarkable commitment and long-time dedication of Leonard Florence to the students, a relationship that has been integral to the ongoing success of Cardinal Cushing Centers.

On November 2, 1970, Richard Cardinal Cushing passed away and the public mourning on the part of people of all faiths was uncommonly widespread. Clearly, Cardinal Cushing's unique style had earned him the respect and admiration of so many. While there was substantial speculation regarding the Cardinal's final resting place, Cardinal Cushing had developed a plan several decades earlier. During the early 1950s, he oversaw the construction on of the Portiuncula Chapel on the grounds of the Hanover campus. The chapel was designed to be an exact replica of the original Portiuncula built over 700 years ago by St. Francis in Assisi, Italy. Unbeknownst to nearly everyone but the contractor building the Hanover chapel, Cardinal Cushing secretly had a burial crypt installed under the altar. Upon his death, he was buried in the Portiuncula Chapel overlooking the children he cared for so deeply. To honor its founder and primary benefactor, the organization changed its name to Cardinal Cushing School & Training Center and, recently, to Cardinal Cushing Centers.

Even though many decades have passed since his death, the influence of Richard Cardinal Cushing remains very much alive. The land that he acquired during his stewardship of the organization will allow for the development of state-of-the-art programs and services for children. The relationships forged by the late Cardinal across religious and ethnic lines serve as a model and inspiration for all us at Cardinal Cushing Centers.