Dorchester’s Troylene Ali been recognized for her efforts to combat bullying and to prevent suicides among austistic kids and teens. She won an award from Vinfen, a non-profit in the Health and Human Services space at their recent family celebration in Norwood.

Vinfen’s Family Support Center first met Ali and her son Tylee Gaston as he faced struggles and regular bullying. On September 13, 2021, Ali shared the tragic news that Tylee had taken his life. Deciding that something good had to come from Tylee’s passing, Ali and the director of the Family Support Center presented the first of many informational sessions on ‘Suicide Prevention in the Autistic Population’ in 2023. During each presentation, the audience responds to Ali’s raw honesty and emotion. Vinfen says she is changing, and saving, lives. Since its inception, the program has been shared at numerous gatherings and, most recently, at the statewide conference for the Department of Developmental Services Autism Service Coordinators.