About the Heron Center

Founded in 2011, we are a Nonprofit 501(c)(3) Charitable Trust dedicated to enriching people and communities through wellness, cultural and nature-based classes & programs. The principal thread woven throughout all we do is to educate the human spirit.

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Our Mission

We foster wellness, creativity, and sustainability

Nature: We support sustainability by honoring Nature’s ecosystems through educational campaigns, land stewardship opportunities, conservation practices, habitat enhancement and pollinator friendly gardens.

Culture: We cultivate creativity through community arts and cultural events, provide artist residencies, performance opportunities and art-based programs.

Wellness: We connect and empower communities and individuals to wellness through equitable educational programs that include yoga, meditation, mindfulness, spirituality, creative arts, volunteering and passive recreation.

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Our Vision

A world in which humans live in harmony with nature

Harmony is a reciprocal state of balance that nurtures joyful acceptance and recognizes the essential interconnection among all. We believe that Empowered People, Empower People.

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Our Values

Education Drives Sustainability

As an educational center for the human spirit, our programming philosophy is based on the concept that there is no “one size fits all approach to wellness or learning.” Following in the footsteps of the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu, in adhering to the simple concept that, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime”. We empower individuals by ensuring education is the principal thread within all that we weave.

We believe in multi-generational experiences and providing safe and inclusive spaces for learning.

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Our Story

Past to Present

  • October 2011

    Our Humble Beginnings

    Opened Studio Space in Fall River

  • August 2012

    Expanding to Westport

    Squillante Family Trust purchased 22 acres in Westport to expand our mission and construct the Wildlife Sanctuary.

  • November 2012

    Launching Our School

    Launched our School of Yoga & Meditation Training and Certification Program.

  • 2013

    Year of Culture

    Started our Year of Culture and The Seasons Events. Expanded the Wildlife Santucary with pollinator-friendly tiered gardens and the Yurt.

  • October 2014

    Acquiring Non-Profit Status

    Granted 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Status & built Greenhouses at the Wildlife Sanctuary.

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    2017

    Building

    Built eco-toilets for the Wildlife Sanctuary in collaboration with Diman Regional Vocational-Technical High School & Habitat for Humanities.

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    2018

    Installing Our Maypole

    Installed a Maypole for our annual Beltane/Maypole Ceremony. Established Community Partnerships with Britsol Elders & SSTAR Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Program

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    2019

    Expanding the Wildlife Sanctuary

    Added 12 bird boxes, turtle pond wildlife habitat, and a Living Pool.

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    2020

    Blazing the Trail

    Established partnership with National Resources Conservation Service. Installed Bat House along the Ancient Way Trail.

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    2021-2023

    Community Partnerships

    New Community Partners include Bristol Community College, Card to Culture, Fall River Public Schools, For Youth Initiative (Sponsored by the City of Fall River). New Land Stewards establish Beehives and Mandala Permaculture Garden.

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    Story!

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Board Members

The dedicated team that drives our vision, mission, and valuess

Lisa Esten

Chair & Treasurer, Board Member; Board of Trustees

Jessica Howard

Executive Director, Board Member; Board of Trustees

Ashley Gallagher

Program Manager, Board Member

Colin Walford

Grounds Superintendent, Board Member

Juliette Terry

Accessibility Coordinator, Board Member

Majd Mouded

Advisor, Board Member; Board of Trustees

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ANNUAL REPORTS

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