Sponsored By
More than 350 members of the Fidelity House (FHHS) community: individuals, families, volunteers and staff, gathered together on a beautiful summer day to celebrate 40 exceptional years of service and growth in the Merrimack Valley.
Our 40th anniversary picnic and barbecue was generously sponsored by our corporate partner Sapphire Technologies/Randstad. About 20 volunteers in blue Randstad shirts organized activities designed to accommodate those with and without disabilities including whiffle ball, limbo, mini-golf, face painting, Frisbee decorating, bean bag toss, volleyball and more. A DJ contributed to the fun with festive dance music and he really got folks up off their feet! While those wanting to cool off could enjoy swimming or simply floating in the lovely pool. All attendees received goodie bags from Sapphire as well as free raffle tickets for a chance at some terrific prizes.
The Rolling Ridge Center in North Andover provided a wonderful venue and a delicious spread for all to enjoy. Everyone munched on hot dogs, hamburgers, watermelon, salads and more and those with a sweet tooth were delighted by the large shared dessert table filled to overflowing with individual and family contributions as well as the fabulous 40th anniversary cake!
From beginning to end, everything ran smoothly. Everyone enjoyed being outside on a beautiful sun-shining day. There was shade, sun and picnic tables where groups gathered, relaxed and reminisced about past anniversary events and milestones at Fidelity House. One mother expressed it this way “I am so happy to be here for this wonderful day. Over the years Fidelity House has done so much to support me, my son and our whole family. But having a day like this, where we can be together having fun as a regular family, a day where my son is accepted for who he is makes all the difference. This is a wonderful day!” The day was still filled with smiles and laughter as the buses, vans and cars pulled in, ready to take people home.
Since 1971 Fidelity House Human Services headquartered in Lawrence, MA has offered individuals with developmental disabilities opportunities and supports to live rich and full lives within their own communities. Established as a non profit agency 40 years ago in response to advocacy efforts by local families, we bought and renovated our first home on Haverhill St in 1972. Since that day our goals have been the same: to offer supports and services in the three complementary areas necessary to empower individuals with disabilities to live a better life –family, home and community.
Today, Fidelity House serves more than 600 adults and children with developmental disabilities and their families throughout the Merrimack Valley. We manage 18 staffed homes with a 19th is now being built in Haverhill. Our homes are located in Lawrence, Methuen, Andover, and Georgetown as well as in Haverhill.
