November 12, 2020 | Issue #67 |
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Join Us Tomorrow for a Virtual Rally for the Disability Community
We will take you through the budget priorities for FY’2021. The Arc and our guests will give you the tools to communicate with your legislators. Now is the time for us to come together for our community’s critical needs!
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Caregiving Around the Clock: Announcing a New Series with the Department of Developmental Services
National Family Caregivers Month – celebrated each November – is a time to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country, a time to celebrate the contributions of caregivers and provide them with tools that they need. Across Massachusetts, more than 18,000 families are caring for a family member with an intellectual or developmental disability in the home. More than 9,000 of these family members are adults.
The Department of Developmental Services has joined with The Arc of Massachusetts to provide information, resources, support, and strategies to help caregivers stay strong and resilient. Learn more and register for the sessions.
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The state budget is now being deliberated in the House for fiscal year 2021 (ending on June 30, 2021). Your advocacy is needed at this vital step in the budget process.
We need additional funding to stabilize the safety net, support disabled individuals and families, and prevent day program closures. By reaching out to your legislators today, we can raise the alarm on how seriously the pandemic is affecting our families and our services system and advance some of these line items in the budget. Take action here.
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The Arc US: Statement on the 2020 Election
“This was an historic election given the challenges our nation faces, and voters turned out in record numbers to make their choice about our future. While people with disabilities still face far too many barriers to accessing the right to vote, including physical obstacles and state laws that prohibit some people with disabilities from voting, millions persevered amidst health and safety concerns to exercise their right. Their votes counted, as did the votes of their family members, friends and supporters." Read more from CEO Peter Berns.
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With the Stock Market on the Rise, Now May Be the Perfect Time to Gift Stock
The stock market has been on a wild ride this year, most recently surging to near record highs. With the value of many stocks rising significantly in recent days, this may be the ideal time to support The Arc of Massachusetts with a gift of appreciated stock or mutual funds. In addition to making our mission possible, you may also realize significant tax benefits, including not paying tax on the appreciation of the stock.
For example, 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 The Arc’s account information, please contact Katrin Aback, Director of Development at aback@arcmass.org.
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Thank you, Agency Sponsors!
The Arc of Massachusetts Agency Sponsorship Program is crucial to our work and continued success. By being a sponsor, agencies and schools that provide services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism are making advocacy and The Arc’s programs possible. The Arc of Massachusetts thanks the following members of the Agency Sponsorship Program for recently renewing their support!
PATRON
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Monday, November 16 @ 12:00PM
On Monday at noon, Commissioner Jane Ryder from the Department of Developmental Services will join Leo Sarkissian and Kerry Mahoney to help kick off our series, Caregiving Around the Clock!
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Wednesday, November 18 @ 2:00PM
Donna M. White RN, PhD, CNS, LADC I, PRN Associates, will be presenting a session on Caring for Yourself When Everyday is Stressful: How Do You Stay Resilient? Donna’s award-winning background includes speaking to organizations and caregiver groups across the country on Caregiver Burnout and Resilience. This session is limited to 100 attendees and will not be recorded.
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The work of The Arc of Massachusetts is made possible by generous donations from people like you, friend. None of our advocacy, education, and outreach would be possible without your continued support. Please consider giving today.
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