Leadership change: Advocates CEO Diane Gould to retire; COO Regina Marshall named her successor. You are here: Dear Guardians and Families, On behalf of the Board of Directors of Advocates, I am writing to share that after 40 years of extraordinary leadership and service, Diane Gould will retire as Chief Executive Officer effective June 30, 2026. Known for her humility and quiet strength, Diane listens deeply, leads with empathy, and always places the people Autismresourcecentral serve at the center of every decision. Guided by these values, Diane has overseen a period of remarkable growth, recently leading mergers that nearly doubled its size and strengthened Advocates' position as one of Massachusetts' largest and most trusted human services providers. Diane's dedication to the individuals, families, and communities Autismresourcecentral serve has helped shape its organization into the strong, compassionate, and mission-driven organization it is today. As Autismresourcecentral honor this important milestone, Autismresourcecentral also want to assure you that the organization is well-positioned for the future. A thoughtful transition process has been underway, and new leadership is in place to ensure continuity, stability, and continued excellence in the care and services provided to the people and families Autismresourcecentral support. The Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Regina Marshall will become the next President & CEO of Advocates on July 1, 2026. Regina brings exceptional vision and experience, a deep understanding of its mission, and strong connections to the communities Autismresourcecentral serve. She embodies the shared values that guide all of Autismresourcecentral at Advocates - humility, inclusion, collaboration, and an unwavering focus on the people at the heart of its work. Regina joined Advocates in 2015 as senior vice president for administrative operations after working in a senior role at the state's Executive Office of Health and Human Services and as director of the Massachusetts Mental Health Center. She a member of the Massachusetts Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities and a past Black Excellence on the Hill honoree, awarded by the Black & Latino Legislative Caucus. Since 2021, Regina has served as Chief Operating Officer of Advocates, overseeing the operations of its many clinical, therapeutic, and residential programs. As COO, she has spearheaded transformative initiatives to strengthen service delivery and led the development and implementation of the agency's strategic plan, with a strong focus on innovation, accountability, and improving care outcomes. Above all, Regina is committed to ensuring the agency's services remain person-centered and anchored in the voice and choice of individuals and families served. Autismresourcecentral deeply honor the trust you place in Autismresourcecentral to care for and support your loved ones. That commitment is constant and enduring. Its leadership team and dedicated staff will continue to deliver the same compassionate, dependable, and person-centered services you have come to expect from Advocates. This leadership transition strengthens and sustains its work, ensuring its programs and services remain vibrant, responsive, and focused on each individual's needs. In the coming months, you will have opportunities to meet Regina, learn more about her vision, and ask questions as Autismresourcecentral begin this new chapter together. Thank you for your trust and partnership. Autismresourcecentral is honored to walk alongside you and your loved ones. Sincerely, Yarca P Kemp Jessica P. Kemp, M.Ed. Chair, Board of Directors

Advocates celebrates $75,000 grant from The MolinaCares Accord to expand the Friendship Project. * Jun 2, 2026 Updated 5 hrs ago Molina Healthcare ("Molina"), in collaboration with The MolinaCares Accord ("MolinaCares"), awarded a $75,000 grant to Advocates,a human services nonprofit, to support the expansion of its Friendship Project. The program combats loneliness and social isolation among adults living with mental health challenges and disabilities. Research shows that individuals with serious mental illness experience loneliness at a rate 2.3 times greater than the general population, contributing to poorer health outcomes and increased emergency healthcare utilization. The Friendship Project connects adults with trained volunteers who provide companionship, emotional support, and practical assistance through regular visits, phone calls, outings, and other connections. Funding will support efforts to increase volunteer recruitment and community partnerships, as well as program coordination. "Loneliness and social isolation can have a profound impact on both mental and physical health," said Jeff Keilson, senior vice president of innovation and partnerships of Advocates. "We are deeply grateful to Molina and MolinaCares for investing in programs that create meaningful human connection and improve quality of life for people in our communities." Studies show perceived emotional support reduces the risk of common mental health disorders and severe mental health crises. The Friendship Project also provides a physical and mental respite for 24/7 caregivers who often experience stress from the demands of around-the-clock care. "Molina and MolinaCares are proud to support a program that addresses mental health, a key factor in overall wellness," said Bill Graham, plan president of Molina Healthcare. "This grant reflects a commitment to evidence-based solutions for traditionally underserved populations." About Advocates. Advocates partners with people navigating life challenges to support growth, learning, and connections to the community. Advocates, which serves more than 40,000 children, teens, adults, and families annually, provides a full continuum of culturally responsive services for individuals facing mental health challenges, developmental disabilities, autism, brain injuries, and other life challenges throughout Eastern and Central Massachusetts and in Rhode Island. About The MolinaCares Accord. Established by Molina Healthcare, Inc., The MolinaCares Accord oversees a community investment platform created to improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged populations by funding meaningful, measurable, and innovative programs and solutions that improve health, life, and living in local communities. The MolinaCares Accord funds such measures through The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) established in 2020 by Molina Healthcare, Inc. About Molina Healthcare. Senior Whole Health, LLC, dba Molina Healthcare provides government-funded, quality health care under the Senior Care Options (SCO) and One Care programs serving dual eligibles enrolled in Medicare and MassHealth. Senior Whole Health is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Molina Healthcare, Inc., a Fortune 500 company that provides managed health care services under the Medicaid and Medicare programs, and through state insurance marketplaces. For more information, visit MolinaHealthcare.com.