Erland Foundation Honored with Community Autism Champion Award

Burlington, Mass. - The Erland Foundation was recently honored with the 2019 New England Center for Children® (NECC®) Community Autism Champion Award for its commitment to fundraising for autism education and research. NECC’s Children of Promise Gala, held on November 15, raised over $1 million for the Southborough, Mass.-based institution. 

Erland’s relationship with NECC began in 2016 when Erland built the John and Diane Kim Autism Institute, a three-story, 35,000 square-foot addition which houses research, professional training and technology facilities. The expansion has helped NECC continue to advance its mission of transforming the lives of children with autism through education and ongoing initiatives.

During construction, Erland was inspired by NECC students and staff and formed the Erland Foundation, an employee-run charitable organization looking to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and families in the Burlington area as well as the communities where Erland employees live. 

“After working closely with staff and students of NECC, it was clear we wanted to do more,” said Steve McDonald, President of Erland Construction. “We are proud to have an impact on NECC and the many people who benefit from its great work.”

The Erland Foundation created the “Strike Out Autism Night”, an annual bowling event that has raised more than $60,000 for NECC since its inaugural event in 2016. With this funding, NECC has been able to:

• Provide students with enrichment programs including community exposure, vocational transportation, adaptive physical education, educational field trips, and peer interaction.
• Offer robust professional development opportunities for staff to increase teacher knowledge and confidence.
• Stay current with the latest in instructive technology (SMART Boards, iPads, AAC devices) to enable students to be as independent as possible.
• Enhance and promote their cloud-based teaching curriculum, the ACE® ABA Software System. 

NECC is a global leader in autism education, research and technology. The Center serves children with autism through a variety of comprehensive programs and services. NECC’s mission is to provide every child and their families with the best resources available. 

About The New England Center for Children
The New England Center for Children® (NECC®) is an award-winning autism education center and research institute. Our community of teachers, researchers, and clinicians have transformed the lives of thousands of children with autism worldwide through education, research, and technology. The Center provides comprehensive services to maximize independence: home-based, day, and residential programs, partner classrooms in public school systems, consulting services, the ACE® ABA Software System (http://www.acenecc.org), teacher professional development, and research on educational best practices. 

About Erland Construction 
Over the past 42 years, Erland Construction has successfully grown into the Northeast’s leading open shop construction management and general contracting firm. The Company is headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts and has specialized expertise for new construction and renovations in major market sectors including corporate, commercial, academic, advanced technology/life sciences, residential, senior living, and hospitality. For more information, visit www.erland.com.

About the Erland Charitable Foundation
Founded in 2016 by Erland Construction employees, the Erland Charitable Foundation's mission is to provide funding that makes a positive difference in the lives of selected groups in our community. Through fundraising efforts our company strives to increase awareness and educate others about target causes. Funds raised are donated to a pre-selected charity and clearly communicated to those whom we solicit funds. For more information, visit www.erlandfoundation.com.