House of Possibilities, Pats, host 4th annual prom in Norwood

The Massachusetts-based House of Possibilities (HOPe) held its fourth annual prom on Friday at the Four Points Sheraton on Route 1 in Norwood.

This was the first time the organization came to Norwood, according to CEO Katie Terino, who emceed the event.

“We needed a bigger space, actually,” she said. “Our programs are growing – our organization is growing – and we needed more space so our whole community could be here,” she said.

Terino said the former space was so small they had to consider limiting who could come to the event.

“And that’s just not what we’re about,” she said. “We’re all about belonging, and so we looked for a bigger space and came here to Norwood.”

The event is a big party, both to celebrate members and their accomplishments and to fundraise for the programming HOPe provides. Terino said they raised about $100,000 just from that night alone, which will go towards the mission of providing services to those with disabilities across the state.

“We provide disability services for kids and adults; everything from pathway to employment programs, respite, and social recreation activities to coaching and college navigation,” she said.

HOPe Gift Officer and Communications Manager Erin Lynch said the organization has locations in Downtown Boston and Easton and is looking to open its third location in Brockton. Terino said the larger space in Norwood really helped the organization to showcase that growth and let everyone in to celebrate.

“It’s just fantastic,” she said. “It’s a night that the whole community looks forward to each year, and our members will be talking about this for weeks and months,” she said. “It’s just a fantastic time to get everyone together and it’s just so special to have Brenden and the Patriots here.”

Members of the New England Patriots came to the dance party – for which a host of glow sticks and light-up wearables were provided – and joined participants throughout the evening.

“Just seeing the happiness and how much joy it brings to the room, no matter where you come from, everyone just can cut loose and have a good time,” New England Patriots Special Teamer Brenden Schooler said.

“It’s kind of just exciting to be here and be around such happy people,” added Patriots kicker Andy Borregales.

Schooler and Borregales were joined by Patriots Special Teamers Julian Ashby, and Bryce Baringer, Special Teams Coach Jeremy Springer and NESN Host Jayme Parker.

Terino said Schooler wasn’t recruited by their marketing team or pushed by the Pats in any kind of stunt. She said it was HOPe’s members who recruited him to the first prom.

“Our members were at Patriots Training Camp four years ago and Brenden had been a “Best Buddy” in high school,” she said. Best Buddies is an organization that pairs disabled teammates with non-disabled players in sports. “He came over and started talking to our guys and really connected with them. And so they ‘Prom-posaled’ him and Brenden and Devin (McCourty) before the first night four years ago, and we were so surprised to learn maybe 24 hours before the event that they were going to attend.”

Terino said that, like on Friday night, the players really stuck around. It wasn’t just a quick photo-op.

“They didn’t just come by, say ‘hi,’ shake some hands and leave, they stayed for the whole event, on the dance floor, karaoke, everything, and it was so special,” she said. “Ever since then Brenden’s been involved.”

Terino said she’s amazed the partnership still stands strong.

“We’re just really grateful for everyone who makes this event so special and possible,” she said. “We were just completely floored when we saw Brenden join us four years ago and his commitment, dedication and generosity ever since has been amazing.”

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Member Madeline Thibert said this was her first prom night from HOPe and that, while the dance floor was a bit loud, she was having a great time.

“I wanted to come out and do something social and fun and get out of my comfort zone,” she said. “I like it. It’s a little loud, but I like it.”

Member Jack Syot was hanging out with HOPe counselor Manny Correia before heading to the dance floor themselves.

“I’ve been with them forever,” said Syot. “I have a lot of fun, it’s really good. I’m going to come next year. I hope it’s a bit longer.”

Parent Benjamin Wells said the programming is amazing, and he likes that they get a chance like the Prom Night to hang out.

“My daughter goes to the program, and it’s a very big event for the participants, but it’s also a good time for the parents and guardians to get together,” he said. “The programs are just phenomenal. I can’t say enough for them. And the expansion they’re doing is incredible.”

Resident Kim Woodward came out with her best friend.

“My best friend Joan, who I’ve known since high school – her brother Michael is a member,” she said. “And so this has been an unbelievable place for him to be a part of as an adult. Her parents raised him, just like all the other children in the family, and it’s been a pleasure as friends to support this amazing place, HOPe, in whatever way possible. Just to see the joy that is Michael and to be able to be a part of this, I mean we’ve been doing this since he’s been a part of it, all this fundraising and events that we’ve been involved in over the years; it’s been great. We wouldn’t miss any of it.”

For more information on HOPe, go to https://gvimes.link/hopehouse