Notes From The Arc: March 31, 2017

March 31, 2017

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In the 1980s, under Michael Dukakis, we saw the adoption of Turning 22 as law known as Chapter 688. Imagine before 1984, we did NOT have a pathway for adult services funding. As former board member, Maureen Sullivan stated at our 50 ^th anniversary, "It wasn't perfect, but eventually funding was attached to the law... We knew we were making progress."

In the 1990s, we saw a second leap: the Turning 22 formula addressed the 500 men and women who graduating annually. Twenty years later, under Governor Charlie Baker we have a proposal to take a third significant step for Turning 22. But it will only happen if enough of you - friends, those in need, and family members - contact your legislators. As activist and leader Dan Becker said more than a decade ago, "Every letter - every email - every visit - every phone call counts. Yours may be the one that tips the vote." We are competing in a torrent of priorities. Do not assume that the governor's proposal will stick. We encourage you to call your legislators - go here if you don't know who they are. Phone calls (make sure they take your name and address) are the most effective.

If you know families who have members turning 22, this year, next year or the year after that, let them know to speak up as the time to act is now.

1980s Rally before Turning 22

Sincerely,

Leo V. Sarkissian

Executive Director

P.S. Be sure to check out the third installment of our family series below. The topic is transition.

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FEATURED

Lifespan Series: Transition to Adulthood

Transition is defined as movement, passage, or change from one position, state, stage, subject, concept, to another. For you and your child, transition means that he/she is moving from childhood to young adulthood and from school to adult life. Opening this door to the future can be a time of mixed feelings and emotions. Students and their families are leaving the familiarity of school to enter a brand new world. This time period can often be described as:

Stressful-Inviting a whole new team of people into your lives
Exciting-Full of possibility and time to create new opportunities
Confusing-Having to learn a whole new language, rules, and culture
Life changing-Entering a whole new world
Frustrating-Knowing what services your family member may need and not being able to receive them

There are many things to think about and do to prepare for this change. Transition isn't about a meeting, but a time to reflect on choices and decisions that you and your son/daughter make to help plan for a full and meaningful life. It is important to remember that you are not alone; there are many helpful resources, books, and stories. We hope that you use these guides to help you think about some of the questions to ask, options to consider, and things to talk about with your transitioning youth.

Resources

GIVING

The Arc of Massachusetts has Moved!

Last week, The Arc of Massachusetts moved into our new headquarters, which was built on the site of our original building at 217 South Street in Waltham. We would like to extend a huge Thank You to all of the donors who have made this possible!

While this is a new chapter in our history, it will not change our core mission. The new building will allow The Arc to remain at the forefront of the struggle to build better lives for those with disabilities. It will allow us to better serve our mission by increasing our capacity.

As staff and volunteers unpack and settle in, fundraising for the Home for the Future Capital Campaign continues. Three long-time supporters of The Arc of Massachusetts issued a fundraising challenge: if we can raise at least $200,000 in new gifts and commitments for the Home for the Future Capital Campaign between, January 1 and June 30, 2017, we will receive an additional gift of $100,000! Please help us meet this challenge - and boost your gift by 50%!

Support the Home for the Future Campaign today! We need your help to meet the challenge. Please visit arcmass.org/campaign to learn more about the new headquarters building and to donate.

Click The Photo For A Timelapse

WEBINAR

Autonomy, Decision Making Supports,

and Guardianship

April 11, 2017 7:00 - 8:00 PM

$25

Register Here

What options are available to help protect your children in adulthood? Attorney Misilo will walk you through the types of protection; benefits and processes. You will learn about the court proceedings and requirements for guardianship, as well as, the new benefits of supported decision making.

Presented by Attorney Frederick Misilo, Group Chairperson, Special Needs Practice, Fletcher Tilton, PC.

Did you miss a webinar ?

It is not too late! You can view the recorded webinar using The Arc's on demand feature. To view click here and select "view session recordings."

WHAT'S TRENDING

Vinfen Moving Images Festival

Vinfen will hold its 10th Annual Moving Images Film Festival, Progress from Prejudice, on Saturday, April 1 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Joseph B. Martin Conference Center at Harvard Medical School.

This year's event will explore prejudice and discrimination faced by people with psychiatric conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges through five touching and inspirational films: The Anonymous People, Brooklyn Love Tales, Life Animated, Perfect, and This is Crazy.

The event features films followed by interactive and educational panel discussions comprised of stars from the films; experts in psychiatry, medicine, and nursing; and people with disabilities, their families, and caregivers.

Learn more and register here.

COO Position Opening

The Charles River Center, based in Needham, MA is seeking an energetic and experienced executive to fill the role of Chief Operations Officer. This position is available due to the recent succession of the current COO to President upon the retirement of the long-tenured Executive Director. In its 60 ^th year, The Charles River Center is an agency with a reputation for quality serving over 600 families throughout Eastern Massachusetts. CRC is an official affiliate of the Arc and is committed to providing supportive services spanning residential, day services, family support, and community engagement. Reporting to the President, the Chief Operations Officer will be responsible for overseeing the services and quality assurance of each program with an eye to CRC's vision to be a leading provider of innovative, person-centered supports and services for those with developmental disabilities. Contact Kevin Kacavich at [email protected] or 781-972-1012.

Register For The Strategic Storytelling Workshop

Co-hosted by The Arc of Massachusetts and MFOFC

April 6, 2017

9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

The Arc of Massachusetts

217 South Street, Waltham

Massachusetts Families Organizing for Change in partnership with The Arc of Massachusetts will hold a workshop on strategic storytelling. In these lean budget times, legislators need to hear from us! This is an opportunity to hone your communication and advocacy strategy to make an impact on the upcoming state budget.

Questions can be directed to Mandee Spittle, Statewide Coordinator, at [email protected]

CALENDAR

Protecting Disability Benefits:

Advocacy Strategies In These Uncertain Times

Tuesday, April 4, 2017

6:45 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.

Minute Man Arc for Human Services, Inc.

35 Forest Ridge Road, Concord

Michele Klein at [email protected] or 978-287-7910.

Please include your phone number when registering.

If the weather is questionable, call 978-287-7900 to check on event status.