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Greater Haverhill-Newburyport
Family Support Center
A hub of information & resources!
October 2026
| | Continúe hacia abajo para recursos en Español | | Information & Resource Consultation | | |
To schedule an information and resource consultation in the Merrimack Valley, please contact Andrea Morris, Director of Family Support Center & Advocacy, at amorris@thearcofghn.org or (978) 373-0552 x211
Para programar una consulta de información y recursos en Español en Merrimack Valley, comuníquese con Rowan DeAza, Navegadora Bilingüe de Apoyo a la Familia y Gerente de Empleo, en rdeaza@thearcofghn.org o (978) 373-0552 x216.
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TAKE ACTION!
Legislative Advocacy
The Arc of Massachusetts wants to hear from you!
With this survey, we are collecting real-time, concrete examples of how these federal changes are affecting you right now. We are specifically looking for short descriptions of what has already changed – or what changes you are facing imminently. We want to know what the consequences of funding cuts and policy changes have been in people’s daily lives. A few sentences describing specific loss, disruption, or warning you have received is extremely valuable to our work. All responses will be shared anonymously unless you state otherwise. These responses strengthen our advocacy during this critical time.
Please complete this survey and share it within your networks. Your experience helps us document the real impacts of federal decisions.
The Arc of Massachusetts Action Center
The mission of The Arc of Massachusetts is to enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, and their families. We fulfill this through advocacy for community supports and services that foster social inclusion, self - determination, and equity across all aspects of society.
Join their mailing list Here!
The Arc of the United States Action Center
The mission of The Arc of the United States is to promote and protect the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supporting their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
Join their mailing list Here!
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We’re Changing Our Name!
But First, We Want YOUR Input!
We’re getting a fresh new name, and we want YOU to help us choose it! Our organization is growing and evolving, and we think our name should reflect who we are, what we do, and the individuals and families we serve. One thing we know for sure is, we’d like to keep “Arc” as part of our new name. But what comes before or after it? That’s where you come in! Click on the button below to get creative and enter your suggestion! Thank you for being part of our community and helping shape our future!
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Social & Recreation
AFTER Program
click on the images below
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Virtual 4-Session Future Planning Series
For Families & Others Supporting Adults with Disabilities
October 8, 15, 22, 29 | 4:00 - 5:30PM
Who will take your place when you are no longer able to continue as a coach, caregiver, or help monitor your loved one’s activities, services, and other key aspects of their life?
As part of our ongoing After I’m Gone program, we are providing a targeted workshop series to complement our free offerings (web sessions on various topics, online resources, and private Facebook Community).
Registration covers our complete four session series and a copy of our digital future planning guide.
Your fee provides access to these supported conversations and allows the growth of this innovative project.
Fee: $300 per person
Registration is first-come, first-served, and capped at 25 individuals.
Register Here
The workshops will cover:
· Overview of future planning.
· mportance of acting so your loved one, you and others are prepared for future realities.
· Keeping the adult with the disability at the center of planning, and advancing his/her decision-making role.
· Steps to identifying and assisting your successor(s) as the coach or caregiver.
· Establishing a support network.
· Reviewing the future planning guide.
· Basic overview of residential options and other services.
Register Here
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A mental health crisis can happen anywhere at any time. And in the middle of it, explaining what you need can be especially difficult.
For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), stress, anxiety, sensory overload, and communication barriers can make those moments even harder.
Thanks to our partnership with the United Health Foundation, our new mental health crisis card helps bridge that gap by sharing important information with the people who are trying to help.
Download the Free Crisis Card
This free card includes information about:
- The best ways to communicate (verbally, written, through pictures, etc.)
- Words or phrases that help focus or de-escalate
- Numbers to call for immediate help
- And more!
Once it’s filled out, the card can be kept in a wallet or purse or saved as a photo on a phone. During a crisis, it can be shared with someone who can provide support.
A little preparation can make it easier for someone to understand what support is needed in a difficult moment.
Download the Mental Health Crisis Card
P.S. Too often, the mental health needs of people with disabilities are going unmet due to stigma, lack of training, and biases. This tool can make it easier for people with disabilities to get the help they need. Support this work by making a donation today—every dollar makes a difference.
For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
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Evaluating Autism in Young Children: The Assessment Process and Available Support Services
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
6:30pm-7:30pm | Online
The Lurie Center for Autism invites parents and caregivers to learn what to expect when a young child is evaluated for autism. Gillian Erhabor, PhD, and Susan Kessler, LICSW, will provide an overview of the Lurie Center’s Early Diagnostic Clinic, including the telehealth evaluation process, when an additional in-person assessment may be recommended, and how clinicians determine whether a child meets criteria for autism. We’ll also discuss what happens after an autism diagnosis and how families can begin navigating recommended services, supports, and next steps.
What You'll Learn
· What to expect during an autism evaluation for a young child
· How clinicians gather information and determine whether a child meets criteria for autism
· What happens after an autism diagnosis, including practical next steps and available supports for families
Meet Our Presenters
Susan Kessler, LICSW
Family Support
Lurie Center for Autism
Gillian Erhabor, PhD
Psychology
Lurie Center for Autism
Register online to receive the Microsoft Teams link by email before the event.
Register for the Webinar
About Learn with Lurie
Learn with Lurie is a monthly webinar series offering evidence-based autism education for parents, caregivers, educators, and professionals. All webinars are free and open to the public.
| | Check out Lawrence Special Olympics Program! | |
The Blue Envelope Program Becomes Law in Massachusetts
The Blue Envelope is a free, simple yet impactful tool for drivers, passengers, and law enforcement. It is designed to hold a driver’s license, registration, and an emergency contact card. It can be placed on the driver’s sun visor and handed to a police officer in the event of a traffic stop.
The outside of the envelope includes communication guidelines tailored to help law enforcement recognize that the driver or passenger has autism and shift their approach to ensure a safe and successful interaction.
The Blue Envelope Program was signed into law by Governor Maura Healey late last month thanks to years of advocacy from advocates like The Arc of Massachusetts and Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts.
LEARN ABOUT THE BLUE ENVELOPE
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People with disabilities are three times more likely to not go online compared to people without disabilities. That gap has real consequences—for connection, employment, independence, and more.
To help close that gap, AT&T, The Arc, and The Arc San Francisco have partnered to offer free digital skills training designed specifically for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The training uses plain language and practical instruction to support different learning styles and access needs.
Explore the resources yourself or share them with someone you know to build confidence using technology. Learn skills such as:
- Getting started with computers, mobile devices, and video conferencing
- Navigating websites and search engines
- Protecting against online fraud and scams
- Creating healthy relationships online
- How to find credible news and be a responsible creator
Resources are available online anytime, with in-person workshops offered in 14 cities for people who learn better with some face-to-face support.
Get Started
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Child Care Circuit (CCC) strives to provide families with stabilization by connecting them to resources and acting as a first point of family engagement to ensure that children access safe, healthy, and affordable child care. Child Care Circuit provides child care referrals, training, and services for both parents and providers throughout the northeast region of Massachusetts. Our services include a free online child care search, building partnerships to support families, providing accurate statistical data on child care in Massachusetts, and offering information on state-funded child care financial assistance programs.
https://www.thecommunitygroupinc.org/child-care-circuit/about/
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K.I.D.S Kids in Disability Sports
Enriching lives since 1995
Kids In Disability Sports, Inc. (K.I.D.S.) provide social, recreational and therapeutic opportunities for individuals with disabilities ages 6 and up, in the Merrimack Valley and beyond.
https://kidsinc.us/
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The Arc of Greater Haverhill-Newburyport Support Groups
Intro to Self Direction
Join this group for anyone who wants to learn about Self Directing their own DDS funds. This monthly group is designed to help those interested in Self Direction learn about the different options.
Contact Barbara Pandolfi for more information!
| | Connect with our "Dream Team" | | |
Andrea Morris
Director of Family Support Center & Advocacy
amorris@thearcofghn.org
(978) 373-0552 x211
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Sreya Shepard
Family Support Manager
sshepard@thearcofghn.org
(978) 373-0552 x241
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Rowan DeAza
Bilingual Family Support Navigator & Employment Manager
rdeaza@thearcofghn.org
(978) 373-0552 x216
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Neala Mercier
Recreation Supervisor
nmercier@thearcofghn.org
(978) 373-0552 x233
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Barbara Pandolfi
Peer Support Manager
bpandolfi@thearcofghn.org
(978) 373-0552 x206
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Margot Kopp
Outreach & Communication Coordinator
mkopp@thearcofghn.org
(978) 373-0552 x217
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Tracy Johnson
Special Olympics, Haverhill Stars Coordinator
tjohnson@thearcofghn.org
(978) 373-0552 x233
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Proudly supporting the following communities:
Amesbury, Andover, Boxford, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Lawrence, Merrimac, Methuen, Newbury, Newburyport, North Andover, Rowley, Salisbury, and West Newbury
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