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Welcome NAPSEC's New Members

  June 17, 2008 -- St. Coletta & Cardinal Cushing Schools of MA, Inc. is the parent organization of Cardinal Cushing Centers in Hanover, Cardinal Cushing Centers in Braintree and Cardinal Cushing Centers Adult Services. We are a private, nonprofit organization founded in 1947 by the late Richard Cardinal Cushing and sponsored by the Sisters of Saint Francis of Assisi.

The organization is dedicated to enriching the lives of individual of all faiths with special needs by offering innovative opportunities for success through three programs – Cardinal Cushing Centers at Braintree, Cardinal Cushing Centers at Hanover, and Cardinal Cushing Centers Adult Services.  Here, the importance of achieving increased levels of independence and self-esteem is recognized and emphasized. Programming at the two schools and within the adult residential and work supports is based on individual needs and developed within nurturing environments.  The common goal for every child and adult served by Cushing is to realize his or her potential for a full and meaningful life.

When we welcome a new student, we offer a new beginning, a chance to thrive in a home and school environment that fits. Endless opportunities are the reason families trust Cardinal Cushing Centers with their children and young adults.

Cardinal Cushing Centers provide opportunities for students age 3-22.   With a residential school in Hanover and a day school in Braintree, Massachusetts, we have the educational supports to maximize each student’s potential and independence with reverence to the unique dignity of each person. 

• Opportunity to compete.  Uniforms and competition, teamwork and a strong sense of belonging motivate many students to push the limits of their physical ability through sports.  Our soccer, basketball, cheerleading, and softball teams enjoy robust participation and build school spirit.

• Opportunity to create.  Discovery, personal expression, and rhythm are artistic elements which, when fostered, contribute to a lifelong enjoyment of the arts. 

• Opportunity to socialize.  Students are encouraged to explore interests and hobbies through clubs, organizations, visual and performing arts programs, and travel opportunities.  Our campus includes 200 acres with plenty of space for outdoor activities from organized sporting events to cross country skiing. 

• Opportunities for personal achievement, team effort and social interaction.  Discovery excites the imagination.  We reach new levels when we explore and try new experiences.  Activities that students try and enjoy at Cushing often grow into passions that last a lifetime. 

• Opportunity to build skills.  The emphasis at Cushing is to encourage a student to give his or her personal best.  In the classroom, on the ball field, or on the job, our goal is to help students develop their talents to the fullest.  Our programs inspire cooperation, build character, promote ethics, and educate the whole person.  As adolescents, our students must find and embrace their identities.  As they stretch and try, their confidence grows.  Once they develop confidence, they can explore their individual gifts and become lifelong learners.

• Opportunity to stretch.  Many times, reaching maximum potential means starting with the very basics, like swallowing, activities of daily living, and communication.  We practice integrated therapy, teaching the basics in naturally occurring settings.  Our functional approach to therapy reinforces real life skills. 

• Opportunity to prepare.  All activities of daily living are practiced, including grooming, cooking, and housekeeping.  Social interaction, time management, and relaxing down tome are all built into our students’ day.  Our Hanover campus includes a 365-day student housing for Hanover and Braintree residential students.  Aligned with the academic curriculum, the residential program allows students continual opportunity to prepare for maximum independent living after Cushing and  Cardinal Cushing Centers Adult Services provides living and working supports to individuals with special needs over the age of 22 throughout Southeastern Massachusetts, and beyond.

When it comes to life there are no limits.