November 12, 2020 | Issue #67
Appreciating Our Direct Support Staff, More Than Ever Before
“In her mask, Angela drove the group home’s wheelchair transport van to Sentara Hospital in Woodbridge, the feverish resident strapped in behind her, medically unable to wear a face covering. Hours later, still unsure whether the resident had the coronavirus, Angela drove her back home.”

This excerpt is from an article published yesterday in the Washington Post, and the article is a tough one to read. We read first-hand about what staff face in group home settings, yet we can’t seem to reasonably pay them even in a crisis. Today, we face the second surge. It’s real. And this is what we know so far. Continue reading Leo's Letter.
Leo Sarkissian in the Boston Globe: Disability community needs state to step up on funding
"The Commonwealth has seen a rise in coronavirus infections, with some weeks showing twice the number of positive diagnoses as the week before. This surge will be devastating for the population within the disability community, which faces increased risk." Continue reading.
Support The Arc
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, 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.

Visit our website to learn more. For The Arc’s account information, please contact Katrin Aback, Director of Development at aback@arcmass.org.
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
Schwab: 4 Reasons Why 2020 is a Good Year to Give
"It’s nearly impossible to overstate the life-altering consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Add to that this year’s economic decline, social unrest, and extreme weather, and 2020 is undoubtedly the most volatile year of the 21st century to date. But there’s also been an unprecedented outpouring of generosity from individuals who have stepped up their charitable giving in response to this challenging environment. If you’re looking to do the same, here’s why the remaining days of 2020 are a particularly good time to give—and how to maximize your support."
Webinars
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.


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.