It all started when Natalie Q told her champion she was really interested in seeing a Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) game. Natalie is enrolled in the Edinburg Center’s Meaningful Whole Life program where specially-trained staff (called champions) meet one-on-one with people to find out what they’re most passionate about and what things they really want to do. The timing was perfect. Not only had a new PWHL team started playing in Lowell, the team was also planning an event to tie in with Mental Health Awareness Month.
The team hosted Natalie and 50 others from the Edinburg for its Saturday May 4 game against Montreal. The game was a thriller with Boston beating its Canadian rival 4-3 with just 1:20 left in the final period. The stands were filled and the Edinburg Center was highlighted with a video on the Tsongas Arena’s Jumbotron. The Center also staffed an information table on the concourse to greet fans and share information about some of the services Edinburg offers.
Meaningful Whole Life program director Chris Starnes said, “It’s incredible when we find a community partner such as PWHL Boston and the Tsongas Center, and are able to provide one of our members with such a special day.” Meaningful Whole Life represents a unique approach to serving people with intellectual disabilities. Edinburg created the model to augment traditional day programs with a more personalized, action-oriented approach that encourages people to think big and get out into their communities.
Chris said the best part of the day was when Natalie turned to him with a big smile on her face and said “Thank you for this!”