The Family Support Center, based at our Chelmsford location, hosted a summertime social for the families we are proud to serve. Some of the day’s activities included a delicious BBQ, a balloon artist, face painting, crafts, games, and a visit from the Chelmsford Fire Department! Thank you to all who attended and made the event such a hit. We look forward to more opportunities to connect with our individuals and their loved ones in the future.
Lily and her family enjoyed the balloon artist at our summer BBQ.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Volunteers and Sponsors
Behind every successful community event is a team of dedicated people who give their time and resources without hesitation. Our summer social was no exception. From the early morning hours, volunteers arrived to set up tents, arrange tables and chairs, and prepare the grilling area. Local businesses stepped forward with generous donations of food, beverages, paper goods, and even prizes for the game winners. We are especially grateful to the Chelmsford-area grocery store that provided fresh produce and the family-owned bakery that donated dozens of cookies and brownies for the dessert table.
Volunteers took on a wide range of roles throughout the day, ensuring that every guest felt welcome and cared for. Some staffed the craft stations, helping little hands glue and paint while chatting with parents. Others served meals with a smile, kept the drink coolers stocked, or guided families to the quieter areas of the park. A special thank-you goes to our parent volunteers, who stepped in wherever they were needed and often did so while also enjoying time with their own children.
If you would like to be part of the team that makes future Family Support Center events possible, we would love to hear from you. Whether you can spare an hour or a whole afternoon, your time makes a real difference. If that sounds like you, send us a message and we will tell you about upcoming opportunities.
An Inclusive and Accessible Celebration for All
At the Family Support Center, we believe that every celebration should be a place where all individuals and families feel comfortable, respected, and able to participate fully. With that in mind, our summer social was planned with accessibility and inclusion at the forefront. Wide, paved walkways allowed wheelchair and stroller access to every activity area, and shaded rest zones were set up near the main field so that anyone needing a break from the sun or the crowd could relax in comfort.
For guests with sensory sensitivities, we offered a designated quiet tent with soft seating, fidget toys, and low lighting. A visual schedule of the day’s events was posted at the entrance and at each activity station, helping attendees know what to expect and when. The Chelmsford Fire Department also arranged a low-stimulation period before the main demonstration, during which the fire truck’s lights and sirens remained off so that children who might be startled by loud noises could still explore the vehicle safely.
One parent shared that her son, who is on the autism spectrum, typically avoids crowded events but stayed for nearly the whole afternoon. “He loved the quiet tent and the structured game times,” she said. “I can’t tell you how much it means to have a place where he is truly welcome.” Feedback like this reminds us why accessibility is not just an add-on but a core part of every Family Support Center gathering.
Capturing Precious Family Moments
Near the main entrance, a colorful photo booth quickly became one of the most popular spots of the day. Families posed together with beach-themed props such as oversized sunglasses, inflatable flamingos, sun hats, and colorful leis. Laughter echoed as parents tried on silly accessories and children made funny faces for the camera. Each family received a printed photo strip to take home as a keepsake, and many returned more than once to capture different combinations of relatives and friends.
In addition to the photo booth, a professional photographer volunteered her time to roam the grounds and take candid shots of the day’s moments. Her lens caught children mid-jump during sack races, grandparents sharing lemonade on a bench, and siblings comparing balloon animals. All photos from the event are being organized into a private online album that registered families will receive a link to. These images offer a lasting reminder of a joyful day spent together in the sunshine.
“I hardly ever get a nice picture with all three of my kids,” one mother said while waiting for her turn at the booth. “This is such a gift. I’ll hang these on the fridge and smile every morning.” For many families, the photos are more than just pictures—they are proof of connection, belonging, and the simple happiness of being together.
Building Community Connections Beyond the BBQ
While the food and activities were certainly highlights, the heart of the summer social was the opportunity for families to connect with one another. Throughout the afternoon, parents exchanged phone numbers, shared stories about their experiences, and offered each other encouragement. Children who arrived as strangers left as friends, planning to meet again at the park or at future Family Support Center events. These organic connections are exactly what our organization hopes to foster every day.
Staff members from the Family Support Center were on hand to answer questions and share information about the many resources available to families in our community. From support groups and parent workshops to respite care and recreational outings, there is a wide range of programs designed to meet the needs of individuals and their loved ones. Several families signed up on the spot for our upcoming fall festival and for a monthly caregiver coffee hour.
As the sun began to set and the last burgers came off the grill, there was a shared sense of gratitude and anticipation. We are already looking ahead to our next gathering, a cozy autumn celebration with pumpkin decorating, warm cider, and live acoustic music. To stay informed about dates and registration, please follow our social media pages or subscribe to the Family Support Center newsletter. We can’t wait to see you there.