Evergreen Center Recognized

Editor's Note: the following release was issued jointly by the office of state Sen. Richard Moore (D-Uxbridge) and state Rep. John Fernandes (D-Milford).

Thirty years ago, Dr. Robert Littleton of Milford set out with the idea of creating an integrated center for care of children and adolescents living with disabilities and founded the Evergreen Center located in Milford. The center has since blossomed, having served thousands individuals and their families who live throughout the Commonwealth and across New England.

Last week, Sen. Richard T. Moore (D-Uxbridge) and Rep. John V. Fernandes (D-Milford), joined together to recognize the Evergreen Center for three decades of success in promoting the lives of its disabled clients. The lawmakers presented Littleton with a joint resolution from the Massachusetts Senate and House of Representatives.

“For three decades, the Evergreen Center has significantly enhanced the quality of life and potential of so many children and adolescents who live with disabilities of varying degrees,” said Moore. “I commend Dr. Littleton for his vision and commitment to these kids, as well as the many staff people and specialists who dedicate their lives to this important cause.”

“It is a real pleasure to congratulate, celebrate and thank Robert Littleton and the entire Evergreen family on the milestone anniversary of 30 years of delivery of high quality and cutting edge service to those with special needs here in Milford, around Massachusetts and even across the nation,” said Fernandes. “The Evergreen family of workers, which has grown from several people to several hundred people, have unlocked the potential of a full life and great contribution for over 15,000 people over those 30 years, a great accomplishment. I look forward to seeing this great work continue for a long, long time into the future,” he further noted.

Over the past 30 years, the Evergreen Center has provided services to more than 1,500 children and adolescents faced with developmental and intellectual disorders, physical disabilities, hearing and sight impairments, traumatic brain injuries, and severe maladaptive behaviors.

During that time, the Evergreen Center has significantly expanded, from nine to 335 staff members, providing residential treatment services, as well as education experiences fostering cognitive, emotional and social development to individuals living with severe developmental disabilities.

At the Evergreen Center each student is viewed as a capable learning and excelling citizen who can achieve their maximum potential when taught with an individualized lesson plan, based on personal strengths, capabilities, and goals. The Evergreen Center believes that it is essential to build skills in the areas of communication, basic academic, self-care and social interaction to successfully place students in less restriction environments and enhance their quality of life.

For more information about the Evergreen Center, visit www.evergreenctr.org.