Terry and Terri Coughlin, owners of Granville House Bed & Breakfast in Great Barrington, believe that every person deserves to be celebrated for their talents and have the chance to thrive. As CATA supporters, they’re helping make that vision a reality.
We spoke with Terry and Terri about what inspires their giving and why CATA’s work matters right now:
How did you first get involved with CATA?
When we moved to the Berkshires to open Granville House, we were anxious to find community and support for our daughter Grace, who has special needs. We stumbled on a stunning display of paintings by CATA artists at a local bank and that led us to this incredible organization—just minutes from our home! We always planned to donate part of Granville House proceeds to support people with special needs; when we found CATA, it clicked. We made our first gift right away.
How have you seen CATA making a difference in our community?
CATA builds belonging, connection, and friendships. This is critical and healing for people with disabilities who so often grow up without the social experiences their neurotypical peers have.
“Being othered can make your soul feel so small—and everyone can identify with that feeling. For people with disabilities, CATA is a salve for that unsafe feeling of being excluded your whole life.
What does CATA mean to you personally?
CATA has been life-changing for our family. Through dance, music, and theater, Grace’s physical movements have changed, she’s more expressive, and her confidence has skyrocketed. To see your child do things that you might not otherwise have known they could do— CATA helps us see more of her abilities and has brought our whole family closer.
Why is CATA’s work vital right now?
With so much going on in our world, CATA is unifying. CATA shines a light on our differences— and when we’re exposed to something different, it makes us rethink our judgments of others, and something within us opens up. Bringing us closer to one another—this is what CATA does for our community.
Why do you choose to give to CATA—and why do you hope others will, too?
CATA represents the best of the Berkshires and the best of who we are. CATA is possible because our community says: This is what’s important to us. As a donor, you see your gift make a difference right away for people with disabilities—and for their families and our whole community. Giving to CATA is a great way to fill your heart with something pure and purposeful.
