Annual Legislative Breakfast

On June 3, 2010, The Southern Worcester County Arc (Center of Hope), the South Valley DDS Advisory Board and the Central Massachusetts Providers Confederation hosted their Annual Legislative Breakfast at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester.  Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick was the Special Guest.

Our own Ann Berube of Westminster was honored as the “Family Advocate of the Year” as the consummate advocate for not only her children but for the children in many other families as well.  Mary Heafy, President/CEO of Arc Community Services and Matson Community Services offered the following words taken from Ann’s nomination:

“Ann chairs the Ashburnham-Westminster Parent Advisory Committee.  In that role, she coordinates trainings for parents and serves as a resource person and mentor to them.  She is an active member and treasurer of Central Mass Families Organizing for Change.  Ann graduated from their leadership series.  Knowing how much she benefited from the series, Ann took her responsibility to the next level and is now part of the planning committee for the series so that she can continue to support other parents on the journey of raising a child with special needs to become a full and valued member of their community.  Ann not only takes advantage of all offered trainings, she goes on to share her knowledge and expertise with other families.  Ann sits on the DDS Family Advisory Committee and in that capacity serves as a liaison to DDS for families’ concerns.  Ann has worked tirelessly in mobilizing families to make their voices heard in the legislative budget process.  Finally, Ann not only supports parents to become effective advocates, she also works with individual to help them become advocates through Arc Community Services Self-Advocates group.”

State Representative Lew Evangilitis presented Ann with a citation from the House of Representatives honoring her service and commitment.

Congratulations and thank you, Ann!