September 15th, 2002 was Adelmo Uni Jimenez’s 27th birthday. Walking along a bridle path In the Yanacona Indigenous community of Cauca, Colombia, Adelmo was rounding up his animals and thinking about a special birthday lunch, when a blast knocked him down to the ground and he lost consciousness. Although he could not immediately focus when he woke up, he felt he was alive. Searing pain in his right leg drew his attention, and he saw that it was torn open.

Helping students “Envision Success”

Over the last few years, the Polus Center for Social & Economic Development has focused its efforts in Massachusetts on helping people with disabilities find meaningful work that matches their skills, interests, values, and aspirations. With support from the MA Commission for the Blind, the Envision Success Project (ESP) was launched in 2017 for legally blind youth age 14-22.

Building a More Inclusive Coffee Value Chain

With support from the US Department of State’s Bureau of Weapons Removal and Abatement the Polus Center sponsored a “Universal Design” workshop for coffee producers from the Eastern Lake Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

“Universal design is the design and composition of an environment so that it can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people regardless of the age size, ability or disability.”

— Disability Act, 2005

On behalf of the Polus Center, we would like to sincerely thank all of the families, volunteers, local businesses, performers and sponsors who supported this year's All Things Irish fundraiser. You each posses a selfless dedication to community and a terrific sense of fun! We couldn’t do it without you! Here’s to seeing you again next year!