Welcome to the Fall 2015 issue of The Beacon. This is a very exciting year for The Arc of the South Shore as we approach our 65th anniversary in the spring. This eventful year will culminate with our 2nd Summer Soiree. I hope you will come celebrate with us.
This agency has thrived over the years due to the passion and support of many individuals and their families, our community supporters and partners; and our employees. This issue highlights a few ways that the support from the community helps us achieve our mission. In this issue, we've highlighted our very successful 28th Annual Louis Bailey Golf Outing. This year's golf outing was a huge success due to community sponsors and supporters. A hugely successful partnership with Thayer Academy and the Atlantic Symphony Orchestra allows us to repeat our fun new family holiday event, Mingle and Jingle, once again this December.
Members of our Board of Directors are our most passionate supporters. They are willing to roll up their sleeves and provide the governance role needed to ensure agency sustainability. A key role of theirs is linking the agency to community. A profile of George Toma in this issue, illustrates this connectedness. Future issues of The Beacon will introduce you to other members of our Board of Directors.
The passion and dedication of our employees creates the heart and soul of our organization, and we work hard as an agency to acknowledge and reward our outstanding employees. Read more about our annual employee appreciation luncheon in this issue.
In the Out and About section we highlighted a few ways the lives of the individuals we support are enriched. We need our "community" to make this all possible. We look forward to sharing our 65th Anniversary plans with you in the coming months!
Sincerely,
Daryl Cook Ivan
Executive Director
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28th Annual Louis Bailey Golf Tournament
The Arc of the South Shore's 28th Annual Louis Bailey Golf Tournament was held on Monday, September 14, 2015 at the Cohasset Golf Club!! It was a fabulous day on the beautiful greens of the Cohasset Golf Club which is one of the oldest private clubs in New England with a challenging 18-hole course. Over 140 corporate sponsors, golfers, individuals and volunteers enjoyed the day with food, fun, and friendship along with an auction and prizes.
With the help of our corporate sponsors and dedicated golfers, we raised over $30,000. The proceeds of the golf tournament will support the Arc's programming, services and advocacy, and will directly impact the more than 1,700 individuals and their families that we serve annually.
Mingle and Jingle - A Family Holiday Concert
Back by popular demand!!! Our 2nd Annual Mingle and Jingle - A Family Holiday Concert is scheduled for Thursday, December 10, 2015. The concert will be held at The Center for the Arts, Thayer Academy in Braintree. We will enjoy a holiday concert by The Atlantic Symphony Orchestra along with some light appetizers and a very special visit by Santa!!!! This is a wonderful family event, and we hope you will all be able to attend. Please check the website for additional information.
This year in addition to the concert, The Arc of the South Shore will be partnering with The Enchanted Gift Basket and The Traveling Toy Box for a holiday shopping event with 20% of all sales being donated to The Arc. Be sure to stop by and check out all of the
unique gifts, local products, gourmet treats and of course gift baskets!
You can also help Santa fill his sleigh with The Traveling Toy Boxes unique inventory of specialty toys
from around the globe.
Shopping Dates and Times:
Tuesday 12/8 & Wednesday 12/9 - 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thursday 12/10 - Special Extended Concert Hours - 10:00 am - 9:30 pm
Friday 12/11 - 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday 12/12 - 10:00 am 6:00pm
The Enchanted Gift Basket and The Traveling Toy Box
826 Washington Street, Braintree, MA
(Across the street from Thayer Academy)
 
Employee Appreciation Luncheon
THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO!!!
Our Annual Employee Appreciation Luncheon was held on Thursday, October 15, 2015 from 1:00pm - 6:00pm. The luncheon was held at the South Shore Yacht Club in North Weymouth. Our wonderful employees enjoyed an afternoon of food, fun, activities and prizes. Our Employee of the Year award went to Neil Cronin, The Arc's very dedicated and hard working Facilities Manager. Karen Douglas was also recognized with an honorable mention for her years of dedication and wonderful
service to our Day Habilitation individuals.  
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Board of Director Spotlight - Meet George Toma
The South Shore knows, "There's always a Toma to Talk to!" But what some may not know is that catchy ad campaign doesn't just apply to George Washington Toma TV and Appliances. George Anthony Toma, CEO and President of George Washington Toma is always there to talk to.
George, a proud member of The Arc of the South Shore's Board of Directors, was voted on the board back in 2012, after the recommendation of long time Board Member and friend, Arthur Davies. No stranger to the Special Needs Community, George and his family have been the Founders and Director's of the Power Lifting Event with the Special Olympics Massachusetts for over 33 years. "Someone from SOMA approached us and asked if we would run an event at the Summer games as an exhibition sport because MA did not have a program," George said. "We ran the event, had a blast, and fell in love with SOMA and the athletes and have run the event ever since." According to George, "One of my biggest thrills was being able to bring the power lifting team to the International Games back in 1991."
With such passion for the Special Olympics community, it was no surprise George would share that same passion for The Arc's mission. When he joined the Board, George was excited to learn more about The Arc and how he could contribute to something he really believes in. "It was a slow learning curve for me as I had no idea of the effort that went into what The Arc does or how challenging it can be," George said. "I have seen a management team that works very well with the Board of Directors, invested in making The Arc a stronger organization. I hope that we can raise awareness so that we are able to attract a stronger following of clients, sponsors, board members and people who want to support our mission."
George has worked on many of The Arc's committees including, golf, dinner dance, development and others. But his primary focus for the agency has been to assist in the long-range marketing and public relations planning. However, it doesn't stop there. George is always helping to build brand awareness for The Arc throughout the South Shore and other communities that are served. "One of the many reasons George is specifically appreciated here at The Arc is his commitment to providing employment opportunities to our individuals," Daryl Cook, Executive Director said. "He is always helping to find other connections for our individuals within the community as well. "
At George Washington Toma their saying, "honesty is the best policy" is only one of many reasons they have seen such success. George took over the family business from his father, George Washington Toma "the original" back in 1991, when he retired. They have been in business in Weymouth for over 60 years and have since expanded and opened a 2nd store in Brockton. In 2009, they were the winner of the Family Business of the Year Award in Massachusetts. George has also been involved with the South Shore Chamber of Commerce for as long as he can remember and would help his Dad at their annual "Clam Bake Outings." George is now a member on the Executive Board and also sits on their Membership Committee. "I am very happy to be a part of the Chamber and how hard they work for the South Shore," He said. "I am involved with many great people and outstanding business leaders; it's an exciting time for the South Shore."
We are very grateful for all of George's support and generosity throughout the years. The Arc of the South Shore is always interested in speaking with people who are as passionate about our mission as George and the rest of the board members. We are certainly glad that we have our own "Toma to talk too!"
If you are interested in learning more about Board opportunities, please contact Daryl Cook-Ivan by email or calling 781-335-3023.
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Out and About
The individuals from our Day Program have had a very busy Fall! With trips to the Museum of Science, The South Shore Art Center, Plymouth Plantation, Hornstra Farms, CN Smith Farm and Bass Pro Shops to name a few. If you would like to host a field trip to your company, please let us know.
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Family Spotlight - Meet Dylan Salmon
Dylan Salmon is a charming, delightful, and funny young man who just started a new chapter in his life, high school. When Dylan was five months old he suffered from shaken baby syndrome. Now that he is a young man he needs full care; he is visually impaired, has cerebral palsy, requires a wheelchair, has academic special needs and has hand splints. But despite everything going against him he continues to be a funny and loving high school kid.
Dylan was eight years old when his now-foster mom took him in. Rose Chermosino can only be described as amazing. Over the years she has taken in hundreds of foster kids, many of those with disabilities. "It is just second-nature to me," Rose said. "With Dylan it was no question, watching him grow and his willingness to learn has been incredible."
Dylan started his first year of high school, after the middle school program was no longer age appropriate. Dylan has thrived in the new environment, loving interactions with every student. "The school has a great program," Rose said. "But Dylan's willingness to learn and try anything he can makes it easy!" Dylan has a Personal Care Attendant (PCA) at home who also goes to school with him every day. She assists with everything from arts, his favorite, to learning all the new technology. "Dylan has a laptop, cellphone and Ipad," Rose said. "But his favorite is the Ipad. He loves all music, but especially country music."
While Dylan loves his new place at the high school, he also loves being home and interacting with all the family. Taking in so many foster kids and having kids of her own, Rose has a very big family. "He loves when everyone is home," Rose said. "He is such an interactive and social kid that the more people the better." But when Dylan first got to Rose there was one thing she had to do right away, get him nourished. "When I first saw Dylan I could see how malnourished he was," Rose said. "He suffered from asthma and fatigue, so my first thought was to double all his food intake." It took time, but after trial and error with different foods Dylan's asthma subsided and his fatigue was gone. "He grew like crazy!" Rose said. "It was such a change, he finally had stamina and was loving the energy he now had." Now, Dylan loves food, the crunchier the better.
"Food is hard for Dylan," Rose said. "But it has become one of his favorite things. One of our first trips to the movies, one of my other kids wanted him to try popcorn. That is when his love for crunchy, salty foods began." Rose explains that since it is hard for Dylan to consume different foods, he will always make a face as though he is not enjoying it. "The lunch staff at school is always worried he isn't enjoying it," Rose said. "I had to tell them to not look at his face because he loves to eat and truly is enjoying it." But Dylan has such a great attitude and sense of humor, that he is willing to try anything.
But high school and food aren't the only things Dylan loves he also loves adventure. This past year Rose rented a 12-person van to bring some of her kids down to Disney. "Dylan
loved the ride as much if not more than the park itself," Rose said
The Arc of the South Shore's Personal Care Management Program assists nearly 800 families every year. The program is a highly effective and consumer driven, which enables individuals with a permanent or chronic disability to live independently in their own residence or community with assistance from their PCA, therefore empowering them to become more independent in their daily living. For more information, please contact Lauren Blye or call
781-335-3023 x2230.
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Department of
Developmental Se
rvices Launches New Shared Living Initiative
While the Shared Living Support Model is not new in this state, the Department of Developmental Services has started a campaign to promote and expand this model of residential support to adults with IDD. By increasing the number of shared living homes, DDS will be better able to offer a wider array of choices for placement tailored to an individual. This model of support places an individual into a care provider's home under the auspices of a qualified provider agency. The agency recruits, screens, trains, and delivers ongoing support to caregivers who meeting the needs of the individuals based on a person centered plan.
The advantages of Shared Living for an individual:
- Expands options for community based services.
- Enhances individual skills and encourages social development through powerful role models within a home environment.
- Increases integration in the community through the natural gateway for friends and famly of care providers.
- Offers individual participation in the the matching process.
- Supports continuity of care through one consistent and qualified person.
Shared Living is one of a number of valued residential support models available to individuals and their families. Person Centered Planning is the most important step in choosing a model that works best for the individual.
The Arc of the South is a DDS approved, and qualified Shared Living provider agency. The agency role is to provide support to home caregivers:
- Case management, comprehensive support, including 24 hour support, training and oversight
- Generous (tax exempt) stipend payment based upon difficulty of care, allowing for more flexibility than a 9 to 5 job.
- Respite opportunities.
- Sharing of household expenses.
- Matches made available for individuals of all abilities and challenges with caregivers who share common interests and lifestyles.
- Receives satisfaction from helping someone grow and have an opportunity for meaningful relationships.
Who can be a caregiver?
- Any interested adult age 21 or older who can provide 24/7 care for an individual in a qualified home setting.
- A potential caregiver must complete a comprehensive application process, including a CORI and SORI check, medical examination and a home study.
- Caregivers must also participate in training, complete daily caregiver logs and participate in monthly visits by the agency case manager.
- Caregivers may not be a guardian of an individual.
Anyone interested in becoming an approved caregiver for the Arc of the South Shore Shared Living program please contact: Katie Hanley by email or phone 781-335-3023 x 2227
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Achieve with us.
With your support you can help us achieve our goals!
- Increase our capability and capacity to support individuals with Autism and help us develop our Autism Resource Center
- Develop more community based activities for individuals
- Expand community living options for individuals
- Support self advocacy efforts
- Enhance clinical support to our programs resulting in a positive quality of life for each person
- Create innovative new programming
- Support our capital needs to expand our facilities due to increased referrals
The Arc of the South Shore provides Family Support Services, Residential Services, First Early Intervention, Day Services, Employment Services, Adult Foster Care, Personal Care Services and Community Based Day Supports to more than 2,000 individuals each year.
DONATE DONATE YOUR CAR |
Weymouth Rotary Beatles Night - Come Support the Arc of the South Shore. Purchase Tickets
Not Your Average Joe's ~ Not Your Average Cause
Dine In or Out at Not Your Average Joes, 111 Pond Street in Norwell during Tuesdays in November and The Arc of the South Shore will receive 15% of your total purchase. Print out Certicate
Youth Leadership Network
Easter Seals Youth Leadership Network (YLN)
The YLN empowers youth with disabilities between the ages of 14 and 26 to use self-advocacy to take control of planning their adult lives and experience educational and professional success The YLN is a state-wide initiative with meetings, events and the dynamic use of social media to unite youth in Boston, Springfield, Worcester, and East Bridgewater. The YLN is an opportunity for youth to make friends in their local communities and within the larger Network group.
Meetings feature fun, hands-on activities and interactive discussions about communication, teamwork, community service, disability rights, career interests and employment skills.
The fall meetings will focus on leadership. November will continue the series with a focus on group leadership and learning the skills to work with others.
New and returning members are always welcome to bring a friend. Hope to see you there!
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Upcoming Events and Programs
Halloween Dance
October 30, 2015 ~ The Cohasset Lightkeeper's House
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Real Choice for Real Lives: Using Self Directed Supports Webinar
Presented by Buddy Bostick, Chief Program Officer, The Arc Great Haverill-Newburyport
Thursday, November 5, 2015
7:00pm - 8:00 pm
Transition to Special Education Services
Presented by Patricia Leonard-Toomey, Project Coordinator, Community Autism Resouces, Saturday, November 7, 2015
10:00 am - 11:30 am
Brockton Carchici Center for Wellness, Brockton, MA
To register contact Danielle Latimore
Special Needs Planning
Presented by Commonwealth Financial
Monday, November 9, 2015
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
The Abington Public Library
To register contact Katie Hanley
Planning for Relationships beyond Transition Webinar
Presented by Jim Ross and Mary Ann Brennon, Widening the Circle, The Arc of MA
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
The Arc of Massachusetts 60th Anniversary Gala
Thursday, November 19, 2015
The Westin Waltham, 70 Third Avenue, Waltham, MA
6:30 pm
Mingle and Jingle ~ A Family Holiday Concert
Featuring The Atlantic Symphony Orchestra
Thursday, December 10, 2015 ~ Thayer Academy, Center for the Performing Arts
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
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