December is here and all of us at The Arc hope this newsletter finds you and your family healthy and full of joyful anticipation of the holiday season. Regardless of how your holiday celebrations look this year, we hope you will find time to celebrate all that is important to you and that you are thankful for, as 2020 comes to a close.
The Arc's Holiday Giving Program is well underway, and as always, we are grateful for whatever support you can lend. Our annual gift giving program helps bring holiday joy to countless individuals and families we support. Full details can be found below along with a link to sponsor a wish list.
With rates of COVID-19 infections increasing in our communities we have taken additional steps to ensure the health and safety of the people and families we support as well as our staff. While our bi-weekly staff testing has allowed us to remain vigilant, we have also updated our policies relative to visitation and in-person services during this surge. Please read below for more details.
To continue safely supporting you, we've recently rolled out additional exciting new virtual sessions, including story time with Santa! We hope you will view the schedule below and join us for a session.
Warm wishes for a peaceful, healthy and happy holiday season.
Mary Valachovic
Executive Director
|
|
End of Year Giving
Since 1966, our mission has been to support and empower people with disabilities and their families to belong, contribute, and thrive. For nearly 55-years our commitment to that mission has never wavered, and your partnership has made this possible. But in today’s uncertain times, we need your help now more than ever.
Meeting the challenges that COVID-19 presented, we’ve supported over 1,500 people in various capacities throughout 2020. Through the dedication of a mission-driven team, plenty of creative thinking, and a ton of PPE, our organization rose to the challenge and achieved some remarkable accomplishments.
As this year comes to an end, we ask that you consider continuing your support of The Arc. Our work will continue, and through contributions like yours, we can make an even larger impact in your community. Your support will expand outreach to more individuals and families, to let them know they are not alone, and provide a more secure 2021.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and the devoted team at The Arc, we thank you for your generosity and extend warm wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season!
|
|
Holiday Giving Program
While our Holiday Giving Program may look different this year, our goal remains to fulfill as many holiday wishes as possible.
And with 2020 presenting challenges for so many, your sponsorship is needed now more than ever.
Please support a local family in need this holiday season. This year, you have the option to sponsor a wish list or to make a donation in any amount to our Holiday Giving Fund.
For full details or to sponsor the program, click the button below.
|
|
Events
Story Time with Santa
Join Story Time with Santa and enjoy holiday-themed books read by the one-and-only Santa Claus! Several sessions are available and open to all:
Thursday, December 17 at 4pm
Saturday, December 19 at 10am
Thursday, December 24 at 4pm
Flutie Family Holiday Spectacular Fundraiser
The Flutie Foundation will be hosting their Flutie Family Holiday Spectacular. The event will be an inspiring night of musical performances from talented autism self-advocates and starring Kodi Lee, America's Got Talent season 14 winner.
The Flutie Foundation has generously included The Arc of Massachusetts in their fundraising plans. Any members of our community who wish to attend the event can do so, and support The Arc in the process. Simply purchase a ticket at any level and mention The Arc of Massachusetts in the "Company or Group Name" line.
|
|
COVID-19 Updates
As you know, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is currently experiencing a second surge of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). The health and safety of those we serve, their families and our support staff remain our highest priority. To that end, the below policy changes remain in effect until further notice.
Visitation Policy Update
We are temporarily restricting in-person visitation to-and-from all of our Acquired Brain Injury residences.
In-Person Support Update
The delivery of in-person services will occur only under exceptional circumstances.
- Families/individuals who have Arc staff working in-person should not have them serve in the home or in-person at this time. However, Arc staff may run essential errands for food, supplies or medications, etc and drop them off; please communicate this to your staff. These items can be delivered to your home and should be received at the door of your home or left at the door of your home Arc staff will not be able to bring persons served or family members with them for the errands.
- Services and service coordination will be provided remotely via videoconferencing or phone call. Individuals served by the Arc are strongly encouraged to participate in our robust menu of exciting and engaging virtual activities. If you have not yet received the Arc’s virtual schedule of activities, please reach out to the Program Director overseeing your department of tie and he/she will be happy to connect you to this service.
|
|
We're so excited about our reinvigorated, redesigned December schedule of virtual sessions, all based on your feedback!
Here’s a quick list of what we have lined up for you:
- Technology Tips & Tricks: Internet Safety, Android, Google Drive, iOS
- Recipe Research & Delicious Decisions: Recipe Research and Planning, Creating A Grocery List, Live Grocery Shopping & Preparation
- The Game of Life! (Game Shows & Bingo)
- Book Club – Guided Reading
- First Aid
- We're Better Together! (Communication & Teamwork)
- Money Math & Personal Finance
- Digital Day Trip
- It’s My Choice! (Person Centered Planning for the Future)
- Kickboxing
- Holiday Crafts & Kits
- Paint Club
|
|
In Partnership with South Shore Conservatory (SSC) - Creative Arts Therapies Department
SSC Creative Arts Dept. staff are highly qualified therapists and specialists who use the arts and creative processes to help individuals maximize their abilities and improve health and wellness.
Staff are highly trained and maintain board certification and continuing education in their specific disciplines.
- Merrily We Sing: Holiday Singalong
- Music Therapy
- Moving for Life - Dance/Movement Therapy
- Accessible Yoga
Social Circle
Facilitated by Weronika Powers, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
This social group is designed for children ages 5-8.
Social Club
Facilitated by Weronika Powers, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
This social group is designed for children ages 9-12.
|
|
The Arc of Plymouth and Upper Cape Cod appreciates your support! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
