MANCHESTER, Connecticut – May 11, 2022 – Bob’s Discount Furniture, one of the fastest growing omni-channel furniture retailers in the country, today announced in honor of National Foster Care Month, that the New England Patriots Foundation and Bob’s Discount Furniture have teamed up with the non-profit organization Wonderfund of Massachusetts to refurbish and refurnish the Old Colony YMCA youth and young adult home in Fall River, Massachusetts.
Over the past six weeks, the New England Patriots Foundation, with the help of generous volunteers, including Bob’s employees, have refurbished the Old Colony YMCA youth and young adult residence. This included painting all the rooms in the home as well as the front porch, floor installation and tiling, cabinetry, bathroom restoration and the creation of garden boxes.
“Bob’s is proud to make this furniture donation to the residents of Old Colony YMCA youth and young adult home as well as for the hard-working staff caring for them,” said John Weldon, Chief Operating Officer at Bob’s Discount Furniture. “We are thrilled to help these residents turn the place they live into a home they love. It is especially meaningful to be doing this project during Foster Care Month and in partnership with the Patriots Foundation, a 14-year partner of Bob’s.”
The home makeover has been specifically tailored through what is called trauma-informed design (TID), for optimal comfortability for the young adults currently residing in the home, as well as those that will transition into the home in future years. TID principles aim to reduce and remove environmental stresses and engage individuals in a dynamic environment that provides and promotes connection to the natural world while reinforcing a sense of personal identity.
“We are grateful for the generous support and donations from Bob’s Discount Furniture, the New England Patriots Foundation and Wonderfund to help the youth and young adults currently in our care,” said Vincent Marturano, President & CEO at Old Colony YMCA. “These young people continue to show strength and resilience in the face of trauma, and we are so grateful to see that recognized through this project. With these donations, we are able to create a peaceful environment for our residents through the upgrades of new trauma-informed paint, furniture, art and more. The transformation is truly remarkable.”
Bob’s Discount Furniture was able to furnish multiple bedrooms and common spaces with seven new beds, Bob-O-Pedic mattresses and sets of bedding, as well as living room sets, rugs, artwork, outdoor furniture, and dining sets.
The ribbon cutting and grand reveal of the home occurred May 11th and included opening remarks from John Weldon, Chief Operating Officer at Bob’s Discount Furniture; Robert Kraft, Chairman and CEO of the New England Patriots; First Lady of Massachusetts Lauren Baker, Vice Chair at Wonderfund; Erin Murphy Rafferty, Chief Executive Officer at Wonderfund; and other local dignitaries.
About Bob’s Discount Furniture
Founded in 1991, Bob’s Discount Furniture is one of the fastest growing furniture retailers in the country. Keeping true to its founding principle that everyone deserves quality furniture, Bob’s provides unsurpassed value with honesty and integrity. With 162 furniture stores across 24 states, the Manchester, Connecticut-based company has become the 10th-largest U.S. furniture chain. The company offers a unique and enjoyable shopping experience, featuring cafes in each store with complimentary gourmet coffee, ice cream, cookies, and candy.
Bob’s is committed to supporting local communities through a variety of charitable giving efforts. In total, Bob’s Community Outreach team and Bob’s Charitable Foundation donate more than $2.75 million to charities through these programs each year. For more information on Bob’s charitable programs, visit Bob’s Cares, and follow Bob’s on Twitter @MyBobs, on Facebook, and Instagram.
About the New England Patriots Foundation
Robert Kraft established the New England Patriots Foundation in 1994 to give back to the communities the Patriots call home. The mission of the foundation is to aid individuals and families that are often marginalized in our society. Through the implementation of year-round programming and support of philanthropic agencies, the foundation is building stronger communities throughout New England. For more information about the New England Patriots Foundation, visit www.patriots.com/community.
About the Wonderfund
The Wonderfund is a private, nonprofit 501(c)3 that serves children engaged with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families through a unique and exclusive partnership. We provide comfort and dignity to children in traumatic situations and enrich childhoods that have been impacted by abuse and neglect.
There are more than 50,000 children engaged with DCF today. They live in every city and town throughout Massachusetts. They range in age from newborn to 24. Each one of these children deserves our support to enjoy these moments that matter. To learn more, visit wonderfundma.org or follow us on Instagram, @WonderfundMA.
About Old Colony YMCA
Since 1887, Old Colony Y (OCY) has worked tirelessly to effect lasting personal and social change. Old Colony YMCA is a charitable, non-profit Association committed to the development of strong spirit, mind, and body, guided by Judeo-Christian principles, to enrich the quality of life for everyone in our communities. We believe that our mission is to assist all people to develop to their fullest potential and to respond to ever-changin community needs with a focus on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. At OCY, we view traditional YMCA services – like fitness, swimming, child care, and camp – through an alternate lens; beyond their explicit benefits to the health and wellness of our members and participants, they are also an opportunity for deeper engagement.
Media Contact:
Nichole Keough
(617)448-0424
