February 27th, 2026
By: Rachel Pothier, Marketing & Support Coordinator
From Day One
Richard Spillane II, has been part of the Communitas community since 2010, when the Burlington site (now Woburn Life Choices) first opened under the name “EMARC.” As a member of the very first group of participants, Richard has grown alongside the program and remains a vibrant, well-known presence today. Over the years, Richard has built countless friendships. “I feel like I make friends here every day,” he shares. Some friendships have stood the test of time – like his bond with Doug, whom he met on his very first day in 2010. The two instantly connected over their shared love of Power Rangers, pro wrestling, Godzilla, and Rock & Roll, and Richard proudly says Doug is now “like a brother to him.” Richard is also in a loving 16-year relationship with Meaghan, whom he adores. He enjoys dressing up for her, looking out for her, and, most of all, making her smile.
A Place That Builds You Up
As a man of faith, Richard often reflects on how grateful he is for Communitas. “I thank God for this place,” he says. To him, Communitas is more than a day program – it is a foundation. It’s where people learn to embrace exactly who they are meant to be. It’s where confidence is built. It’s where people are encouraged to step into society feeling stronger, supported, and understood. “This place builds you up,” Richard explains. “They fight for you. They protect you.”
Each morning begins simply: coffee – “sometimes black, sometimes iced” – and a sense of excitement about seeing his friends and staff. He speaks with genuine appreciation about the team at Communitas, sharing how much their support has helped him grow. When he has a tough day or feels emotional, staff validate his feelings while also helping him organize his thoughts to move forward with positivity. He even welcomes constructive criticism – what he calls “tough love” – because he knows it helps him improve. He takes pride in being an active member of the community, often offering to help with tasks around the building, working in Group Employment Programs and participating in Safety Committee meetings to ensure everyone feels secure. “It’s important that we all look out for each other,” he says.
I always start my day with a coffee, sometimes black sometimes iced, and look forward to walking into Communitas every morning to see my friends and staff. My favorite thing about this place is getting to know everyone and meeting new people. The staff mean everything to me, they help me get back on my feet and encourage me to be my best self. It is really special to have a community that allows me to grow and work on personal goals without judgement. Communitas has taught me to treat people with kindness and to always keep an open mind. I take so much pride in this place that I’m inspired to help out with tasks around the building and secure everyone’s safety during in our Safety Committee meetings.
One area that has recently sparked his excitement is Vocational class, where he learned about the possibility of starting his own crochet business. Crocheting is more than just a hobby – it’s something deeply meaningful to him. His mother first taught him how to crochet, and he once handmade a blanket to be placed in his grandmother’s casket, a memory he holds close to his heart. The idea of turning that passion into a job feels both exciting and personal.
Richard also loves the fun side of Communitas – holiday parties where everyone “dances and sings their butts off,” and events like the annual Summer Olympics. His group represented Ireland last year, and he loved seeing everyone come together, learn about different countries, and cheer each other on.
Celebrating Life, In and Out of Program
Beyond Communitas, Richard’s world is just as full. He’s an avid video gamer who enjoys action-packed adventures and a self-proclaimed mood-lifter who uses humor to brighten the room. In 2017, he was inducted into the Special Olympics Hall of Fame – an achievement he still beams about! His weekends often include church with his father, community outings with Echo Enrichment Center, and bowling league meetups where he continues to expand his circle of friends. Whether bowling, watching wrestling, or cheering during the Winter Olympics (“Go USA Hockey!”), Richard embraces connection and camaraderie wherever he goes.
Question: What is something you are proud of?
Richard Spillane
Answer: This is an easy one – getting inducted into the Special Olympic Hall of Fame in 2017 – there’s even a video on YouTube that I am proud to show everyone. I am also proud to be committed to religion and go to church with my father on the weekends. Sometimes I have to flex my schedule so I can juggle both going to church and my social life – I often have community outings or events with Echo Enrichment Center – another one of my favorite places! I meet so many people when I am out and about, even got to know some Communitas peers that go to Wakefield Day Program through my bowling league. In my down time, I like to watch wrestling or Winter Olympics because they’re on right now. I cheer for all of the countries because I love learning about them but I will say “Go USA Hockey!”
Keep Your Head in the Game
Now retired from competition, Richard’s loyalty to the Special Olympics – and to the squads that carried him into the Hall of Fame – has never wavered. Once a multi-sport athlete in swimming, track and field, bocce, golf, and his personal favorite, floor hockey, Richard now channels his passion from the sidelines, assisting with practices at Belmont S.P.O.R.T.
“I scored the game-winning goal at the buzzer — from half court — to win Gold in floor hockey.”
It’s a moment he still recounts with pride: a last-second, half-court shot that sealed a gold medal victory and cemented a legacy defined by heart and determination.
Richard is also a former martial arts competitor, proudly earning his green belt – an achievement he holds with both humility and honor. When faced with the need for surgery, he made the difficult decision to step away from competition.
But stepping away didn’t mean stepping back.
“I still practice finding inner peace to build outward strength and mindfulness.”
Today, the lessons from his Sensei remain central to his life – discipline, balance, and resilience – proving that while medals may be earned in arenas, character is built for a lifetime.
The Power of Self-Advocacy
To Richard, being a self-advocate isn’t just a title – it’s a daily practice. It means stepping boldly into the world, using your voice with confidence, and standing firm in what you believe is right. For him, advocacy is about presence. It’s about showing up, speaking your truth, and refusing to let opportunity pass by.
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
Wayne Gretzky
It’s a quote he lives by – not just in sports, but in life. Richard encourages others to take that shot: apply for the job, try the new activity, raise your hand, ask the question. Speak up when something matters. Try something that feels just outside your comfort zone. Claim the respect you deserve.
Because to Richard, self-advocacy isn’t about waiting for permission – it’s about believing your voice already belongs in the room.
One Word: Extravagant
In conclusion, Richard sums up Communitas in one bold word: extravagant. Not for flash or flair, but for its abundance – of love, opportunity, growth, and unwavering belief in every individual who walks through its doors. To him, it’s a place where support runs deep and possibilities continue to expand, where self-advocates are encouraged to find their voices, take their shots, and step confidently into new challenges. When asked what he wishes people understood about individuals with diverse abilities, his response is thoughtful: stay calm, get to know us, and treat us like anyone else. Communicate. Laugh together. Offer respect instead of pity. Create spaces where people feel safe enough to grow. It’s a message that reflects not only his own journey – from athlete to mentor, competitor to advocate – but the very spirit of Communitas itself. And if Richard’s story shows us anything, it’s this: when people are supported extravagantly, they don’t just succeed – they thrive.
Join our team!
Feeling inspired? Ready to make a difference alongside incredible individuals like Richard? Come join our team. At Communitas, you’ll be part of a community that believes in growth, possibility, and showing up for one another every single day. If you’re looking for meaningful work that truly matters, we’d love to connect with you. You can learn more about our current job openings here!