Above: Last month, NECC’s CEO honored her longtime predecessor in a celebration of the 50th anniversary of when he co-founded the autism education and research institute. (contributed photo and image from social media)
New England Center for Children is celebrating 50 years of education and support for people with autism — 45 of them headquartered in Southborough.
Last month, the center held a “Founders Day” event to honor the former longtime CEO, and one of the original founders, Vincent Strulley, Jr.
I’m sharing more info on the organization’s roots, growth, and success, along with photos from the event.
NECC’s about page describes its mission and vision:
Our Mission is to empower those with autism through comprehensive care, education, and research. Our Vision is a world in which all individuals with autism can lead happy, independent lives.
The autism education and research institute was founded on August 11, 1975, as the Efficacy Research Institute (ERI) in a vacant building on the grounds of the Taunton State Hospital. The initial work, supporting just six students, was made possible by a $30,000 grant authorized by Governor Michael Dukakis.
In 1980, the organization expanded and split. In 1986, it merged back into one organization (run by Strulley) renamed The New England Center for Autism NECA.1, and moved to its location off Route 9 in Southborough.
Today, NECC representatives tout that it has grown into “a $123 million nonprofit with 1,200+ teachers and staff.”:
In those 50 years, thousands of childrens’ lives have been transformed by NECC, and thousands of special education teachers trained in their degree program. NECC curriculum is now a software that is used by 13,000 teachers worldwide, and the school operates locations in the Middle East and elsewhere. And more than 65 public schools’ special education programs are managed by NECC.
In 2023, Strulley retired as CEO, transitioning “to the role of Founder and Executive Advisor.”
At the August 18th Founders Day ceremony celebrating the big anniversary, current CEO, Dr. Jessica Sassi, BCBA-D, LABA presented a plaque honoring Strulley that has since been placed on the main building. Below are contributed photos:
You can learn more about the center’s work in the video below, and more details on its history in the timeline on the about page here.
NECC’s growth isn’t just demonstrated in its global reach and expanded offerings. You can also see it’s physical growth in Southborough. That’s not just the new, modern facilities built at the headquarters in the past few decades (including the Michael Dukakis Aquatics Center in 2006 and the Kim Institute in 2016).
You can also see the increase in the number of Southborough properties purchased for use. (None of the properties owned by the non-profit are taxable. NECC does make voluntary PILOT donations to the Town. In recent years that has been approx. $104K per year.)
Expect NECC to continue celebrating the 50th anniversary as they promote upcoming fundraisers like the annual Children of Promise Gala and next spring’s 5K and Art Show.
