THE MESSENGER Achieve with us. Fall Issue, Quarterly Newsletter Serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. I N THIS I SSUE “All Aboard The Arc!” Year 5! 1 QUEST Survey Updates 2 BAArc’s Conversion Status 2 Two BAArc staff featured in MCHSP publication “The Provider” 3 News from the Family Support Center 3-6 KUDOS 7 Upcoming Events 8 Membership 8 AATA 2015 Donation 9 1250 West Chestnut Street Brockton, MA 02301 Phone: 508-583-8030 Fax: 508-583-1739 The newsletter is also available online at www.brocktonareaarc.org Check us out on Facebook (www.facebook.com/Brocktonarc) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/ Brocktonarc). November 2014 YEAR FIVE: “ALL ABOARD THE ARC!” By Jay Lynch, Executive Director rights struggle for those with disabilities. The rally will also The Brockton Area Arc is preparing to celebrate the future of this civil rights participate in year five of “All movement for people with disabilities. Aboard The Arc!” We remain most The rally will include speakers and grateful to everybody who supported music entertainers. our first four “All Aboard The Arc!” When all the details for the rally are efforts. known, they will be shared with you. Last year, thanks to you, we set a new record in money raised! We have WE WILL NEED YOUR HELP AND been using the $72,000.00 raised in SUPPORT AGAIN THIS YEAR. year four to support and expand our Gail Delgado will continue as our Family Support Center services and recreational opportunities for children Recruitment Manager for year five of “All Aboard The Arc!” For the and adults with intellectual and Brockton Area Arc, our goals for 2015 developmental disabilities and their are to fill three buses with our loyal families. supporters, family members, and As before, we will be joining together benefactors AND to raise $72,001.00. with other chapters of The Arc in With your generous support, we will Massachusetts for this our largest combined awareness and fundraising make year five of ”All Aboard The event. Public awareness of The Arc is Arc!” another success. essential to our ability to achieve the PLEASE, GET ON BOARD! complete acceptance of people with Watch for further “All Aboard The disabilities as full and valued citizens Arc!” details in the coming months. of our country, our state, and our To begin immediately to raise funds, communities. “All Aboard The Arc!” is essential for our movement to grow or for more information and help, contact Gail Delgado at 508-583-8030 and achieve the recognition our x216 or email her at members deserve for their ability to [email protected]. contribute to society. Dear Members and Friends: Planning is underway for an outdoor rally, on the Boston Common, near the State House, on Saturday, May 16, 2015 which will enlighten the community-at-large about the civil On page 9 of this newsletter, you will find an “All Aboard The Arc!” donation form. “We are ALL meant to shine.” PAGE 2 T HET HE ME SME S ESNSG E RG E R EN CONVERSION STATUS “Employment First” and CBDS Updates The Brockton Area Arc is proceeding with its plans to comply with the “Employment First Initiative” changes. A renewed emphasis has been placed on individual job placement in the community. Additional state funds have been added to help with these placements and with the development of our Community-Based Day Services (CBDS) The list of choices of CBDS activities is being expanded. On July 1st, the first group of six CBDS participants continued. On September 1st, six more CBDS participants were added. On November 1st, an additional ten more people were added to receive CBDS services. DDS is providing $50,000.00 in additional funding to help us with this conversion. BAArc is receiving DDS funded technical assistance from the Institute for Community Inclusion to help us make these changes. In addition, BAArc staff is accessing the DDS funded trainings being offered to help with this conversion. DDS intends to stop funding sheltered workshops on June 30, 2015. BAArc’s conversion is aggressively underway. Much remains to be done. BAArc intends to use a portion of our “All Aboard The Arc!” proceeds to enhance our CBDS services. If you have any questions about these changes, please call Jay Lynch at 508-583-8030 x212 or Rob Biela at 508-583-8030 x213. “SHARING HER THOUGHTS” T.H. began participating in BAArc’s CBDS services in November. In a recent conversation, she shared these impressions. “I like going to the Y to exercise on the bike and the treadmill.” “I enjoy arts and crafts and painting, spending time with my friends.” “I enjoy doing these things with Laura and Rosenee.” “This program is awesome!” FA LL I S S U E , Q U A R T E R L Y N E WS L E2T T E R PAGE QUEST SURVEY UPDATES On September 2, 2014, the sixty day review of the critical indicator, L-38 took place. The corrective actions taken to address the deficiencies regarding our medical protocols were reviewed. The sixty day follow-up on the four (4) standards which were not met found that we were in compliance with all the critical indicators and all the standards were met. Our Employment Services Program Director, Rob Biela, and our Case Managers Leila Miranda and Joana Brandao are thanked for their diligent efforts to bring us into compliance. ”QUEST BONUS” On October 9 and 10th , the initial review of the Brockton Area Arc’s Community-Based Day Services (CBDS) took place. Improvements for four indicators were recommended. We have proceeded in addressing those recommendations. We were found to be in substantial compliance in providing CBDS services. Community-Based Day Services have been added to our DDS license. COMMUNICATIONS There are many ways to get in touch with us or learn about what is happening at the Brockton Area Arc. We have: 1. our website: www.brocktonareaarc.org, 2. you can find us on Facebook! And Twitter! 3. For a general contact you can email us: [email protected]. 4. To directly email our Family Support Center, use [email protected]. 5. The old ways work too by mailing us at 1250 W. Chestnut Street, Brockton, MA 02301 6. or calling us at 508-583-8030. Everyone has a separate extension, but you don’t need to know it as whomever answers the phone will direct your call. So don’t hesitate to contact us. We would like to be able to update you on late breaking news and events using the latest technology. In order to do that, we need YOUR email address. You can email us at [email protected] with your email address requesting that you’d like to receive “In the News” emails. PAGE 3 T HE ME S S E N G E R FA LL IFA SSU LLE ,I SQS U A E ,RQ T EURALRYTN E RELWS Y N L EETWS T ELRE T T E R For more information about items listed below, unless otherwise specified, 508-583-8030, ext. 224 (Kathy) or 219 (Danielle) 508-583-8030, ext. 223 (bilingual line – Cape Verdean and Haitian) 508-583-8030, ext. 209 (recreation); [email protected] What are Sibshops? A program just for brothers and sisters, ages 8 to 12, who have siblings with special needs! Here’s what kids say about Sibshops: “At Sibshops you get to meet other brothers and sisters of kids with special needs.” “Sibshops have outrageous games!” “At Sibshops you can talk about the good and not-so-good parts of having a brother or sister who has special needs.” “Sibshops are fun!” Children ages 8 to 12 who have a sibling with a disability are invited to our next Sibshops program for children on Monday, Dec. 29. The program will take place at the Brockton Area Arc, Carchidi Center for Wellness, from 4 pm to 7 pm. Please contact Kathy Kerwin for more information or to register. On Tuesday, Dec. 30, Teen Siblings will be going on a field trip! Meet up at the Brockton Area Arc at 1:30 p.m. for a trip to 5 Wits at Patriot Place! Space is limited, so please register as soon as possible. Teen Siblings is for brothers and sisters ages 12 and up. All activities are posted on Facebook and Twitter at least a week in advance. So like us on Facebook and Twitter. We send notices via email so let us know your email address to be “in the know”. All events are also listed under “Coming Events” on our website: www.brocktonareaarc.net SALUTE TO OUR MULTICULTURAL FAMILY SUPPORT COORDINATORS! Maria DaSilva and Eleonor Jean-Pierre are Family Support coordinators at the Brockton Area Arc. The December 2014 issue of The Provider, a newspaper published by the Provider's Council, a human services trade organization, features a salute to these hardworking women. We wanted to share this article with you. PAGE 4 T HE ME S S E N G E R FA LL IFA SSU LLE ,I SQS U A E ,RQ T EURALRYTN E RELWS Y N L EETWS T ELRE T T E R BASIC RIGHTS TRAINING IN PORTUGUESE Maria DaSilva, the Cape Verdean Family Support Coordinator, arranged for an informative parent workshop Portuguese via Skype! Rhea Smith, an educational advocate, is the Portuguese Outreach/Advocate at the Federation for Children with Special Needs, and she has done a number of trainings for Brockton families over the years. However, Rhea recently moved to California. So, the workshop that she and Maria planned for Portuguese-speaking parents was presented via Skype on November 22. The workshop was interactive; parents had the opportunity to ask Rhea questions and get answers in real time. The workshop was a great success, and more meetings are being planned. SUNDAY RECREATION PROGRAM RESUMES IN JANUARY! Students with developmental disabilities, ages 8 to 21, are invited to enroll in the Sunday Recreation Program. The program includes swimming, gym activities, dance and music class, and arts and crafts. The cost is $20 per week for BAArc members; $50 per week for non-members. Dates are: January 11, 25; February 1, 8, 22; March 1, 8, 25, 22, 29; April 12, 26; and May 3, 10. Location Change: The Easton Y gym will be renovated starting in January 2015. While the renovations are being done, we will use the Brockton Area Arc's Raymond Carchidi Center at 1250 W. Chestnut Street, Brockton as the headquarters for the Sunday Recreation Program. We will continue to bring those who want to swim to the Easton Y pool. When the gym renovations are complete, we will be invited to return. To enroll, or for more information, please contact Kathy Kerwin, Diane Pina at 508-583-8030 x217 or Jay Lynch at 508-583-8030 x212. RESEARCH STUDY FOR YOUNG ADULTS AGES 14-21 WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES Dr. Jessica Kramer, in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Boston University, is conducting a federally funded study examining the impact of goal setting versus a problem-solving intervention on transition-age youth's achievement of goals, feelings of confidence about themselves and their disability, and ability to advocate for their needs. The study is actively seeking transition-age youth and young adults with developmental disabilities ages 14-21 interested in participating in the goal-setting option. Details: Young adults and their parents will meet with the interventionist, a licensed clinical social worker, to complete questionnaires about knowledge and feelings. The interventionist will then work with young adults to set a goal to do a new activity in the community, work, or at school. Examples include taking the train by themselves, going out to the movies on the weekend with their friends, or applying for a volunteer position. Young adults will work towards their goal over a 12 week period. The interventionist will check in with the young adults to remind to them to work towards their goal. At the end of the 12 weeks, the young adults and their parent meet again with the interventionist to complete the same questionnaires. Six weeks later, they meet one final time with the interventionist. Young adults receive gift certificates to support goal-related activities and to thank them for their time. Young adults and their families who are interested in participating should contact Dr. Kramer's research team at [email protected] or 617353-7522. You can learn more about Dr. Kramer's research at her website for the Youth and Young Adult Empowerment, Leadership, and Learning Lab: http://sites.bu.edu/yell/ PAGE 5 T HE ME S S E N G E R FA LL IFA SSU LLE ,I SQS U A E ,RQ T EURALRYTN E RELWS Y N L EETWS T ELRE T T E R SUPPORT GROUPS AT THE BROCKTON AREA ARC TRANSITION CLINICS AT THE BROCKTON AREA ARC Haitian Family Support - for the whole family! Meets the 3rd Sunday of the month from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Brockton Area Arc. V.I.P. (Very Important Parents!) Coffee Hour - for parents who have adult children with disabilities. Guest speakers on hot topics of your choice! Next meetings: Wednesdays, Dec. 10 and Jan. 7. 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Brockton Area Arc. Sibshops for Kids - Next meeting: Dec. 29, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at BAArc Teen Sibshops - for brothers and sisters, age 12 and up. Next meeting: Dec. 30, 1:30 p.m. Children's Play Group/Parent Support - for children with special needs and their siblings, ages Turning 3 to 6, and their parents. One Saturday a month, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., at BAArc. Transition/Turning 22 Group for parents is being developed. Pat Pakos, a transition specialist who works for The Arc of Massachusetts' SUPPORTbroker program, recently met with three parents supported by the Brockton Area Arc for individualized transition consultations. Prior to the meetings, Pat spoke with each of the parents to find out what their specific concerns and questions were. She was then able to provide pertinent information and guidance. There was no charge to the families thanks to generous funding from the Walmart Foundation. SAVE THE DATE! A TEAM TO CARRY ON. February 23, 2015 at the Abington Public Library from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. Tthe Brockton Area Arc will host an informative workshop for families who are planning for the future. John and Alexandria Nadworny, the father and sister of a young man with developmental disabilities, will discuss the many hats that parents or guardians wear when caring for a loved one with a disability. They will also address the following questions that are on the minds of many BAArc parents: How can families continue their vision for their loved one when the parents are no longer there? What are the key roles that others can step into? What characteristics should you look for when finding a person to fit a specific role, such as guardian, trustee, or advocate? How can you prepare the team to carry on? This is a FREE workshop, but pre-registration is required. Please contact Kathy Kerwin to register. If YOU want one-on-one help from a transition expert, sign up for a problem solving session provided by SUPPORTbrokers of The Arc of Massachusetts. A broker will help you tackle problems and propose solutions by brainstorming ideas and giving you options, guidance, and resources geared toward your child’s needs, strengths, preferences, and interests. One hour, individualized clinics will be provided at The Arc of Massachusetts, 217 South St. Waltham 02453. Cost is $50/hour. Anyone who has a son or daughter with an intellectual disability is welcome to register for a session today by calling or emailing Kerry Mahoney, Director at [email protected] or 781-891-6270 ext. 109. Your appointment will be confirmed once the payment is received in The Arc office. Thank You, Camille! Camille Schulman, a Master's Degree candidate at Bridgewater State University, was the Interim Recreation Coordinator this fall. Camille has worked part-time for BAArc for several years while she was an undergraduate, and she agreed to step into the Coordinator's position until Christina was on board. Thanks to Camille, Friday Night social activities for adults, Children's Play Group, Kids' Respite, and cooking class continued through the fall. We are very grateful for Camille's capable assistance and her flexibility! PAGE 6 T HE ME S S E N G E R COMING EVENTS FROM THE RECREATION DEPARTMENT Call Christina Grande for more information on any event listed. Kids Bowling at the Viking Recreation Center, 6 Saturdays starting in January Young Ladies Latching Arms - a "friendship and fun" group for high school girls Science Society - Astonishing experiments! Science fundamentals! New friends! Ages 7 to 13 Friday Night Fun! All the popular activities for adults, plus new activities. Ages 18 and up. Theatre Club: We'll be enjoying a variety of live venues and movie theatres. Ages 16 and up. Healthy Cooking Class (for adults): one Saturday a month at the Brockton Area Arc. FA LL IFA SSU LLE ,I SQS U A E ,RQ T EURALRYTN E RELWS Y N L EETWS T ELRE T T E R NEW RECREATION COORDINATOR Welcome, Christina Grande! We are very pleased to introduce Christina to our members. to Christina Grande is BAArc's new Recreation Coordinator who joined our staff in October. Currently a junior at Bridgewater State University majoring in Special Education, she grew up in Brockton, graduated from Brockton High School, and knows the community well. While getting to know the children and adults we support, Christina has been maintaining some recreation programs that BAArc has run for several years. However, she has lots of ideas for additional programs, and she welcomes your input regarding activities that you or your family member would enjoy. Please email Christina or give her a phone call to introduce yourself and make suggestions for new activities. Details and dates are still being confirmed. VACATION WEEK FIELD TRIP FOR KIDS: Students age 8 and older are invited to join us for a field trip to KidSports in Stoughton on Monday, December 29. Meet up at the Brockton Area Arc at 9:30 a.m., and return by 2:00 p.m. There will be a 1:3, staff to student ratio. Students who need more support are welcome to join us with their support person. Space is limited, so please register early! FAMILY FUN AT THE STARDUST GYM! The Family Support Center has reserved the Stardust Gym in East Bridgewater on January 16 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Families with children up to age 12 are welcome to join the fun! Play in the gym, jump into the foam pit, and munch on pizza in the Party Room! You must pre-register for this event because attendance is limited to 20 children (siblings are welcome!) and their parents. Please contact Christina Grande for more information or to register. Enjoy live entertainment! Pinocchio, Friday February 6 at 7:30 p.m. Shrek the Musical , Friday April 17 at 7:30 p.m. We have discounted tickets available - $15.00. 180 Riverway, Boston, MA 02215 PAGE 7 PAGE 7 T HE ME S S E N G E R T HE ME S S E N G E R To the Mai Band who gave a free summer concert as the culminating activity for the Brockton Area Arc’s “Music From Around the World” series. There is nothing better than live music! Thanks to all the MAI Band members for making the concert so much fun. To the Standish Sportsmen’s Association for their very generous donation of fishing poles. Thanks to this generous gift, many more children, teens, and adults with developmental disabilities will be able to try fishing, learn new skills, and enjoy the outdoors. Many thanks. To Shirley Skinner. Thank you for your good deed on your day off, late on a Friday afternoon in September. Shirley stopped to check on and help some people we serve when she noticed they were waiting outside their home. Shirley stayed until everything was straightened out. Thanks for noticing and caring. To Rob Biela for making sure that our group of selfadvocates were able to attend the 17th annual Self -advocacy Conference on Saturday, October 18th. It is a long day, with early morning pick-ups. All who went said it was very worthwhile. Nicely done! Why Join the Brockton Area Arc? Membership in the Brockton Area Arc has value! Eligibility for the Sunday Recreation Program Discounts on Recreational Activities “The Messenger” and special announcements mailed directly to your home Membership in The Arc of Massachusetts Membership in The Arc For over 60 years, The Arc, the nation’s leading advocate for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, has been on the front lines in making change happen for people diagnosed with autism, Down syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, FA LL I S S U E , Q U A R T E R L Y N E WS L E T T E R FA LL I S S U E , Q U A R T E R L Y N E WS L E T T E R To Holly, Karen, Catherine, David, Lee, Nancy, Jean, Tim, Joe, Bill, and Ed for participating in the 10th annual Heartbeats for Down Syndrome Buddy Walk. It was a good of you to help support our great friends, Dawn Nichols, Jessica Melville, Helen Zade, and all the others who work so hard and so well on this event. It was a great day! Well done to all! To our friends at Brockton Area Transit (BAT). Thank you for arranging for a morning and an afternoon “Special” on November 11. We appreciate your help in getting people to and from work on that day. To State Representative Christine Canavan. We thank her for her many years of support of a myriad of human service issues. She has been a good friend to the Brockton Area Arc. Rep. Canavan did not seek re-election in November. She will be pursuing other endeavors. We thank her and wish her the best of luck. To ALL the members of the Eastside Improvement Association. Sincere thanks for organizing another wonderful Christmas Party. Everybody who was invited to attend on the evening of December 1st had a great time! You jump started the Holiday Spirit for all of us. Many thanks and Merry Christmas! and a range of diagnoses across the spectrum of intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc of Massachusetts represents the interests of children and adults with specific intellectual and developmental disabilities, reaches out to individuals with information and education, and provides education and systems advocacy to consumers, families, human services organizations, the public, legislators, other public officials, and the executive branch. The focus of the organization is full integration into the community for all activities. Your membership in the Brockton Area Arc strengthens the advocacy that these local, state and national PAGE 8 T HE ME S S E N G E R FA LL FAILL S S UI SES, UQEU ,A QRUTAERRTLEYRN L YE WS N ELWS E TLTEETRT E R MEMBER RECOGNITION THANK YOU FOR RENEWING YOUR MEMBERSHIP Maria Andrade Donna I. Bell Marie Baker Dana Boardman Denise Belanger Harriet A. Brogna Charlotte Barrus Gina Brooks Marilyn Bearne Suzanne Brown Linda Balzotti Elaine Butler Shirley Catalano Donna Cavicchi Mark Christensen James Coughlin Nancy Costello Paula Cocchi Beth Crowley Mary Damon Michelle Delcourt Maria DaSilva Meghan Furtago Harry Gasse Dorothy C. Hunter Harvey Janson Virginia Johnson Joanne Jordan Evelyn Kashgagian Kathleen Kerwin Angela DiSalvo Eleonor JeanPierre Danielle Latimore Kristina Earley Gregory McCarthy Virginia Lynch Donald Marvill Raymond Nault Lisa Johnson D. Sean Noonan Richard McKenna Michael Palladino Ray McMullen Diane Perry Cindy Medina Steven Petluck Albert Milne Diane Pina Faith Pyne Ifeoluwa Salami Nancy Smith Joseph Utka David Rego Edens Savant Mae-beth Robbins Elizabeth Sebastiao Anne Spencer Maureen Viscardi Andrew Robbins Jose Santos Linda Spiegel Laura White John W. Rogers Shirley Skinner Lisa Tate Paula Rubin Christine Smith Daniel Tracey Jean Snow-Haskell Ellen Watson WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS Maureen Kalbert Dareen Martin UPCOMING EVENTS Wednesday, December 24, 2014 December 24th is a full day. On that day, the Brockton Area Arc will hold its annual Holiday Party for all in attendance. The party will begin at lunchtime. Lunch will be provided which will include pizza slices, salad, diet drinks, water, and a fruit salad for dessert. Donations of fresh fruit for the salad are most welcome. There will be music for dancing in the afternoon. The party will conclude at the usual dismissal time. No gifts will be exchanged. Nonperishable food items will be collected instead of gifts. The food will be donated to the Charity Guild Food Pantry. The program will be closed on Thursday, December 25th for the Christmas holiday and Thursday, January 1st for New Year’s Day. Friday, January 23, 2015 2015 LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST The Brockton Area Arc will be collaborating with The Arc of the South Shore and same other agency partners to hold a Legislative Breakfast at Lombardo’s in Randolph. The breakfast will begin at 8 a.m. We plan to invite all of our local legislators. Please call Jay Lynch at 508-583-8030 x212 if you are interested in attending the breakfast. Saturday, May 16, 2015 Save the Date to join us for year five of “All Aboard The Arc!” Please watch for further details in the next issue of this newsletter and other notices to come. Also, feel free to DONATE at any time using the DONATE Button on our website: www.brocktonareaarc.org. PAGE 9 T HE ME S S E N G E R FA LL FAILL S S UI SES, UQEU ,A QRUTAERRTLEYRN L YE WS N ELWS E TLTEETRT E R ALL ABOARD THE Arc! ONE OF ONLY TWO FUNDRAISERS FOR THE BROCKTON AREA Arc. Please join us Saturday, May 16, 2015 This is a pledge fund and awareness raising event, with a local send off event followed by a journey to an outdoor rally in Boston uniting local communities across Massachusetts in celebration of our shared civil rights. The Brockton Area Arc is focusing all of its fundraising efforts on this major fundraiser. Instead of asking for donations for numerous fundraisers throughout the year, this will be the ONLY fundraiser we are asking you to support. We raised $72,000.00 in 2014 that significantly helped our Family Support Center. ANY AMOUNT YOU CAN DONATE IS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED. Use the form below or DONATE at any time using the DONATE Button on our website: www.brocktonareaarc.org. Fill out and return the following form to: Brockton Area Arc , 1250 West Chestnut Street, Brockton, MA 02301. Make Checks Payable to: Brockton Area Arc. All donations will be used to support the increasing needs of our Family Support Center and further the development of our CBDS Programming. APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP NEW MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL NAME: Street: City/Zip Telephone: Email: Membership Desired Individual Membership ……. $20.00 Supporting Membership …… $50.00 Sponsoring Membership……. $100.00 Life Membership ………...….. $200.00 Please forward application and check made payable to: Brockton Area Arc, 1250 West Chestnut Street, Brockton, MA 02301 Thank you for your support 1250 West Chestnut Street Brockton, MA 02301 U.S. Postage PAID Brockton, MA Permit No. 223 Non-profit Org.
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