How Charlie Murphy Turned One Overnight Job at Fun 107 Into a Lifeline for 300 People

This week, the Southcoast Health Community Spotlight shines on M.O. L.I.F.E., Inc. and its founder, Charlie Murphy. He has led the SouthCoast nonprofit since day one, 31 years ago.

A Personal Mission Rooted in Family

Murphy's inspiration started when he was 5 years old. His father missed a step on a cement staircase and suffered a severe brain injury. Murphy grew up alongside a person with a disability, though he says he never thought of his dad that way. Murphy went to college hoping to become a veterinarian, but earned a degree in food science management, later finishing his master's degree. His thesis became M.O. L.I.F.E.

What Does M.O. L.I.F.E. Stand For?

The name stands for Murphy and Others Living Interdependently for Future Endeavors.

LISTEN: Charlie Murphy on The MGM Show

From One Job to Hundreds of Lives

One of the organization's very first jobs was right here at Fun 107, cleaning the station overnights from midnight to 4 a.m. The employee was a man who was blind, and he was dedicated to his work.

M.O. L.I.F.E. started with Murphy and two individuals. Today it has 80 staff members and supports about 300 people across all of its programs.

What Services Does M.O. L.I.F.E. Offer?

M.O. L.I.F.E. is an umbrella of disability services. It offers career services with job placement and job coaching, a residential home with round-the-clock support, and community-based day services focused on life skills training. In addition to its main office in Fairhaven, the organization now has offices in Mansfield and another coming soon.

The M.O. L.I.F.E. Food Pantry in downtown New Bedford serves about 350 people a month. It's open every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

Murphy hopes he has made an impact on hundreds of lives. That includes cruises and trips to other countries that give individuals new social opportunities. "It's been a great rewarding enhancement of my life," he said.