Community Comes Together to get Westwood Family Back on the Road

A nonprofit provider, autism advocate, and Brockton business unite to repair vehicle

Lifeworks, a Westwood-based nonprofit human services provider that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, recently collaborated with 24 Ford of Easton, a division of 24 Auto Group, to provide extensive vehicle repairs that ensured a family served by Lifeworks’ Autism Support Center could continue to access medical and support services.

Michael Borr, chair of the statewide association Advocates for Autism Massachusetts (AFAM), who is also a Lifeworks supporter, parent and president of Brockton-based Allied Auto Parts, made the introductions.

“Marlene Martin and her daughter have been part of our Lifeworks family for more than a decade,” said President and CEO Daniel Burke. “Having a family member with autism, their vehicle is an absolute lifeline to getting to medical appointments and other services and supports they need. Don Bowman and Ed Kardon at 24 Auto Group really came through in the clutch to get this work done quickly. We appreciate Michael Borr’s efforts to bring us all together.”

The 2014 Ford SUV had mechanical problems and needed $10,000 in repairs, including a new transmission. Karen Meginsky, a Lifeworks Family Support Program clinician who regularly works with the Martin family, recognized the urgency of the situation and reached out to Borr.

Borr in turn contacted Bowman, Director of Fixed Operations at 24 Auto Group, and they overcame supply-chain challenges to secure the new transmission and parts; 24 Ford provided the labor.

“Whenever we can and are able to, we do our best to support our community,” said Bowman. “This was one of those times. It was a good feeling to be able to help.”

The majority of the costs were covered by Ford Motor Company’s Goodwill Assistance Program, 24 Auto Group, and Lifeworks’ Empowerment Fund.

“I appreciate every person that helped get us back on the road,” said Marlene Martin, who has two daughters, including Kiley, who has autism, and two grandchildren. “Lifeworks is family to us. We are tremendously grateful for the support we have received over the years.”

About Lifeworks

Since 1954, Lifeworks and its predecessors, Lifeworks Inc. and The Arc of South Norfolk, have served the towns of Norfolk County and beyond by providing support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through advocacy, empowerment and opportunity. The Westwood-based nonprofit organization serves more than 2,300 individuals from communities in the Greater Boston, MetroWest, Norfolk County and Attleboro areas through a wide variety of services and programs, including: employment services; residential, family and community supports; and day programs. For more information, visit www.lifeworksarc.org.