July 13, 2017



The Running Game in Advocacy

In football, the running game may be slow but it's nearly always the key ingredient to any winning strategy. In talking about Running Back LeGarrette Blount, New England Patriots Coach Bill Belichick said he liked the fact that Blount has the "ability to make the yards that we need at the time we need them."
 
LeGarrette Blount
That's what advocacy is about, too. We facilitate opportunities for people so they are empowered to meet the goals of their daily life. Anything more is a "bonus" as the Coach would say.
 
Last week many of you learned that the state's shortfall in revenue resulted in $23 million less in funding at the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and lack of language to protect Adult Foster/Family Care (AFC) relative to the House budget bill. We do have gains and increased funding than last year reflects the support of the Governor and the legislature. But the gains do not keep pace with the needs.
 
The implications are tough. For example:
  • Young adults who have left school, but need a day or work opportunities, may be stuck at home and a parent may have to leave his/her job because of it
  • An older caregiver whose adult daughter needs more assistance or a residence and may not be able to get that help
  • A family whose son needs 24/7 assistance at home throughout the day due to cognitive or intellectual challenges finds out that they will receive less adult family or foster care resources, because he doesn't need bathing assistance the entire time of his bath
 
Sincerely,
Leo V. Sarkissian
Executive Director    
GIVINGgiving
Last Chance to Help The Arc Meet the Challenge! 
Give before the July 15 deadline
Many supporters of The Arc of Massachusetts have stepped up to help us meet the $200,000 fundraising challenge for the Home for the Future Capital Campaign, which is funding the construction of the organization's new headquarters. Raising $200,000 in a couple of short months was a BIG challenge, and on June 30, we were just shy of reaching the goal and receiving an additional gift of $100,000. The donors who issued the challenge want to be sure that we make it and have extended the deadline by two additional weeks. So, if you have been considering a gift, you still have time to make this $100,000 gift a reality.  All new gifts and pledges will count.  But hurry: July 15 is just a couple of days away. 
 
Please visit www.arcmass.org/campaign today to show your support and push us over the top! 

WEBINARSwebinar
               
This webinar will focus on the use of Person Centered Planning in creating seamless transitions to adult services for students ages 14-22. Participants will look back at the historical perspectives of student planning, learn why a person centered approach makes sense and view methods of person centered planning. This workshop will provide examples of student outcomes and highlight best practices.
 
  Financial assistance is available. Contact Kerry  Mahoney@arcmass.org 
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 TRENDINGwhatstrending
Part-Time Positions Available
The Arc of Massachusetts is currently seeking two coordinators to develop the Advocacy Alliance. The Alliance will work with chapters and others to strengthen advocacy and awareness on the regional level by coaching staff, family members and self-advocates on policy, legislative issues, and systems change. The coordinators will help local groups function effectively, assist with social media, outreach to build local capacity and provide training.  Qualifications include experience with legislators, strong interpersonal skills, among other things. Positions begin in September on a 36-week basis for $25/hr. Learn more here. Please send a cover letter and resume no later than July 15 to arcmass@arcmass.org. Only email applications will be accepted.
Center of Hope's Annual Golf Tournament
golf5.jpg
On August 11, join The Center of Hope Golf Tournament for their annual Golf Tournament at the Heritage Country Club in Charlton. Opportunities to golf and/or sponsor are available. 
 
Register by August 4 and save  $100.

Click here for more info and to register. 
Minute Man Arc Afternoon Recreation Program
Need something fun to do this summer? Minute Man Arc is hosting an Afternoon Recreation program. Afternoon Recreation is an array of small-group classes designed for Transition-age students and Adults to promote creative expression, health, and social connection. An incidental benefit of these structured activities is the opportunity to practice social skills, build self-efficacy, and explore personal interests. Classes are open to participants age 16+. Prior to attending, new applicants (or current participants considering new activities) are asked to complete relevant forms and to discuss any support needs or goals. Ratios and class size vary by activity, typically 1 staff person + 1 instructor for every 8 participants (some 1:4). Participants requiring individualized care are welcome to attend with their caregiver. All participants are welcome and activities are held year-round. While many activities remain consistent, Minute Man Arc is always seeking input for new class ideas.  Registration is rolling, pro-rating for mid-session add/drops (unrelated to medical concerns) requires advance discussion.  Please note that Early Yoga and Art are at capacity.  For more information, please contact Darcie Heller: dheller@minutemanarc.org , W978-287-7936/C978-201-2481.

Scholarships are available 
Advocacy Bootcamp
Northeast Region of Massachusetts Families Organizing for Change invites primary caregivers of young children (birth to age 10) who have developmental disabilities, chronic illnesses, and/or complex medical needs to apply! Advocacy Bootcamp builds a foundation for advocacy skills so that participants can empower their children to lead rich, meaningful, and exciting lives!

All application materials must be submitted by  August 1 . Space is limited.
 
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHTsponsorspotlight


The Arc of Massachusetts | 781-891-6270 |   arcmass.org
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