Throughout the month of February, we aggressively advanced our vaccination efforts for staff and individuals who fell within the scope of the state’s requirements. To date, The Arc has fully vaccinated 75 people and administered another 70 1st doses. Additionally, we continue to update vaccine resources and educational information on our website. We encourage you to keep a close watch on the Massachusetts vaccine roll-out timeline and locations near you to learn more.
Simultaneously, we’ve been actively planning for the reopening of our Archways and Pathways Community-Based Day Supports and Employment Supports. Stay tuned for an announcement about that very soon!
And more exciting news – we are planning our first-ever online auction fundraiser! Please read the details below and consider supporting our #ArcCovidRelief fund by donating or sponsoring an auction item. With the continued presence of Covid-19, this effort is critical and will assist us in providing important financial relief and supplemental services to the people and families we support.
Lastly and importantly we are looking for volunteers to participate on our Family Advisory Council. This is a wonderful way to make a meaningful impact on The Arc’s various services by ensuring the family voice is heard. If you are interested in learning more, please see the details below.
Wishing you and yours all the best,
Mary Valachovic
Executive Director
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COVID-19 Vaccinations
The Arc of Plymouth and Upper Cape Cod held 2 vaccine clinics for people receiving support and employees that met the stets criterion for vaccination.
We were so fortunate to have been able to vaccinate 75 people with 2 doses. Additionally, we have given another 70 people their 1st dose and will complete their vaccinations with a second dose in March.
Learn when you can get vaccinated and what vaccine site will work best for you using the link below.
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#ArcCovidRelief Auction
The Arc has successfully raised thousands of dollars in years past, primarily through our annual golf tournament, to supplement and enhance our critical services. Due to the continued presence of COVID-19, however, we’ve decided against holding our tournament in 2021 to ensure the health and safety of our donors, staff, and volunteers.
Instead, The Arc will be hosting the Bridging Abilities Auction from April 5 - 9, an online auction and fundraiser, to help our organization manage expenses related to COVID-19.
Funds raised will assist in so many ways - including but not limited to providing much-needed financial relief to the individuals and families we support. Community members can support our #ArcCovidRelief Fund by bidding on services, gift cards, and unique items contributed by local businesses and donors like you.
Our Bridging Abilities Auction is an opportunity to help support your local community during this challenging time. Please help support people with disabilities and their families in our communities. Head to the link below to donate an item or financially sponsor an auction opportunity.
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Events
Equity in the Face of Uncertainty:
Moving Forward Together
43rd Annual Legislative Reception
Join The Arc of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council for their 43rd Annual Legislative Reception.
Our community has faced enormous challenges this past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On March 3, The Arc of MA will reflect on what our community has overcome during this difficult time and how we move forward together, serving all members of our community. In addition, The Arc will publicly announce its priority bills and a call to action for this legislative session.
-Lauren Beckham Falcone of WROR radio, who is also mother of a child with Down syndrome, will serve as our emcee
-The Arc will be honoring Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, Chair of Senate Ways and Means
-MDDC will be honoring Representative Josh S. Cutler
-16-year-old self-advocate Evan Messina will be providing our keynote address
Wednesday, March 3
10:00 - 11:00 am
A Little Negativity Goes a Long Way: And Other Unusual Beliefs for Keeping It Together
Inclusion Matters' President Melissa Winchell, a faculty member in Bridgewater State University's College of Education and Health Sciences, will facilitate an interactive workshop as part of BSU's Family Connections series.
Join her to learn some unusual, research-based strategies for staying resilient during the pandemic. Speaking from the heart of her experiences with three children with special needs and complex medical challenges, Dr. Winchell explains how growing our resilience is often counterintuitive. And she shares why, especially for caregivers stretched to their limits during this pandemic, self-care isn't going to cut it.
Wednesday, March 31
6 - 7:30 pm
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Volunteer for Our Family Advisory Council
The Arc of Plymouth and Upper Cape Cod is looking for family members of people The Arc supports to volunteer on our Family Advisory Council.
Kim Scharf, Family Advisory Council member and Arc parent, shares her perspective on why joining The Arc Family Advisory Council was beneficial for her and her family:
“Throughout my children's school career, I've found that participating in school council and SEPAC had allowed me the chance to not just learn about what was happening in the schools, but also to shape what would happen for new programs and policies by contributing my perspective as a parent, sometimes that of a parent of a child with special needs. When my child entered the adult world, joining the Arc Family Advisory Council was a natural extension of this. I'm able to learn about other services that The Arc provides and my perspective helps influence program and policy development. This makes me a stronger, more informed advocate for my child, and allows me to share information with others to help them be stronger advocates as well.”
To learn more, please contact Kathy Baldwin, Director of Program Development at [email protected].
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Cape Corner Updates
Brandon Gangell began his role as Cape Cod Development Coordinator on Monday, February 1st. Based out of our Falmouth office, Brandon’s responsibilities include assisting with forging partnerships on the Cape, communicating with families and other community organizations about services available through The Arc, and gathering a sense of service needs on the Upper Cape. Brandon’s passion and energy about the services we offer and his continued commitment to our mission is always evident. We are so fortunate to have him in this role. Please join me in congratulating Brandon!
In the last month, we have connected with representatives from Cape Cod Family Resource Center, Sandwich Partnerships for Families, and assisted with providing information to the Barnstable Police Department about potential trainings. Please visit their websites to gain more information about their upcoming events and the services they offer.
We look forward to meeting with many more community partners on The Cape in the weeks to come!
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Massachusetts Sibling Support Network News |
Don’t worry - Mary is not leaving The Arc, but this is exciting news!
Mary Valachovic, our Executive Director, will serve concurrently as the new Director of Community and Strategic Partnerships for the Massachusetts Sibling Support Network - a resource that many of you have utilized and seen mentioned on our channels. This is great news for our community! Congratulations, Mary!
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The Arc of Plymouth and Upper Cape Cod appreciates your support! |
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