The J. Arthur Trudeau Memorial Center’s 55th Anniversary breakfast, sponsored by Mutual of America was held on September 6 at the Imperial Room in Cranston to a sell-out crowd.

The program featured Steve Saulen, Director of Manufacturing at Tiffany & Co. who reflected on the advantages of integrated employment and productivity in the workforce. Michelle Jacques, Director of Human Resources at Tiffany & Co. spoke about inclusion and diversity in the workforce and Mary Fogarty McAndrew, daughter of the late Congressman Fogarty and Chair of the Fogarty Foundation, presented a history of the Trudeau Center and the collaborative efforts between Congressman Fogarty, Arthur Trudeau and families from the community to create the Trudeau Center over 55 years ago.

This year’s theme of “inclusion and diversity in the workforce” honored the community spirit and partnership that enabled Trudeau to achieve significant milestones on behalf of adults who have found meaningful, integrated employment. The Employment Concepts program at Trudeau helps individuals gain the necessary skills to be employed and assists them in their search for employment. Trudeau Center clients work with over 50 businesses – local, national and even international.

Steve Saulen, Director of Manufacturing at Tiffany & Co. stressed that “The Trudeau employees, (now Tiffany & Co. employees), are fully integrated into our workforce, extremely productive and with the introduction of new technology have upscaled their skills with us. Trudeau Center employees play an integral role in operations and manufacturing and they are part of one of the most productive areas in the facility.”

For 55 years, the Trudeau Center has promoted an enhanced quality of life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Trudeau’s comprehensive services include: Early Intervention; Crayons Early Care and Education Center; Pathways Strategic Teaching Center; Home Based Children’s Services; Day and Employment Services; Residential and Shared Living; and Recreation and Community Services. These programs and services span a person’s lifetime. Last year, Trudeau served over 2,000 individuals from Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut.