March 10, 2017








Many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are "Making it in Massachusetts" without much support, even though some of them still need it. I think of Pete F. who has gone from working and needing some residential support to requiring more help due to dementia. And then there are those at home because they hit a bad year for Turning 22 funding. Imagine being told "sorry you turned 22 in 2010 or 2016 and there are no opportunities that we can offer you this year."
 
The House and Senate have the opportunity to change that by funding the new formula that meets the 975 person annual need for those Turning 22. But it won't change without you "keeping your foot on the pedal" as Sen. Barbara L'Italien noted today at an event in Lowell. LifeLinks and the DDS CAB hosted a event, which drew more than 100 people. The crowd also heard encouraging words from Sen. Eileen Donoghue and Rep. Rady Mom. Aides to Congresswoman Niki Tsongas and Rep. Marc Lombardo also attended.

Remember: the House and Senate craft the budget; call and request a commitment. This is the year to offer long-term consistency to those Turning 22. Let's not let birth year prevent an opportunity. Call today! You can identify your legislator with your address here .

Sincerely,
 
Leo V. Sarkissian
Executive Director  
FEATUREDfeatured
Supporting Families of Massachusetts: 
Advocacy Day at the State House
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
 
Educating Legislators on Essential Services
Turning 22
Adult Autism
Family Support
 
There will be an information session at 10:30 in room 222
Families will be able to access support to guide you in visiting with your legislators anytime between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM
 
To learn more about The Supporting Families Campaign of Massachusetts - visit our website http://thearcofmass.org/supporting-families/
 
GIVINGgiving
Are you up for the Challenge?
Like the 200,000 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in Massachusetts, The Arc of Massachusetts is no stranger to challenges. So when three long-time supporters of The Arc of Massachusetts issued a fundraising challenge recently, we were excited to accept it.
 
If The Arc of Massachusetts can raise  at least $200,000 in new gifts and commitments for the Home for the Future Capital Campaign between, January 1 and June 30, 2017, we will receive an additional gift of $100,000!
 
You can essentially increase your gift by 50%, when you give during the challenge window
 
Don't you want to do more?
 
Support the Home for the Future Campaign today! We need your help to meet the challenge. Please visit arcmass.org/campaign to learn more about the new headquarters building and to donate. 

PROGRAMSprograms
Protecting Disability Benefits:
Advocacy Strategies In These Uncertain Times
Presented by Leo Sarkissian, Executive Director, The Arc of Massachusetts
Hosted By Minute Man Arc for Human Services, Inc.

Tuesday, April 4, 2017
6:45 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.

Minute Man Arc for Human Services, Inc.
35 Forest Ridge Road, Concord

Disability services are affected by both federal and state policy deliberations on Capitol Hill and Beacon Hill - services you care about such as Turning 22, Family Support, Autism, Employment/Day Services, Adult Family Care, Housing, PCA, etc.  Issues that will be addressed:
  • Congressional proposals and their direct impact on services 
  • The status of this year's budget deliberations thus far on DDS and MassHealth services  
  • What you can do to impact state and federal actions
  • Questions and answers 
Leo Sarkissian  has worked in the disabilities field for thirty five years and presently heads The Arc of Massachusetts, an advocacy organization which works on behalf of people with disabilities and families.
   
Register by Friday, March 31 by contacting  
Michele Klein at [email protected]  or 978-287-7910. 
Please include your phone number when registering.  
If the weather is questionable, call 978-287-7900 to check on event status.
 
Sponsored By: 
 





WEBINARwebinar
Autonomy, Decision Making Supports, 
and Guardianship 

April 11, 2017 7:00 - 8:00 PM  
$25
     
What options are available to help protect your sons and daughters in adulthood?  Attorney Misilo will walk you through the types of protection; benefits and processes.  You will learn about the court proceedings and requirements for guardianship, as well as, the new benefits of supported decision making.    
 
 
 
 
 
Presented by Attorney Frederick Misilo, Group Chairperson, Special Needs Practice, Fletcher Tilton, PC.  
Did you miss a webinar ?

 It is not too late! You can view the recorded webinar using The Arc's on demand feature.  To view click here and select "view session recordings."
WHAT'S TRENDINGwhatstrending
Kennedy-Donovan Center's (KDC) Annual Spring Celebration is on Saturday, April 1, 2017
at Lombardo's in Randolph
Each year, KDC features a different program and this year's event will focus on our New Bedford Special Education School,   "Where Possibilities Are Endless."   KDC will raise money and awareness to our Chapter 766 approved private special education school that supports students 3 to 22 years of age with a variety of developmental disabilities, physical challenges, medically-fragile conditions and/or behavioral disorders. Their School, serves students residing in New Bedford and the surrounding communities.
 
The funds raised from this event will be used to support the school through the purchase of needed equipment and supplies, upgrades to technologies and renovating some of the outdated rooms. The evening will include a sit down dinner, silent and live auctions, dancing, and a special video presentation along with other exciting elements.
 
To purchase tickets, please visit: http://kdc.org/springcelebration2017/

LifeLinks, Inc. Transition Fair
LifeLinks, Inc. is holding a Transition Fair on April 5 th from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 pm.  The agencies and organizations that will be represented provide adult and transition services such as adult day programs, work programs, recreational activities, AFC, educational service, residential programs, state benefit assistance, hippotherapy, financial planning, job coaching and music therapy. 
 
To learn more contact Rachel Ward Sullivan at 978-349-3040  
Adult Autism Resource Guide
The DDS Northeast Region  2017 Adult Autism Resource Guide is now online.   This is a great resource for individuals, families, caregivers, and professionals looking for information concerning Adults with Autism regarding; DDS Eligibility, Education, Employment, Housing Resources, Self-Advocacy...
and much more!
New Date For The Arc 
of Greater Plymouth Conference
A Conversation About Removing Obstacles To
Healthcare For People With Disabilities 
 
New Date: Tuesday, May 16, 2017
4:00-5:30 p.m.
 
Family members, support agency staff , individuals with disabilities and all
working in the Healthcare field, are invited to attend a premier screening
of The Arc of Greater Plymouth's Health Literacy training video followed by
comments and discussion led by panelists. 
 
Conact Bobbi Martino  via email ( [email protected]) or phone (508) 732-9292 Ext. 119) for more information.
COO Position at The Arc of South Shore
The Arc of the South Shore is recruiting Chief Operations Officer (COO).  Reporting to the CEO, the COO is responsible for planning, directing and monitoring the corporate culture and all general business operations of the agency including: Corporate Compliance, human resources and payroll, information technology needs for the agency, facilities management, and vendor contract functions. The COO takes the lead ensuring agency compliance with MassHealth managed care changes. We are looking for an experienced human service leader who is energetic, focused, and outcome oriented.
 
The Arc of the South Shore is a private nonprofit agency located in Weymouth, Ma with revenue of $11M annually with 210 employees and 2000 individuals and families served.  Requirements: Master's degree in a relevant field and several years of general and financial management experience with a minimum of 3 years in a senior management position.  Read  more here.
CALENDARcalendar
Register For Our 39th Annual Legislative Reception!
Presented by The Arc of Massachusetts and MDDC

Monday, March 27, 2017
10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Great Hall, State House

Massachusetts Community Transportation Coordination Conference

Tuesday, May 2, 2017
8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Hogan Campus Center, College of the Holy Cross
1 College Street, Worcester, MA 01610

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHTsponsorspotlight



The Arc of Massachusetts | 781-891-6270 |   arcmass.org
STAY CONNECTED: