John Dunleavy, with ten years under his belt at TD Garden and the Boston Bruins Foundation, reveres his experience with these organizations as the most memorable decade of his life. Living with Down Syndrome hasn’t kept John from flourishing in his work, thanks to the support of the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress, his high school, and an advantageous internship that led to this remarkable ten-year stint.
John’s involvement with these organizations isn’t limited to administrative tasks. He is often seen giving morale-boosting talks to the Bruins alumni team, contributing to community events, and showing an uncanny knack for reciprocating the goodwill to the community that has shown him equal affection and respect.
His journey began with a chance encounter with Bob Sweeney, the president of the Bruins Foundation, at an alumni game hosted by the Congress. This meeting sparked a bond that remains unshakeable after ten years, with Sweeney touting John’s always smiling face and invigorating presence as a constant source of inspiration.
Working at the foundation, for John, is much more than just earning a paycheck. It represents independence, self-reliance, and finding one’s place in the world where respect isn’t a handout, but is genuinely earned. He commutes independently via the local rail service and speaks warmly of the fraternity at the workplace.
John’s colleagues at the foundation, who consider him an integral part of their close-knit family, rallied around him when he was chosen to represent Massachusetts in the Special Olympics USA Games for swimming, helping him train and even making the journey to Florida to cheer him on.
The story of John Dunleavy is a testament to organizations like the MDSC “Your Next Star” Employment Centre, which connects individuals with Down syndrome with prospective employers. The last decade for Dunleavy and Sweeney has been a heartwarming journey, one they recount with joy when educating others about the potential benefits of incorporating people with Down Syndrome into the workforce.
October not only marks the National Down Syndrome Awareness Month, but it is also the Disability Employment Awareness Month. Underlining the importance of the cause, John shares his eagerness to continue working at the TD Garden and the Boston Bruins Foundation for many more years to come. He laughs off any talk of retirement, reflecting true satisfaction in his work.
In recognition of his contributions, John has been named an honorary coach at the Bruins alumni game, a charity event benefiting the MDSC. He looks forward to resuming this role at the upcoming alumni game to be held on November 19th at the Warrior Ice Arena.
