Sen. Robyn Kennedy, Marlborough Mayor Dumais Receive Thrive's 2025 Standing Ovation Award

MARLBOROUGH, MA — Two local leaders were presented with a prestigious award last week.

Thrive Support & Advocacy, a Worcester-based nonprofit that empowers youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, announced Marlborough Mayor J. Christian Dumais and state Sen. Robyn Kennedy (D-1st Worcester) as its 2025 Standing Ovation Award recipients.

The two were presented with the award at Thrive’s holiday party at Cyprian Keyes Golf Club in Boylston on Dec. 11.

The Standing Ovation Award was created by Thrive in 2020 to recognize people who share the organization's mission. This comes as the Marlborough and Mayor Dumais have long supported Thrive, which was launched in the city more than 50 years ago.

Mayor Dumais has also taken the time to get to know the individuals served by Thrive, and the supports needed for individuals with IDD to lead full, self-directed lives, accoridng to the nonprofit.

Similarly, Sen. Kennedy has been an advocate for individuals with disabilities since being elected in 2022. She champions policies that directly improve the individuals served by Thrive, the nonprofit said.

Sen. Kennedy is also the cochair of the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities, where she has helped advance legislation to promote health equity, access and inclusion for individuals with disabilities.

“Mayor Dumais and Senator Kennedy have made a profound impact on our agency, our direct care professionals, and the individuals who they support in reaching their fullest potential,” said Sean Rose, Thrive President and CEO. “We are incredibly thankful to these two stellar public officials for their partnership in paving a more inclusive, accessible, and brighter future for the Thrive community.”

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