Hello!

This week, Executive Director Leo Sarkissian reflects on our 2019 Gala, Leading for Example; the premiere of our 2019 Gala short film; Bailey's Team for Autism supports Operation House Call; and more.
Leo's Letter
Celebrating Champions Who Lead by Example

I was so pleased to take part in recognizing Anne, Jillian, Angelina and Braeden last night at our 2019 Gala, with the help of WBZ's Chris McKinnon and our President Deborah Norton! What fitting champions for our 64th anniversary.  You can find their stories here.

Jillian is involved in several creative pursuits, while Angelina pushes herself to compete in all kinds of weather. Anne has led Mass Advocates Standing Strong’s advocacy efforts, and Braeden is an up and coming music virtuoso. You can even see him on WCVB's Chronicle tonight with Nicole Estaphan.

I appreciated comments made by Rosie Ajemian, along with her mother, Fran Basche, as we wrapped up the evening. The willingness of constituents and family to join in the evening made it a truly special night.

I hope you feel as board member Scott Borchardt does: “The Arc listens, takes action, and, above all, delivers results.”

Thank you for inspiring us to do the work!

Sincerely,
Leo V. Sarkissian
Executive Director
2019 Gala: Leading by Example
The Arc’s annual Gala raises funds to enhance the lives of individuals with I/DD in the Commonwealth

On Wednesday, March 27, The Arc of Massachusetts held our 2019 Gala, Leading by Example, at the Boston Marriott Newton. Over 340 guests came together to help us celebrate our four champions – Jillian Berube, Anne Fracht, Angelina White, and Braeden Yee. These four individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are making a difference: teaching the next generation of doctors; advocating at the State House for much-needed services and funding; educating the community; and forming lifelong relationships within the community. They have overcome challenges themselves and their stories are inspirational.

Our ceremony was hosted by WBZ’s morning and noon weekday anchor Chris McKinnon, and local comedy legend Jimmy Tingle led our amazing live auction. The Arc is deeply grateful for the support of all of our sponsors, and we are especially thankful for the continued support of companies such as State Street Corporation, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, NTT Data Services, PwC, EY, and Raytheon.

Thank you to all who attended this year’s Leading by Example Gala, and to The Arc’s many friends, supporters, and sponsors who continue to make our work enhancing the lives of individuals with I/DD possible!
Programs of The Arc
Bailey's Team supports Operation House Call

The Arc is excited to announce that Bailey’s Team for Autism has once again provided grant funding for Operation House Call (OHC). Bailey’s Team for Autism is a non-profit organization supporting organizations and individuals who fund research and/or provide training, resources, services and aid to individuals living with autism spectrum disorders and their families. Learn more.
The Arc of Massachusetts Spring Forum with Dana Home Foundation

On March 22, nearly 40 individuals attended The Arc/Dana Home Foundation Spring Forum, "What Are the Services and Options for Seniors with Disabilities Living in Lexington?" The panel featured four speakers from Minuteman Senior Services, the Town of Lexington, and the Department of Developmental Services. Learn more.
In the Media
Help The Arc of Massachusetts earn an ad in the Boston Globe

Are you a Boston Globe subscriber? If so, we have a favor to ask. Help us earn a free ad in the Globe just by showing your support. Simply go to Globe.com/GRANT , enter your subscriber number, and select The Arc of Massachusetts as your favorite non-profit. It only takes a minute, and it doesn’t cost you a dime. Submission deadline is April 30.

Your support will be converted into GRANT advertising dollars. To earn free advertising space in the Boston Globe , we need a minimum of $1,000 in GRANT dollars. The more dollars raised, the larger the ad — which means more exposure for The Arc of Massachusetts and the important work we do!

Upcoming Calendar
Spring 2019 Regional Sessions
Pressing Issues Facing Individuals with I/DD
April 3: Plymouth - wait list
April 17: Peabody

Please join Leo Sarkissian, Executive Director of The Arc of Massachusetts, for a conversation about pressing issues facing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the family members and human service agencies who assist them.

Leo will discuss the Workforce Shortage Crisis and The Arc’s new initiative to find a solution; the FY 2020 state budget; and how to increase social inclusion. Learn what you can do to be an effective advocate, so you can have an impact on the lives of people with disabilities statewide.
Webinar: Special Needs Trusts and ABLE Accounts
Thursday, April 4 | 12:00PM
Presenter: Pamela Tames, Esq.

This webinar will provide information about the major planning vehicles – special needs trusts and ABLE accounts – that are used to help people with disabilities become and remain eligible for need-based government benefits while preserving the use of personal assets to supplement care and ensure a fulfilling life.
Outside The Arc

Autism Family Day at Franklin Park Zoo
Saturday, April 27 | Rain or shine
1 Franklin Park Road, Boston

Franklin Park Zoo is offering free entry to individuals on the autism spectrum. Bailey’s Team is supporting the cost of one additional family member or caretaker. All other family members to pay zoo entry fees. Register by April 1 to receive a free goody bag from Bailey's Team. Download flyer for more information.
Agency Spotlight