COLLECTIVE ABA
Explore our high-quality, center-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for individuals with autism, ages 3 to 21.
OP-ED: Closing One Door to Keep Many Others Open
November 10th, 2025
Originally published in the Connecticut Post on November 9, 2025, this piece by CEO Richard Sebastian explores how nonprofits like The Kennedy Collective are balancing mission, compassion, and financial sustainability.
For 75 years, The Kennedy Collective has opened doors of opportunity for people with disabilities—helping individuals live, work, and thrive as valued members of their communities.
Recently, we made the difficult decision to close our Soups and Such Café operations, including the Bridgeport City Hall location. While the closure was heartfelt, it reflects a broader challenge facing mission-driven nonprofits across Connecticut: rising costs, flat reimbursements, and increasing operational demands.
As President and CEO, Rick Sebastian shared in his recent op-ed for the Connecticut Post, “Financial responsibility is what allows compassion to endure. This was not a retreat from compassion; it was an act of stewardship.”
Read Rick’s full piece in the CT Post to learn more about how The Kennedy Collective—and nonprofits like ours—are working to ensure sustainability and inclusion for generations to come.