In the last two years, the pandemic has had an adverse effect on special education services, especially those for children with autism. Jennifer Loring, a consulting specialist for The New England Center for Children, has seen the toll it has taken on the organization and her students firsthand. This inspired her to channel her love for running to raise money as a member NECC’s Boston Marathon team.
“I have worked for NECC for over 16 years and it’s an organization that I love,” explained the Wenham native. “As everyone has experienced hardship brought forth by the pandemic, it’s easy to feel helpless and I know I have felt that way. There are some things I simply cannot change, but I can run. Running has always played a significant role in my life. Lacing up my sneakers and asking people for money feels simple compared to the challenges NECC has faced over the last two years.”
In addition to the global pandemic, NECC has been faced with the repercussions of a historic national staffing shortage that has deeply affected the human services field. The 126th Boston Marathon will be Loring’s third marathon and second raising money for NECC (she ran the Boston Marathon with #TeamNECC in 2008). Loring decided that if there was ever a time to fundraise for NECC again, the time was now.
“Having worked across multiple departments at NECC, I know the scope and scale of the impact NECC’s services have on the lives of individuals with disabilities,” Loring explained. “My passion for supporting individuals with disabilities has been further strengthened by the toll the pandemic has taken on students. In the pursuit of keeping staff and students safe during the pandemic due to staff shortages, NECC has experienced significant financial burden.”
Loring’s passion for working with individuals with special needs led her to NECC in 2005, where she began as a level 2 teacher and has since worked in a variety of positions, including as a residential coordinator, day coordinator, program specialist at NECC’s sister school in Abu Dhabi, and now as a consulting specialist.
“I love working with individuals with special needs as well as the teachers and families that support them,” she shared. “NECC has provided me with the opportunity to learn from very smart and talented people, and I am grateful for all of the professional development I have received.”
In addition to meeting her fundraising goal, Loring is hoping to avoid injury and finish the race happy. “The Boston Marathon is special, and I want to enjoy it for as much of the 26.2 miles as I can,” she said. “Race day is very exciting, and the fans are a big part of making the marathon easier to endure. I am looking forward to running the course and hopefully seeing friends and family along the way.”
To donate, visit Loring’s page here: https://www.givengain.com/ap/jenny-loring-raising-funds-for-the-new-england-center-for-children/