In This Issue

Senator Vinny deMacedo Attends Info Session at Archways Enterprises of The Arc of Greater Plymouth

Disability Policy Seminar...Washington..., DC...April 13-15,2015...By: Marie Saldi

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"The Arc of Greater Plymouth provides support to those in our community with intellectual disabilities. The Arc's wide range of services include shared living in family settings, respite care for families and providers when circumstances require, family support when loved ones situations can be overwhelming and even a food pantry for those in need. We support The Arc of Greater Plymouth for their hard work providing Care, Direction and Support to those in need in our community."

John Duggan

Duggan Builders

"This program (The Arc Employment Services) has had positive impact for our stores, our customers, our communities and our entire staff" "The employees that we bring in under programs such as the Arc are excellent; they are productive, do great work and add to the workplace culture."

Leo Vercollone

President

VERC Enterprises

"Webster Bank is committed to living up to the communities we serve," said Ann Meade, SVP, Commercial Banking, Webster Bank. We do this, in part, by supporting the ARC of Greater Plymouth, an organization that provides critical support for our developmentally challenged neighbors and their families. The people of ARC are true heroes in our community, and we are honored to be partnered with them."

Ann Meade

Senior Vice President

Webster Bank

Thank you to our Sponsors and Community Business Partners .

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May 2015

JOIN US on May 17th!

The Arc of Greater Plymouth Annual Fundraiser Concert with Steven Karidoyanes

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Sons of Serendip

May 17^th

Sunday, 3:00-5:00 PM

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Concert with Sons of Serendip, America's Got Talent Finalist, and the Plymouth Phil Orchestra with Maestro Steven Karidoyanes at Memorial Hall in Plymouth.

Sons of Serendip - Wicked Game - AGT 2014

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Senator Vinny deMacedo Attends Info Session at Archways Enterprises of The Arc of Greater Plymouth.

On April 3rd Senator Vinny deMacedo met with self-advocates and members of The Arc Employment Advisory Committee. The self-advocates presented their requests for support of legislation concerning mandated reporters, "people first" language, accessibility of playgounds in Sen. deMacedo's district and budget funding for employment, family services and DDS.
Their discussion about Massachusetts implementation of The Able Act, prompted Sen. deMadedo to ask for more information which we share in this edition:

Helpful Video

10 Things to Know About the ABLE Act

Advocacy Intern Tori Pattinson Leaves to Pursue Education

On Friday March 27^th, the self advocates, Archways Enterprises employees and staff members of The Arc of Greater Plymouth gathered to say farewell to Tori Pattinson, self advocacy facilitator and mentor. With vocational Specialist Garrett Olson, the self advocates put together a "Roast" themed "where in the world should Tori go", to send Tori off on her planned travels for the summer, before she returns to England to pursue another degree. It was a bitter sweet combination of laughs and tears, with Marie Saldi and Leigh Ann Barry reading a letter that they composed and each individual who wished to speak, giving their thoughts on where Tori should go . Each was a message of appreciation and love.

Some examples were:

"she should go for a massage... because she deserves it." Kevin Lockwood

"she should go to Moscow and learn to speak cow" Marie

"Tori shouldn't go anywhere because we do not want her to leave'" Leigh Ann

It was a truly beautiful illustration of all she has accomplished in her time with us at The Arc. As Tori so gracefully said in her parting speech to them all = "You have proved to yourselves how important it is to speak up and tell your stories. By doing that, you have not only educated others, you have learned how much you can grow ." The love in the room was overwhelming.

The Smart Board on the classroom wall helped with drying the tears . It read:

"Don't cry because it's over, Smile because it happened!"

Disability Policy Seminar

Washington, DC

April 13-15,2015

By: Marie Saldi

This seminar was very educational. I learned how to talk to state representatives and policy makers. I also got to witness a bill being passed. I learned about the budget for healthcare and how some states are thinking about cutting it. This subject is very important to me because it affects my daily living. I met with Congressman Keating and talked with him about the importance of healthcare and how it affects my life. I then thanked him for being a big supporter of not cutting the budget. I also met with Joe Kennedy III and touched on the subject of the budget of healthcare. I talked with both of these gentlemen about my fellowship project and how I myself am trying to make a difference.