Ronald Brown: Creating a Family Legacy in Brookline

Behind every successful nonprofit organization you’ll find committed donors who show their support for the mission in ways both tangible and transformative. For 2Life Communities, the Hamilton Company Charitable Foundation and its president, Ronald Brown, are such exceptional supporters.

Ronald is well known and respected in the world of Boston-area real estate management. His company owns and manages apartments and condominiums throughout local neighborhoods. Since 1967, he has been associated with The Hamilton Company, one of Boston’s preeminent real estate owners, managers, and developers. The Hamilton Company Charitable Foundation was formed in 2011 by his brother, Harold Brown (who passed away in 2019), with the mission of supporting organizations that serve the community.

A few years ago, Ronald was approached by 2Life President and CEO Amy Schectman, who explained the mission of 2Life Communities and shared the plan for expanding affordable housing for aging adults in Brookline. As a Brookline native and the son of immigrants who were impacted by the Great Depression, Ronald was intrigued.

“They seemed very caring, going beyond what is usually called senior housing,” Ronald recalls of the meeting. Discussions continued and plans took shape for what would become 2Life’s newest residence — the Harold and Ronald Brown Family House near Coolidge Corner in Brookline.

Thanks to generous support from The Hamilton Company Charitable Foundation, the project was completed in 2020. In addition to Ronald Brown, the grant acceptance was made by foundation trustees Maura Brown, Harold's wife; Jameson and Harley Brown, Harold's children; Fred Lebow, nephew of Harold and Ronald; and Andrea Kozinetz, director of human resources at The Hamilton Company.

“It’s a magnificent building,” Ronald says of the Brown Family House. “Physically, it’s very impressive. But beyond that, the atmosphere—the friendliness, the happiness — is really striking.”

As guest of honor at the building’s groundbreaking ceremony in 2019, Ronald made these remarks: “This state-of-the-art community will be much more than bricks and mortar, as it will be infused with the love and caring of the men and women who are creating such a community. 2Life Communities’ mission transcends simply supporting a deserving class of people, but also strives to enhance each individual's health, dignity, self-respect, and individuality.”

For others seeking to make an impact in the lives of aging adults, Ronald believes 2Life Communities is a great partner. “I think our support suggests to others that we vetted it very carefully and we feel passionately about the mission,” he says. “I think 2Life is doing a wonderful job.”

"I think our support suggests to others that we’ve vetted it very carefully and we feel passionately about the mission. I think 2Life is doing a wonderful job." - Ronald Brown