The Boston Celtics recognized Circle of Hope Executive Director Ari Barbanell as a “Hero Among Us” at the Sunday, March 1 game against the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden.
Through the Heroes Among Us program, the Boston Celtics present an award to an individual or individuals who have made exceptional and lasting contributions to our community. For over 20 years, at each home game, the Celtics and their fans have saluted the exemplary efforts of these citizens during a special in-game presentation on the parquet floor.
Since 2023, Ari Barbanell has served as Executive Director of Circle of Hope, a Needham-based nonprofit organization providing clothing and essentials to individuals and families experiencing homelessness throughout Greater Boston. In just 2.5 years, Barbanell has expanded Circle of Hope’s network of partner shelters, healthcare centers, schools, and community programs by more than 60 percent. Prior to Circle of Hope, she co-founded Winter Walk, an organization dedicated to raising awareness and funds to end homelessness.
“I’m incredibly honored to receive this recognition and even more grateful to the Celtics for calling attention to this important work around homelessness and housing insecurity in Massachusetts,” said Barbanell. “The level of need is growing, but by spotlighting these issues, the Celtics are helping meet that need.”
Circle of Hope is a nonprofit organization based in Needham, Massachusetts. Its mission is to provide individuals and families experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity with clothing and hygiene essentials to promote health and opportunity. By making regular deliveries of seasonally appropriate clothing, shoes, bedding, and hygiene essentials to 40 homeless shelters, healthcare centers, schools, and community programs, Circle of Hope promotes physical and mental health and fosters opportunity for thousands of people in need. Last year, Circle of Hope gave clothing and hygiene essentials to more than 31,700 people experiencing homelessness.
(The article and photo above were submitted by Circle of Hope.)
