The Arc of the South Shore receives
$500,000 pledge from LStar Ventures
At a recent press conference, LStar Ventures, developers of Union Point, announced a pledge of $500,000 over the next decade to The Arc of the South Shore
, a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to providing services and advocacy for children and adults with disabilities. The commitment came along with the real estate developer's offer to provide Amazon a site at the Union Point development for half the price, with the stipulation that the company gives $200 million to local charities and schools.
The donation, which will be the organization's largest to date, will primarily go towards expanding the new Autism Resource Center. The Arc believes they will be able to double the number of families they currently serve with the contribution.
"I was speechless when [Kyle Corkum, CEO of LStar Ventures] indicated his long-term support for The Arc," said executive director Daryl Cook-Ivan. "With the donation, we will be able to provide additional family support groups, additional school vacation activities for youth, lease space for our new Autism Resource Center, provide life coaches for adults with mild autism, and purchase technologies so that individuals will be able to become more independent in the community."
While many are calling Union Point a "smart city," LStar is hoping it will be "smart with a heart." On top of sustainability,
technology
and architecture, the developers are looking to foster education and creative arts, and to provide inclusivity within the community. As part of its bid to Amazon, LStar positioned the environment at Union Point to be welcoming to everyone including those with disabilities.
"We will make annual donations to help those good people at The Arc who are helping some of the most vulnerable people in our society," said LStar CEO, Kyle Corkum. "Their budgets are under threat, the need is greater than it's ever been, and we need to be there to support them now."
The Arc of the South Shore has provided 66 years of service to the
area,
and has assisted more than 85,500 individuals and families with cognitive, physical, and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Autism Resource Center provides individuals and their families with guidance,
support
and expertise through many multi-faceted topics and issues of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
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On Saturday, October 14th, Michael K. from the Community-Based Day Supports (CBDS) program had the opportunity to speak the MASS Advocate Standing Strong Conference at the Royal Plaza Best Western in Marlboro, MA.
Mike hosted a workshop called, "Overcoming
Obstacles
: My Great Success Story," where he made a PowerPoint presentation and was able to share his story. Mike began his workshop by saying that for him, success means "The balance between life goals, family friends and the supports that help me along the way." Mike has small visual fields, meaning he must constantly look around everywhere to ensure his safety when walking.
He faces challenges working in all weather conditions, especially during the winter. Mike also must carry a flashlight with him at night to be safe.
Mike shared that he has been working at Shaw's Supermarket for more than 17 years. He bags groceries, helps customers and does other duties as assigned. Mike says he works because he likes to fill his time, make a good living and help people.
Mike also presented on his ability to play sports while facing challenges due to his small visual fields. He plays basketball, softball, volleyball,
bowling
and golf. He says it is tough to see far down the court or field and seeing his opponents is challenging as well. However, he uses all of his senses, especially listening carefully to his surroundings.
Through The Arc, Mike volunteers at various sites throughout the community including, Sea Chest Consignments where he sorts clothing donations. He also volunteers at the South Shore Natural Science Center and YMCA. Mike ensure he checks all of his work and is extra careful at his volunteer opportunities in order to overcome his visual challenges.
While Mike is not working, he loves to spend a lot of time with his family. He has four nephews and enjoys hanging out with them and helping with their sports teams.
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Please help support the Autism Resource Center!
A
utism rates continuously rise, surging 30 percent in two years, according to the latest data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While 1 in 88 children
were
estimated to have autism in 2008, public health officials now estimate that 1 in 68 children are on the
autism spectrum.
The Autism Resource Center is a critical resource for the South Shore area because we offer family support groups with childcare services, education workshops, information sessions, online help center support, therapeutic school vacation week programs, Exploring Disney Animation classes and much more!
We are proud to have served more 500 individuals and their families since the launch of our program last year. However, The Autism Resource Center is in need of your support. Because we rely solely on the generosity of our community, we must raise $130,000 to ensure our programs may continue to meet the needs of our individuals and families in the community.
Please help us reach our goal of $130,000 and
consider making an online donation today!
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$10 per person or $25 per family.
to The Arc of the South Shore
MIngle and Jingle, 371 River Street, N. Weymouth, MA 02191
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The Arc employee Autumn Harvest Dinner Dance 
On Thursday, October 14th, The Arc Employee Fun Committee hosted an employee appreciation social called, "The Arc Autumn Harvest Dinner Dance." The turnout was fantastic and surely a hit among staff. Everyone danced to music courtesy of Day Hab Program Manager, Rich Kean aka "DJ Richie Rich." Staff members enjoyed a delicious fall-themed dinner and also had the opportunity to win raffle prizes, including a TV donated by Arc Board of Director, George Toma of George Washington Toma Tv & Appliances!
Thank you to our "Chief Fun Officer," Abigail Mojica, the Employee Fun Committee, staff and Board of Directors for making the night one to remember!
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Upcoming Events and Programs
Telling your Story Webinar
Tuesday, November 14, 2017 ~ 12:00pm-1:00pm
Presented by Herb Cabral and Julie Heffernan
Advocacy Alliance Coordinator
The Becker Center for Advocacy
Free - Thanks to the Becker Family Foundation
This training will teach self-advocates, family members, and service providers how to effectively tell their personal stories. It is based on the belief that a well-told story is the best way to communicate our ideas, connect with others, and advocate for our needs. Participants will learn how to talk about who they are, what they need, and what they want - all by telling their story.
Sensory Library Workshop
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
Paul Pratt Memorial Library, 35 Ripley Road, Cohasset
Join us for a fun and interactive workshop! Learn how to make a sensory book kit and then join in a therapeutic yoga class all designed to bring the book "There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves" to life and provide a sensory spark to ignite any child's enthusiasm for this wonderful story.
REGISTRATION
Family Support Groups
Monday, November 27, 2017
The Arc of the South Shore, 574 Main Street, Weymouth, MA
The Autism Resource Center will offer monthly support groups for parents and caretakers of children with Autism Spectrum disorders in our service area. The primary purpose of the group is to help caregivers network with each other to reduce their isolation and expand supports for parenting children. In the near future, we will also expand the program to include support groups specifically for Newly Diagnosed Children with ASD, Teenage Transition Support Group, Dad's Support Group and a Support Group for parents with children in a residential setting.
The Journey of Autism Series
Thursday, November 28, 2017
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Thayer Public Library, 798 Washington St., Braintree, MA
We will cover topics relating to being newly diagnosed and help answer the overwhelming questions, "What do I do now?"
Social Security - Disability Programs
Tuesday, December 5, 2017
10:00 am12:00 pm
Thayer Public Library, 798 Washington Street, 3rd Floor, Braintree, MA
Pr
esented By: Kristen Alberino,
Metropolitan Public Affairs Specialist SSA
During the presentation, Kristen will discuss the different Disability Programs Social Security administers. These include SSI, SSDI and Social Security benefits for disabled adult children. How to qualify for benefits and what Social Security offers for online services will also be discussed.
There will also be time for a question and answer session.
Mingle and Jingle
Sunday, December 10, 2017
11:00am - 2:00pm
The Arc of the South Shore, 371 River Street, Weymouth
Join us for The Arc of the South Shore's Annual Mingle and Jingle. Music, Food, Fun and Festivities.
 Exploring Disney Animation - The Aristocats
Sunday, December 10, 2017
South Shore YMCA, Emilson Branch Heritage Room
75 Mill St., Hanover
3:00pm - 5:00pm
This offering is ideal for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder or those seeking to improve social skill development. Members should be able to participate in a 1:6 ratio. Those needing additional support are welcome to bring a support aide to the group.
December Vacation Week Programming
December 27th and 28th
Sing, Explore, Creat, LLC, 28 Webster St. Rockland
On Wednesday, December 27, 2017, the two-hour session will incorporate one Fitness class AND one Art class provided by trained instructors to offer your child the opportunity to build gross motor, fine motor, sensory motor and visual/perceptual skills while exploring and creating a work of art!
On Thursday, December 28, 2017, the two-hour session will incorporate one music therapy class with a board-certified therapist AND one yoga class run by an experienced special needs instructor. Students will enjoy making music with others and will learn relaxation and self-regulation techniques in a calming yoga class.
*An Arc behavior specialist and staff will support each group. All activities can and will be modified/adapted for all abilities, allowing all individuals to engage and successfully participate in the group.
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