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Tickets are now on sale for An Evening of Changing Lives Gala at Encore Boston Harbor! Staff are invited to attend on Thursday, May 30, as we raise money to support our mission. The event will feature a cocktail reception and inclusive fashion show, where individuals supported by NeArc walk the runway alongside local celebrities. Full price tickets for the event are $225, but staff can purchase tickets for a discounted price of $175. Please note that this ticket price is “at cost” which means it is the lowest amount that can be charged without the agency losing money. To purchase tickets, visit our event website and use the code STAFF when checking out to get your $50 discount.

WBZ's Levan Reid visited the Center for Linking Lives to learn how we're partnering with the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services to provide assistive technology that can help people with disabilities live more independently. Click here to watch his story featuring Family Services division director Sarah Wilsey and you can also watch his story about the Tobii Dynavox eye gaze communication device (be sure to watch to the end to see Levan's incredible reaction).

Congratulations to Supported Employment for being named our team of the month! "This is a team that always goes above and beyond to ensure individuals are successful in their individual community jobs," wrote Lisa Leo, Community Employment division director, and Teri Williams, Community Employment service manager. Click here to read the full nomination. Pictured left to right below are: Lorelle Taggart, Alex DeAmario, Rachel Semel, Michael Blunt, Rosa Corominas, Matt Lacorazza, Lauren Tobey, and Sal Palermo.

Is there an employee or team you want to nominate for recognition? Fill out this form.

Researchers from the The University of Massachusetts Amherst Developmental Disabilities in Human Services (DDHS) program are seeking direct support professionals for a paid research opportunity. This opportunity is open to staff working in 24-hour residential homes. The purpose of the study is to gain insight into the practices that are used to teach life skills to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the group home setting and the barriers and limitations that direct support professionals navigate in teaching life skills. Please visit this link to read full eligibility requirements and to apply.

Life can be challenging, which is why Northeast Arc offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). NeArc's EAP, New Directions, can provide: mental health counseling, including addiction, legal and financial resources, education resources, and child/elder care services. The EAP is available at NO COST to NeArc employees, and all services are confidential. Visit the Benefits page on CLICK to learn more.

Wellness Matters is a section of Staff News with a variety of useful information focused on the health and well-being of our employees. You'll find information about fun activities, useful apps, tips for staying healthy at home, and much more!

You can always access the latest wellness information by visiting CLICK.

2024 Wellness Guide

Northeast Arc offers a variety of benefits to support your wellness. View all of these offerings in our 2024 Wellness Guide.

There is an important change in 2024:

Starting this month, Blue Cross will cover an annual mental health wellness exam. This exam may be conducted as part of the annual preventive visit with a primary care provider (PCP), or as a standalone visit with a PCP or licensed mental health professional. Because the mental health wellness exam is considered preventive care, there is no out-of-pocket cost for members in most plans.

The annual mental health exam is covered as required by the Act Addressing Barriers to Care (ABC Act) to improve mental health care across Massachusetts.  

What is the mental health wellness exam? The exam will consist of taking the patient’s mental health history, a mental health exam and appropriate screening tests, shared decision making (that could include lifestyle education and counseling), and a discussion about next steps. This may include referrals for treatments and medication options. The mental health wellness exam may or may not result in a diagnosis. The exam may be administered by a PCP, including OB/GYNs, licensed mental health professional as part of the annual wellness visit or as a separate exam.

Understanding Your Benefits: Virtual Health Care

Many healthcare providers now offer you the option of scheduling virtual visits. Here are three reasons why you may want to try a virtual visit.

Top-notch care is often available when and where you need it.

Virtual care is a health care visit through a secure telephone or video call:

• Many doctors offer virtual visits.
• Your medical plan might include access to a virtual care (or telehealth) provider.
• Many virtual care services can be found with a quick Google search.

Virtual care is often available extended hours and weekends, especially for everyday medical needs.

Take advantage of a variety of care and services.

Specific services can vary, but virtual care is often available for:

Specific services can vary, but virtual care is often available for:

• Non-emergency medical needs (sore throat or fever, UTI, allergies)
• Therapy and mental health care
• Psychiatry (medication management)
• Dermatology

Providers can also prescribe appropriate medications in many cases, saving you a trip to the doctor’s office.

Quicker care, often for a lower cost.

When appropriate, virtual care can help you get care on your schedule without dealing with germs, a waiting room, or traffic. It’s great for regular check-ins and follow-ups, or even mental health care visits.

Even better, virtual care may be a less expensive option than in-person visits.

Note: Virtual care is convenient, high-quality care, but it isn’t appropriate for all needs. Life- threatening conditions, severe injuries (breaks, burns, or cuts), and other immediate needs should still be seen at the appropriate in-person facility (doctor, urgent care, or emergency room).

The Health Benefits of Walking

Walking is often overlooked as a form of exercise; however, it offers several health benefits for the body and mind. Learn more in the latest Live Well, Work Well Newsletter.

Geraldine Neistorowich, program coordinator in Journeys, spoke at the recent Northeast Regional Caring Force Rally in Peabody Geraldine spoke to legislators and other human service workers about her experiencing raising a son with autism as well as the impact of direct care workers. Visit our Facebook page to watch a clip from Geraldine's speech.

Participants in our Saugus Steps to Independence program recently visited Holy Cow Ice Cream Cafe in Peabody to learn about the process of ice cream making! They picked a crowd favorite — Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough —and finished the visit by sampling their masterpiece. The visit was arranged through NeArc's Supported Smployment team, which visits local businesses to help participants learn about different career paths available to them.

Pictured left to right: Sebastian Garcia-Lavin, NDSS Legislative Coordinator, Damon Kruppa, Rep. Richard Neal, Mia Kruppa, Joy Kruppa, Damon and Mia's mom, and Hasan Shah, NDSS Director of Advocacy and Policy

Damon Kruppa, a senior at the College of the Holy Cross and development and finance specialist at Northeast Arc, recently attended the National Down Syndrome Society Advocacy Conference in Washington D.C. During his visit, Damon presented his senior thesis and met with key stakeholders to advocate for disability rights.

On the first day, Damon led a session at the State Policy Boot Camp, where he presented key findings from his senior thesis on the sub minimum wage and employment obstacles faced by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He also shared insights on effective advocacy strategies at the state level.

The following day, which coincided with World Down Syndrome Day on March 21, Damon participated in a series of impactful meetings on Capitol Hill. Accompanied by his sister Mia, a self-advocate, Damon witnessed the power of personal storytelling as Mia shared her own experiences. Notably, they met with Congressman Richard Neal, Ranking Member on the Ways and Means Committee, to discuss essential reforms to Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Additionally, Damon had the honor of attending the Workforce Congressional Forum, where the conversation centered on promoting integrated employment and eliminating the sub minimum wage. Damon's presence underscored our commitment to advancing inclusive opportunities for all individuals. We applaud Damon for his advocacy efforts and dedication to creating positive change!

In this week's sign of the week, learn how to ask for help using American Sign Lagnuage (ASL)!

To sign "help," place your closed-fist, dominant "A" hand on top of your non-dominant open palm, and move both hands upwards. The help sign is directional, so you can gesture towards yourself or someone else to indicate who needs help.

Thank you to Northeast Arc's Deaf Services team for compiling these signs!

Want to expand your ASL knowledge? HR is excited to offer another round of ASL classes! Check out the schedule below, and reach out to Jessie Norman to sign up and learn more.

• ASL – Beginners, Fridays at 9:00 AM from April 4 to May 10.
• ASL – Extension, Fridays at 10:00 AM from April 4 to May 10.
• For those who have already taken ASL classes or have some ASL background