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The Resource Connection 
Weekly Update 






      

    With so much going on in Washington and so many threats to the supports our loved ones need to survive it's hard to know where to begin. 

For younger families, it may be the proposed changes in the delivery of educational services that causes the most alarm, but for all families the proposed changes to the Medicaid system should be first and foremost on your list. Change is imminent if the Affordable Care Act is repealed and replaced . Medicaid as we know it will be gutted and ALL our loved ones at some point or another may need the services made possible through Medicaid. Perhaps you think of medicaid simply as an insurance program for the poor.  Maybe you are unaware that Medicaid funds Day Programs for adults with disabilities. If medicaid goes to block funding for states this will mean that when the Fed's give states their allocation states will be left to fully fund services after the money is depleted. Currently under waivers states can get 50 cents from the feds for  every dollar the states spend on services under medicaid waivers. Block funding will dry up that funding leaving people with out critical services and creating long wait lists for services. So don't assume that because you have health insurance for your loved one that changes in medicaid will not affect them. It will, maybe not today but trust me, you blink and suddenly your child on the spectrum is twenty two, the school bus stops coming and without a safety net you and they will be in a free fall into a world with no supports.

   Too often medicaid recipients are painted with the same paint brush that Ronald Reagan used in the 1980's to paint a picture of a "Welfare Queen" . ( she didn't exist) The majority of Medicaid recipients are our most vulnerable citizens, not freeloaders.  People's lives are at stake. Please join the movement to put a face on medicaid by posting on Social Media a picture of your loved one so that legislators think of them when they cast their votes. 
  


Seriously this take all of 5 minutes to accomplish, I did it late last night and if you don't have a twitter  account or an instagram account post to Facebook, the hashtag will insure that your post is counted.   YOU can help make a difference. 

While this is thinking nationally, we can all act locally to make a difference as well. There may be very dark days ahead of us, so now, more than ever, it is important to support your Center. As funds and resources dry up, we will still be here fighting for your child, supporting your whole family and to be a phone call away when you need help. But we can't do it without YOUR help so please take few minutes to  register for our 5K walk and run in April and create a fundraising page to insure that the services we provide will continue into next year and beyond. 

Today,  more than ever we need to stick together and work together to insure that our loved ones on the spectrum are supported to live their lives as valued members of our communities and to be protected from harm. 
 
Sue



       This year HMEA's  Autism Resource Central is offering a Special Raffle                        as part of our 2017 5 K Run and Walk.
You could win a 6-8 night Royal Caribbean Cruise for two, valid for travel between September and May only, booked through  Cruise Planners.
Tickets are $20.00 each and  only 200 tickets will be sold. Drawing will be on Saturday April 29th at the end of the 2017 5 K Run and Walk for Autism Acceptance and/or when all 200 tickets are sold. Tickets are available at the Autism Resource Center,  and will be available for purchase at Center events leading up to the 5 K Run and Walk for Autism Acceptance.
 
Sales will end when 200 tickets have been sold. ACT NOW!
Take a Chance -You could WIN!  
Need not be present to win, but we hope you will be!

Proceeds benefit HMEA's Autism Resource Central

The details:
Interior Staterooms bases on categories Q & N , excludes Oasis class ships except for the Royal Crown Diamond Level, & Quantum Class Ships. Blackout dates Christmas & New Years Week . No money refunded if lower cost sailing is booked.
Certificates are nonrefundable and not replaceable if lost, stolen or damaged. The 2 certificates issued per purchase must be submitted together at time of redemption and at least 7 Days prior to the sail.
 


REGISTRATION IS OPEN

Our annual 5K Run & Walk for Autism Acceptance will be held on Saturday April 29th at the DCR's Quinsigamond State Park in Worcester.  
To join in the fun all you have to do is;
  • Register as a runner or a walker
  • Register your kids for the Energy Monster Kids Fun Run,
  • Create a fundraising page and ask friends and family to support you.  
This year promises to be great with a 5K Run and 5K Walk (with the runners starting first closely followed by the 5K Walkers)

Live Music, Games, Family activities.


Fundraising Ideas
Local third-party fundraising event sites - contact your local establishment to coordinate:

Looking to fundraise in a fun way instead of simply asking for donations? 
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Pizzeria Unos:
  DoughRaiser - 20%

 99 Restaurants: 
  Dining for a Cause - 15%

Papa Ginos: 
Community Fundraiser - 20%

Chili's: 
contact your local Chili's: www.chilis.com/EN/Pages/locationsearch.aspx 
Give Back Nights - 10%

Margaritas: 
  Noche Mexicana Fundraiser - 15%

TGI Fridays: 
  Fundraise at TGI Fridays - 20%

Moe's: 
Dining to Donate - up to 20%

Applebee's: 
Flapjack Funds

Boston Market: 
In-Store Fundraising Dinner - 15%

California Pizza Kitchen: 
FUNdraisers - 20%

Chipotle: 

  Friendly's: 
FUNraiser

Panera: 
Fundraising Night - up to 20%













CANCELLED DUE TO LACK OF ENROLLMENT 




Please Share with Early Intervention Programs

  March Calendar 
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SUPPORT



March 29, 2017
Parents of Girls Support Group
Pizza & Games for girls runs
Concurrently 7 -8:30 PM
 





FAMILY FUN & FITNESS


March 27, 2017
Family Fun & Fitness
3 Bartlett Pond Way, Sterling, MA
Core Training
6-7 PM


FAMILY ACTIVITIES 

FAMILY FUN TEEN & ADULTS
Paint Night
Turner Hall
60 Branch St Clinton MA
6:30-9:30 PM
Fee: $35.00





PLEASE REGISTER FOR ALL ACTIVITIES AT:

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD 
As part of our mission we try to keep you informed of relevant meetings, hearings, recreational opportunities in our community.

Check out the Bulletin Board this week for information about upcoming activities in the community. .  Conference season will start soon. AANE has a day long workshop in February, Visions of Community  and Current Trends in Autism conferences will take place in March. Legoland is planning a sensory friendly day too and Save the date April 11th !   

The Bulletin Board is a place to have events that would be of interest to the families of HMEA's Autism Resource Central posted. Sped PAC meetings with speakers, recreational opportunities, classes and more. 

To have an event considered for posting please send information to  [email protected] .
Sincerely, 

Sue Loring, Director 
HMEA's Autism Resource Central 
508-835-4278 
 
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