Hello!

This week, Executive Director Leo Sarkissian shares a time-sensitive update about a hearing regarding group homes; Operation House Call will be on NBC Boston tonight; an opportunity to honor the dads of The Arc this Father's Day; and more!
Leo's Letter
What Makes A Home?

In this week’s Leo’s Letter, Leo provides an important update on a forthcoming hearing to be held regarding the status of family residences licensed by the Department of Developmental Services.

In the Media
Tonight: Operation House Call on NBC Boston

Tonight (Thursday, June 13) at 5:00PM, NBC 10 Boston will be airing a story on Operation House Call at the Boston University School of Medicine.

This story will focus especially on Una Jain Basak and her son, Sachen, and how meaningful connections are formed inside and outside the classroom between medical students and a young man with autism.
Featured
Support caregiving dads this Father's Day with a gift to The Arc of Massachusetts

The Arc of Massachusetts was founded nearly 65 years ago by passionate parents who wanted better lives and resources for their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

This Father's Day, show your support of the advocacy and leadership of the fathers of The Arc of Massachusetts, both past and present, with a gift in their honor. Visit arcmass.org/dad today.
Government Affairs
The Arc testifies in support of Higher Education bill

On Tuesday, June 10, The Arc of Massachusetts attended a hearing before the Massachusetts Legislature's Higher Education Committee in support of H218 and S756, "A bill to create higher educational opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities, autism, and other developmental disabilities who have exited special education."

The bill is sponsored by Representative Sean Garballey, Representative Patricia Haddad, and Senator Joan Lovely. Other attendees of the hearing included Representative Nika Elugardo and Representative Paul Donato. Testimonies were offered by The Arc's Ellen Taverna, as well as representatives from Mass Advocates for Children, Autism Speaks, and the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress.
The Arc attends ceremony honoring those buried at Metfern Cemetery

On Wednesday, June 12, The Arc’s Ellen Taverna attended a moving ceremony to honor the over 300 people who died while residing at either the Metropolitan State Hospital or the Fernald School for individuals with disabilities.

They were buried at Metfern Cemetery in unnamed graves, with just a number and letter to indicate whether they were Protestant or Catholic. The event was organized by the Peer Leadership Committee at the Edinburg Center and Waverly Place to pay our respects and honor the people buried there.  Learn more about the event and ongoing legislative efforts.
Giving
Taking Stock of The Arc’s Mission and Work

Giving shares of appreciated stock or mutual funds can be a great way to support The Arc of Massachusetts. In addition to making our mission possible, you may also realize significant tax benefits.

You don’t need to pay taxes on the appreciation of the stock. If you purchased stock for $20 per share and it is now trading at $50 per share, you can donate the stock and avoid paying taxes on the $30 in increased value. Good news even if you don’t itemize your deductions. However, if you are able to itemize your deductions under the new tax laws, you can take a charitable deduction for the fair market value of the stock, which in this case is $50 per share.

There are important details to know, such as you need to have owned the stock for at least one year, so you should consult a tax advisor or your accountant for advice related to your personal circumstances. And please do let us know that you are transferring securities so that we credit you properly and issue a receipt for tax purposes. For more information, please contact Katrin Aback, Director of Development via email at aback@arcmass.org or 781-891-6270 x105.
Agency Spotlight