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Music and Mission Take Center Stage at Jordan Hall
More than 120 Vinfen community members gathered at Jordan Hall for a performance by the Longwood Symphony Orchestra and Cambridge Common Voices, raising funds and support for Vinfen’s Health & Wellness Initiative.
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Vinfen Community Raises Voices for Advocacy and Inclusion
Vinfen community members advocated across Massachusetts to strengthen supports and opportunities for people with mental health conditions, autism, and developmental disabilities.
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That’s a Wrap!
Nearly 400 people gathered at Vinfen’s Film Festival for a day of impactful documentaries, conversation, and shared stories that fostered empathy, understanding, and connection around mental health and disability.
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Nurses Play a Critical Role Across Vinfen Services
Vinfen nurses provide expert, compassionate care across programs and communities, playing a vital role in supporting individuals’ health, recovery, and independence.
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NAMIWalks Massachusetts 2026
More than 100 members of the Vinfen community joined thousands at Boston Common to support mental health awareness, recovery, and stigma reduction.
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Restoration Center Opens Its Doors
Vinfen celebrated the opening of the Restoration Center of Greater Lowell, an innovative program providing compassionate support for individuals experiencing behavioral health crises.
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Restoration Center of Greater Lowell Opens to Provide New Community-Based Response to Mental Health and Substance Use Crises
LOWELL, Mass. (March 31, 2026) — Community leaders, behavioral health providers, and public safety officials today celebrated the opening of the Restoration Center of Greater Lowell, an innovative new resource designed to support individuals experiencing substance use and mental health crises with compassionate, immediate care. The center represents the culmination of more than eight years…
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NEW MODEL ENHANCES THE MENTAL HEALTH CONTINUUM OF CARE
Lowell Sun on November 25, 2025 By Peter J. Koutoujian, Jean Yang and Kurt Isaacson Massachusetts has made meaningful strides in addressing behavioral health. From expanding urgent care access to strengthening school-based supports and launching Community Behavioral Health Centers (CBHCs), progress is undeniable. Yet critical gaps remain, especially in our crisis response system. Too often,…
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Vinfen Programs Welcome State Legislators
This spring, Vinfen was pleased to have several opportunities to showcase the exceptional work done at our various programs across the state to legislators and other distinguished guests. In May, we had a great visit at the Plymouth Bay House with State Rep. Kathy LaNatra, State Rep. Michelle Badger, and staff from Senator Dylan Fernandes‘…
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Vinfen Staffer Speaks Out for Salary Equity at Rally
On June 6, human services advocacy group The Caring Force hosted its first-ever Merrimack Valley Rally at Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill. The event brought together area legislators and representatives from human services organizations that operate in the region—including sponsoring agencies Advocates, Community Resources for Justice, Justice Resource Institute, NFI Massachusetts, The Key Program, Seven…
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Vinfen’s New Gateway Arts Program Opens in Brookline Village
July 8 was a momentous day for Vinfen and all the talented artists served by our Gateway Arts program, as New England’s largest center for artists with disabilities moved into its new location at 15 Station St. in Brookline and officially opened for business! Artists, elected officials, and nonprofit & business leaders—including Massachusetts Lt. Governor…
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Kim Shellenberger Honored by the Boston Center for Independent Living
Congratulations to Vinfen’s Chief Strategy Officer, Kim Shellenberger, who is one of three recipients of this year’s Marie Feltin Awards, given annually by the Boston Center for Independent Living (BCIL). Kim was honored during a virtual award ceremony held May 28 Each year, BCIL honors individuals who exemplify the spirit of the late Dr. Marie…
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Vinfen Artists Display Their Work at Massachusetts State House
From April 7-11, the creativity of more than 100 individuals served at Vinfen programs was on display at the State House, as the building’s fourth floor exhibit hall played host to an exhibition of amazing artwork. The exhibition consisted of 123 pieces of art, as brilliantly vivid and varied as the 118 artists who created…
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The 2025 Vinfen Film Festival: A Picture Perfect Day of Movie Magic
All the excitement of a glitzy and glamorous Hollywood premiere could be found at GBH Studios in Boston on Saturday, March 15, as Vinfen proudly welcomed nearly 400 filmgoers to the 18th Annual Film Festival. Vinfen’s signature event uses the power of film to raise awareness, educate our community, and fight prejudice and discrimination often…
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Mikiel Peratino Receives Vinfen’s 2024 Peer Leadership Award
Each year, Vinfen presents a special Peer Leadership Award to recognize the outstanding achievements of a staff member with lived experience of a mental health and/or substance use challenge who has made significant contributions to the organization and peer movement. We are thrilled to announce that the recipient of the 2024 Peer Leadership Award is…
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Vinfen Hosts 17th Annual Family Celebration
On October 24, more than 350 members of the extended Vinfen community came together for Vinfen’s 17th Annual Family Celebration. The event’s theme was “The Power of Partnerships,” and the special evening recognized the achievements of exceptional Vinfen staff, the creative talents of a number of persons we support, and the important role families play…
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Inside the Corner Office with Jean Yang
The New England Council launched “Inside the Corner Office” as a virtual event series in 2021. The series features monthly virtual conversations with the chief executive (CEO, President, or Executive Director) of an NEC member company or organization. NEC President & CEO Jim Brett serves as the moderator of these programs. The purpose of the…
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Vinfen’s Brain Injury Community Center Becomes Clubhouse 2422
On Friday, June 7, Vinfen’s Brain Injury Community Center (BICC)—a Somerville program dedicated to assisting individuals with acquired and traumatic brain injuries in learning new skills and fostering independence—hosted an Open House, Open Doors event that welcomed members, community supporters, and neighbors to learn more about the program and its services. Visitors had the chance…