Hello!

This week, we share an update on our Senate Budget Amendment request results and the Workforce Initiative Bill; an invitation to an exclusive event on social inclusion; the Spring 2019 issue of Advocate has arrived; and much more!
Featured
For Families and Family Support Providers
A Session with Angela Amado
A FREE Social Inclusion and Friendship Event
Tuesday, June 4 | 10:00 - 11:30 AM
The Crowne Plaza/The Verve, Natick

Registration closes at 9AM on Tuesday and space is limited. So register today!

A key activity of The Arc through  “Widening the Circle” and “Pathways to Friendship”  is to increase the number of people in Massachusetts who understand the importance of friendships in peoples’ lives and who are willing and able to reach out to others to spread the word. Register now for this discussion on the importance of social inclusion, featuring world-renowned leader on the subject Angela Novak Amado.
Government Affairs
Legislative update: Senate Budget amendment results and Workforce cosponsors

It’s been a busy couple weeks with amendments filed and the Senate budget deliberations beginning.

The Arc’s Workforce Initiative Legislation, HD 1130, filed by Representative Denise Garlick, was also released from House Counsel with final language. Representatives and Senators had an opportunity to sign on as cosponors. With the help of our community advocates, we increased cosponsorship by another 21 legislators, totaling 81 cosponsors for this priority legislation.

Thank you to all the advocates in our community for the nearly 450 letters generated related to the Workforce bill and the Senate Budget Amendments. Continue reading to find out the results of our Senate Budget Amendment requests.
An act relative to loan repayment for Human Services Workers (S 56/H 163) has been scheduled for a hearing before the Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities on May 28 in Hearing Room B1.

We need every benefit possible to bring more Human Services Workers in to the field and retain them! The Arc's Workforce Initiative Campaign includes the need for Loan Repayment. This bill from Sponsor Rep Jeff Roy, Senator Eric Lesser, and Rep Smitty Pignatelli will do just that. For more information, or to submit testimony, contact Maura at Sullivan@arcmass.org
Center of Hope Foundation hosts a “Conversation with Our Legislators”

The Arc’s Center of Hope Foundation hosted a “Conversation with our Legislators” at the Southbridge Hotel and Conference Center that offered a unique opportunity for more than 40 persons served and caregivers to meet with four area legislators and two legislative aides.

On hand were Senator Anne Gobi and Representatives Todd Smola, Joseph McKenna, and Peter Durant. Learn more about what was discussed at this meeting.
Programs of The Arc

The Spring 2019 issue of Advocate , The Arc's quarterly newsletter, is now available to read online.

In this issue, revisit our 2019 Leading by Example Gala; learn more about our upcoming 2019 Transition Conference; hear about some of the amazing things going on at our chapters; and more!

The Arc of Massachusetts receives grant from the Dana Home Foundation

Lexington seniors with disabilities will continue to benefit from the generously of the Dana Home Foundation.

The Arc of Massachusetts is thrilled to announce that our project, Connecting to your Community, has been awarded over $6,000 through a grant from the Dana Home Foundation. This grant will provide training and support for individuals living in group residences, apartments, or with families, and will help them focus on their talents and interests and link them with others in Lexington who share the same areas of skill and interest. Learn more about this project and the Dana Home Foundation's involvement.
Webinars
Agency Spotlight