As New England’s largest Teamsters Union, representing more than 12,000 members in Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire from a wide array of industries, you might think Teamsters Local 25 is just a traditional union focused on their members in the workplace.

But to the staff, individuals and families served by Melmark New England, Local 25 is better known as a charitable event leader in the Massachusetts autism community. The organization’s annual Autism Gala attracts upwards of 1,000 guests each year and has raised millions of dollars since inception for a variety of autism-related charities and organizations.

“We’re proud of the contributions Teamsters Local 25 has been able to make,” said Teamsters Local 25 President Sean M. O’Brien. “We’ve helped to pass insurance legislation, raise crucial funds for research and awareness, and hopefully give individuals with autism and their families reassurance that they aren’t alone.”

Over the last ten years, under the leadership of President O’Brien, Teamsters Local 25 has donated $400,000 to Melmark New England. The group’s collaboration and commitment were integral to the creation of our adult day program at The Cancro Center for Adult Services, serving twenty-nine individuals, as well as the expansion of our residential program to support twenty adults.

“This organization truly understands the full scope of this spectrum disorder and is dedicated to helping families lead more typical lives,” Larry Cancro, Melmark Chairman of the Board and Melmark New England parent of an adult with autism said. “The generous contributions of Local 25 over the years have allowed the New England division to expand adult services to meet the ever-increasing need for evidence-based programs.”

As we care for adults with autism throughout their lifetimes, we are grateful to President O’Brien and Local 25 members who have demonstrated their true partnership with Melmark New England.