Richard’s Story

by Richard Berman

Hi, my name is Richard Berman. I live in Newton on my own, and I am very active in my community. I am supported by Best Buddies and volunteer for them through fundraising events like our Team Believe. 

Team Believe is one of many teams which will participate in the Best Buddies Hyannisport Challenge on June 4. Team Believe will be hosting a Carnival fundraiser at Church on the Hill on April 7. We'll be having lots of activities like face painting, make your own sundaes, an auction, games and more. I've gotten "in kind" donations like ice cream from Ben and Jerry's, hot dogs from Kayems and gift certificates from stores in and around Boston. 

Another event I'm working on is at St. Paul's Cathedral. On April 12 they will host a continental breakfast and donate the money we raise to Best Buddies. They provide the coffee and I've gotten pastries donated. We ask for a $5.00 donation which is a lot less than it would cost if you went to a coffee shop.

I also volunteer with meal programs like the Generic Ministry. They come to the Boston Common on Tuesday evenings to give sandwich bag meals, clothing and toiletries to the less fortunate. On the second Friday of every month I work at A Hardy Meal for All which serves good food from scratch to those in need who live in Somerville. 

I'm also involved with a group called Common Art on Newbury Street in Boston. Common Art supports 
people who may not have a place to live, or live in a very small space and don't have enough room to create their art at home. Through Common Art artists are able to make their art, and display and sell it at different locations in the Boston area. I'm very happy because they are helping me with my Carnival fundraiser by painting signs for the booths we'll be having.

"Understanding Our Differences" is another program in which I've been active for many years. I speak at elementary schools in Newton to let kids know that people with disabilities can be just like your friends without disabilities.

I'm "all over the place" doing volunteer work but I also have three jobs. I work at NewTV, Newton's cable access station, as a production assistant. I even have my own show called the "Richard Berman Show". I ask people to come to talk about topics that are important in the disability community. 

During baseball season I work at Fenway Park on the Green Team. We collect and recycle trash fans have left after the games. I also have a job as a trainer for Explore, Prepare, Act: Finding the Job You Want. Two other trainers and I speak with people who are just beginning to look for jobs in the community.

These are things that are fun for me and I love to do them. They help people, and people get to know me for all I have to offer. So get out there and find some places in your community where you can be involved, whether it's meeting new people, volunteering or paid work!