New England Patriots, Bob’s Discount Furniture reveal refurbished Fall River Old Colony YMCA

Fall River – May 16, 2022 – Bob’s Discount Furniture 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, 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.