Pictures of Christopher and Nina
Services Provided

Mission:  To work collaboratively with families, schools and communities, to ensure students learn the skills required to succeed in the world.

Vision:  To provide a positive learning experience where each student achieves their true learning potential.

On January 6, 1983 Christopher Douglas Donovan began his short but extraordinary life. From this day forward he would bring a smile to anyone he would come in contact with. This was only one of the gifts he would bring.

Christopher, or Chris as most nicknamed him, was a very caring and empathetic person. He always looked for the positive in anyone or any situation. This guided Chris through much of his life. He was committed to making others around him happy. Even if he did not know you, if he saw that you needed help, he was there.

Chris was a people person. His employment always involved interaction with people. He had a special gift for working with individuals with special needs. Chris had worked in both a special education program and a residential/group home. He was happiest around children. When his daughter, Nina Love Donovan was born he was overflowing with joy. Their bond was instant. He was a proud parent who catered to her every need. He fed, washed, and changed her. Chris played with Nina every moment that he could. He would stare at her in amazement, even as she slept. Nina was his life. She was “Daddy’s Girl.”

Then came the phone call the morning of April 24th. It was a parent’s worst nightmare. Christopher had been murdered at the early age of 22. A good man was gone. This is a tragedy that should not have happened. In his family’s mission to turn a tragedy into a lasting tribute, the Christopher Donovan Center was created.

A Lasting Tribute

In their effort to overcome the tragic loss of Chris, his family wanted to create a lasting tribute to him. Chris being an amazing father and individual, who had a gift working with children, a program dedicated to the needs of children appeared to be the most logical tribute. Hence, the Christopher Donovan Center was developed.

Chris’s family members have a long history of outstanding commitment to children. His grandfather, William Filene Jr., is acknowledged in Who’s Who in the East, for his accomplishments in education. In addition, his mother has worked with children in schools and homes, for over 13 years. While following the family legacy of careers dedicated to others: Chris’s brother is a Marine and his sister is on a career path to being a pediatrician.

Being an individual who always put others first, Chris’s family is confident he would be pleased with the center's efforts to improve the quality of life for others.