As autumn leaves blanket the landscape, something special is brewing inside Riverside’s group homes across eastern Massachusetts. Riverside operates 33 residences that provide 24/7 staffed support for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, autism, or acquired brain injury—helping people develop daily living skills, build meaningful relationships, and become valued members of their communities. When the holiday season arrives, pumpkins line front porches, fall decorations fill common areas, and the warmth of the season spreads through many homes as residents and staff prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving together.
Finding Family at Riverside
When traditional families can’t be present, Riverside residents and staff create their own celebrations, proving that family is defined by care, compassion, and shared moments of joy.
“We are their family too,” explains Adekunbi Oyaronbi, Riverside’s Director of Metro North Residential Services. It’s a sentiment that resonates throughout the organization, as staff work to fill each group home with kindness and connection.
Preparing for the Holiday
Holiday preparations reflect both the season and the residents’ personalities. Staff and residents team up to decorate each house with cozy displays featuring pumpkins, gourds, and autumn-themed baskets. Residents participate in shopping trips to local stores, menu planning, and meal preparation. Many especially enjoy selecting decorations—holiday napkins, turkey-emblazoned plates, and special outfits. One resident, a devoted Marvel fan, looks forward each year to finding a shirt featuring his favorite superhero alongside a Thanksgiving turkey.
Market Basket’s complete dinner packages often provide the meal’s foundation, with turkey or ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and the choice between apple and pumpkin pie. Residents also enjoy cultural dishes from their childhood to help the celebration feel like home. Sparkling apple cider flows freely as everyone toasts to gratitude and togetherness.
“I look forward to holiday gatherings because it is a time for the house to be decorated and for everyone to be together, celebrate, and enjoy good food and good company,” said Winter Street resident Katherine W. as she looks forward to this year’s celebration.
A Place at the Table
The heart of Thanksgiving at Riverside is simple: no one celebrates alone. At larger wheelchair-accessible homes, residents from multiple homes join together for combined celebrations. Staff from different programs bring their residents together for gatherings that can include ten or more people, creating new connections and community.
This Thanksgiving, Riverside residences across the region will be filled with the sounds of celebration, the aroma of holiday feasts, and the feeling of family. At Riverside, everyone belongs, and everyone has a place at the table.
Learn more about Riverside’s Residential Services today.
