Annual Legislative Breakfast: Mary Heafy, CEO/President of Alliance for Resource Management; Ann Berube, Family Advocate; Lewis Evangelidis.

Barbara S. has been involved with Alliance for Resource Management for more than 30 years. She receives vocational services through ARC Community Services and residential supports through Matson Community Services. She has long been a self-advocate and believes it is her responsibility to make her voice heard on behalf of herself and others with disabilities. Barbara recently mailed the following letter to the eight area newspapers.
When asked why it was important to her to speak out about banning the “R Word” Barbara stated, “I have been here for …

As I was preparing Shelly’s annual evaluation, it became quite apparent that she has gone above and beyond the call of duty this past year.  Shelly was a major support to an individual as he battled Leukemia and all the medical procedures he had to deal with including chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant.  Shelly provided overnight hospice so he wouldn’t be alone in his time of need and to give his home care provider much needed respite.  Shelly has dealt with several other tough situations involving individuals …

When Jennifer Peck began working as Director of Development for Alliance for Resource Management, she was stepping into uncharted waters.  The position had been vacant for nearly 6 months and the scope of responsibilities had been expanded. 
Jennifer came to us from another Arc where she performed similar responsibilities to those she performs in her position here but on a much smaller scale.  Yet I knew she was the right person for the position.  Jennifer brings determination and energy to her role.
Jennifer has assumed responsibility for the day-to-day management …

Cheryl exemplifies the teamwork we all talk about as being so important to the needs of this agency.  She has a can-do attitude and is willing to jump in to help any individual, staff, or program that might benefit from her assistance.  While setting a high standard of excellence for her own work performance, she always finds time and energy to go beyond the requirements of her job description to make things better for someone else.
As a recent case in point, our Family Support Division has long done …

I am proud to nominate Fred Boateng from the Brooks Street Residential house as Employee of the Month for December.
Fred is a quiet man who always wears a warm smile and whose actions speak louder than words.  Fred does an excellent job with his daily routine including assuring that the individuals are well cared for and that the house has the warmth of a home.   He faithfully comes to work early and is eager to help the program wherever is needed.  Fred has a great rapport with both …

We would like to nominate our supervisor, Linda St.Jean for Employee of the month.

Linda has demonstrated her dedication to the people that we support with her “whatever it takes” attitude. She has, on many occasions, taken work home to prep for individuals to use during the day.

Especially over the last several months she should be commended for her leadership, guidance and support of her staff. Because of the renovations of Level 2 work area and the unreliability of the elevator the vocational department has been through many transitions. …

 In July, I was asked to oversee a program in Pepperell that had a vacant Program Director position. One of my first tasks was to recruit staff to work in Pepperell.  After reviewing the list of potential relief staff, I decided to ask Daniel if he could cover just one shift. I remember Daniel saying, “Where is Pepperell?”  I assured him that I would meet him at a familiar location and show him the way to Pepperell.  For Daniel, this ride is over one hour long.  He agreed …

 In July, I was asked to oversee a program in Pepperell that was down a Program Director. With staff shortages, I began to brainstorm with my colleague Sue Gallant about whom I could “recruit” to work in Pepperell. Her exact words were, “I have a great guy who lives 5 minutes from the program but he is currently working in another program that he loves and the ladies in the home just adore him”. I made the call and in two days, he was in Pepperell as a …

All three Program Directors at Supported Community Living (SCL) would like to nominate Vicki Briggs, SCL Division Director, as Employee of the Month.  Vicki is always available to us when she is needed. She keeps us informed and on task. She is very supportive of us through all our ups and downs.  When the licensing and certification review was approaching, she held regular meeting meetings throughout the year so that we were fully prepared for the review.  We are kept aware of all program timelines and Vicki always …

Mandy has worked in the Day-Habilitation program for four years.  Her skills as a case manager have grown immensely since her arrival to the agency.  Mandy has a developed a great rapport with all the individuals in her program, especially those on her caseload.  In addition to this, Mandy stands out by the way she interacts with a particular individual that presents very challenging behaviors at times that many staff often struggle with how to help him.  Mandy demonstrates an abundance of patience with this individual and offers …

On August 24th, Aleidy repeatedly stepped up to help out the people attending the Elder Services program.  Early in the morning, we had a fire drill, which can be a challenge at times.  As the group was evacuating, Aleidy came in to our room to check for anyone who may have needed help.  After the fire drill, staff asled Aleidy to help an individual with a two-person assist and she gladly stepped in to help.  Throughout the day, the same individual repeatedly needed help and Aleidy freely came …

May 2010:
Deb started working in our Day Habilitation program in October 2009. She has a great sense of humor and boundless energy.  Deb has the amazing skill of drawing the best qualities out of each person.  Deb can always be found in the hallway encouraging individuals to participate in PT even when they really do not want to do so.  By the conclusion of an exercise session, the individual has succeeded in working on the exercises that they needed and had fun doing so.  She can take ordinary …

I would like to nominate Dodi Harju as a candidate for Employee of the Month. The reason for the nomination is that even though I have only had limited interaction with Dodi, each and every one I have had with her so her has been positive. Dodi was very helpful in a change of vacation time usage for one of my staff that was submitted incorrectly. She has a “no problem” attitude about helping us fix the problem. Specifically, however, I am nominating her …

Dawn Long has worked in the ARC Day Habilitation Program for over five years and has become a very valuable member of our team.  Dawn is organized, creative, and has great relationships with individuals and staff as well.  Dawn is proactive when it comes to finding activities and trips for the individuals to participate in.  Recently, other staff members have recognized Dawn for her helpfulness during bussing time, which everyone here knows can be quite a challenge.  Dawn covered outside bussing …

We are nominating Rhea Anderson as employee of the month. Rhea is always at work, most times extra early. Besides answering the phone, she helps with all sorts of things including greeting visitors, resolving issues with the copier and fax, and keeping the coffee pot going. There is not a day that goes by that Rhea is not asked to do something that falls into the category of “other duties as assigned” in her job description. She has been asked to set up Blackberries, …

When I think of the Lindell Ave Community Garden, I can’t help but realize the true community connections we have made. As written in our mission statement, “To create lifetime opportunities for persons with disabilities to reach their fullest potential”, I feel that through being an integral part of our community we learn so much about all that is needed to experience lifetime opportunities.
The involvement came about through the relationship we have with The Boys and Girls Club of North Central Massachusetts in Leominster, MA on the grounds …

Employment Resources is a vocational program designed to assist individuals in becoming successful in competitive employment.
As all situations are unique, the Employment Specialists are trained to adapt and think creatively to assist an individual in the work place. In some instances, support may only be needed for a week or two. At other times, it may take a few months of support to help the individual reach a satisfactory level of independence.
Heather has been working at Employment Resources for the past five years. During this …

Nothing says spring quite like flowers and there is no better way to get flowers than by having them delivered each week by participants in Arc Community Service’s Supportive Community Options (SCOP) Day Program. Yes, the Flower Delivery business is back and in full swing.
Individuals in the SCOP program are involved in a variety of work and leisure experiences each day. One of the most popular activities is the operation of the program’s Flower Business, operated by the individuals with assistance from staff as needed.  Each Tuesday morning, …

     Anyone with a television set has become aware of the fact that television icon and business mogul Oprah Winfrey has recently discovered –and announced- that she has a long lost sister of which she had been sheltered.  As a very influential person, it has been reported that she regularly has contact from estranged family members, sometimes real and sometimes hopeful, that profess their family lineage.  Many want to be associated with her because they think she is probably a swell gal, but many also are just in …

Artistic Chair Auction a success, view and bid on chairs still available!

In the hustle and bustle of the Holiday season, it seems the simplest activities are what really count. As businesses wind down their production for their year-end inventories, we find ourselves winding down in production for a few short weeks. Perhaps it is no accident that this happens, as it provides staff and individuals a wonderful opportunity to connect in a different element.
Who doesn’t love fresh evergreens in a centerpiece on their holiday table? The smell on fresh pine brings the richness of the season inside. So with …

Twenty-five things that the individuals and staff in day services are thankful for:

1.  I am thankful for my turtles (Brenda)
2.  I am thankful for God (Anna)
3.  Family (Cathy)
4.  I am thankful for people who care about me
5.  Mary (Carl)
6.  Dance and Music (Lesley)
7.  I am thank for turkey (Tony)
8.  Family and Friends (Charleen)
9.  I am thankful for my brothers (Janet)
10.  I am thankful for Friendly’s (Alice)
11.  My health (Evy)
12.  Visits from pets
13.  I am thankful for my family, my co-workers, my job and my health (Darla)
14.  Having a …

            Whew and Wow! Those were my first reactions upon return from Arc’s trip to Washington and New York. The “whew” was being tired and amazed at how MUCH ground we covered in just 5 days and the “wow” was being awed and amazed at many exciting things we got to see on our whirlwind trip to two of our country’s greatest cities. Forty folks (28 individuals, 9 chaperones and 3 family members) had the experience of a lifetime seeing sites we normally only get to see on …

Over the past ten months, I had the opportunity to help oversee one of the residential homes in Worcester. At the time one of the women from the home, Karen, was in the Autumn Village Nursing Home in Worcester. Due to new medical conditions and the length of time that Karen had stayed in the nursing home, approximately four months, Karen was at only 20% of her baseline level of function.
One of the obstacles preventing Karen from returning home was the location of her bedroom. Christine Lowe, Director …

What do you do with 5000 boxes of Girl Scout cookies? Well at the Arc, after receiving such a generous donation, you give them out to the community in many ways. Our CEO Mary Heafy asked us how we were going to do this. In the day programs, we were able to have the individuals who receive services during the day help to give back. We frequented many community resources that typically support us throughout the year. 
Individuals showed up at Ginny’s Food Pantry with a delivery of approximately …

The day started as an overcast day in May, a day that began with a full staff meeting at 7:30AM. With all my co-workers assembled and the important meeting “stuff” out of the way, it was time for the drawing of two Red Sox tickets for that night’s game against the LA Angels. Amazingly enough, even in this weak economy, a generous co-worker donated two tickets she couldn’t use to bring a little happiness to one of us. To my surprise, I won the pair of tickets! My …

Read about Jim’s experiences with Matson Community Services, and his extraordinary journey in pursuit of his dream!

For the past few years, ARC-Matson has conducted sensitivity training entitled “Walk in My Shoes.” It is for current staff and new hires. I’ve been a part of the team of trainers for the past year and take great pride in the training.
The first part of the day discusses the history of care of people with disabilities. It discusses different ideologies of care, including institutional care, medical modeling,  and person centered planning. New hires practice exercises concerning traditional stereotypes and stigmas associated with the population we serve. We …

Our agency has always been noted for its perseverance and “does what it takes” attitude. These values were put to the test on December 11, 2008 when the infamous ice storm hit. It knocked out power, made many roads impassable, and in most cases, there was simply no communication with each other or anyone else. Words like devastation and destruction were used to describe the aftermath. As many know through experience, or may have heard through someone else, this was particularly challenging for most folks who could, under …

Larry was able to go on his first vacation this past summer with the assistance of SCL case management. His case manager helped him apply for and move into subsidized housing. Moving into his new apartment enabled him to save enough money for his dream vacation.
Larry chose to go to Cape Cod because of his love of the ocean, fishing and seafood. He liked the atmosphere of his motel in Dennis Port and being on the water. He took pleasure in sitting by the …

What is the new 990 all about? It seems daunting with pages and pages of questions. Who is going to read all that stuff anyway?
It is an attempt to make non-profits more transparent and give donors and the public assurance that their donations are being well spent in the manner that the donors expected.
All non-profits have to complete the basic 990 document. The first page is identifying information, some statistical data and a brief financial summary of the last 2 years. The second page …

Sixty years ago, the standard medical advice when a family gave birth to a child with a significant disability was to place the baby in an institution, forget about the child, and go on to have other children.  Although this was standard medical advice that many families followed, others rejected the advice and gathered together to form a new organization so they could support each other as they discovered how to raise their children with disabilities in the community as well-loved members of the family.  The organization that …

On September 16, The Arc of Massachusetts presented Andrea Thibaudeau with a Massachusetts Distinguished Citizen Award at the State House. The Distinguished Citizen Awards were created to recognize some of the many individuals and organizations in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that make an enormous difference in the lives of people of all ages with cognitive and developmental disabilities and their families.
Ms. Thibaudeau grew up in Ashby and currently resides in Leominster.  She is a 29- year-old woman with Down Syndrome who has never let her diagnosis prevent her …

Take a look at our available capital campaign naming opportunities

Mary Heafy, President/CEO of Alliance for Resource Management invited Donna Boucher, DDS Area Director, to speak at the Rotary Club meeting. Mary introduced Donna recognizing her lifelong commitment to individuals with disabilities and noting her long-term connection with The Alliance. Donna’s very first job out of college was working for The Alliance as part of Matson Community Services.
Donna explained that the area office of the Department of Developmental Services serves 27 local cities and towns servicing children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Statewide …

The 57th annual Albert J. Pirone Memorial Fishing Derby and Cookout sponsored by the Ayer Sportsmen’s Club was held Saturday June 1st, and it’s fair to say that a great time was had by all.
About 110 individuals, family members, staff and providers gathered at the water at the Sportsmen’s Club about noon on a perfectly beautiful Saturday afternoon. The sun was shining brightly, the temperature was perfect in the mid 70’s, the grounds were lovely…we couldn’t have asked for a more perfect setting. Members of the Sportsmen’s Club, …

     On a beautiful sunny day, sixteen travelers met at the Arc parking lot to enjoy a wonderful weekend away. Our three chaperones and one parent escorted twelve very excited participants to the vans to begin our ride. Almost everyone was sporting Red Sox gear of some sort – hats, t-shirts, pins – you name it, someone was wearing it. The mood in the van was high and many choruses of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” were sung.
     Our first stop was at Wright’s Chicken farm where …

Going on our annual trip to Cape Cod was both familiar and different this year. Though we returned to the Irish Village, the hotel itself had moved since our last visit. Even though the rooms, pool and dining room were different – bigger and better – what remained the same was the warm and friendly staff who greeted us like old friends.
We arrived at the Cape Saturday morning; it was cool but clear and sunny. After a delicious lunch, we headed off to the beach to see the …

What a party! Last Saturday 42 children and families gathered for Arc’s annual children’s Christmas party and party they did.
The children arrived, many in holiday finery, and all very excited to be coming together, to see old friends and make new ones, participate in some holiday activities, share a snack, receive a gift and most of all, to see Santa Claus in person.
After enjoying coloring holiday pictures, the children had their choice of five craft tables to visit. As some children made foam creations, others decorated beautiful pine …

Fun! Stupendous! Exciting! Wonderful! A blast! Can’t wait to go again next year!
 These were the comments made by folks who participated in this year’s Arc Recreation overnight trip to the White Mountains in New Hampshire. This annual weekend is an eagerly awaited highlight of the summer for many folks. A combination of mostly repeat vacationers and a couple of new folks joined us on this fun-filled weekend.
 The day started a little cloudy with a prediction of thunderstorms so some people were concerned if they’d be able to swim …

Despite some initial reluctance and anxiety about the idea of “roughing it”, thirteen individuals and five chaperones set out to go “luxury camping” overnight the last weekend in August.  We met on a bright Saturday morning to head to Camp Waban in Sanford, Maine. What a wonderful time we had!
We arrived at the camp just before lunch. Our first impression was favorable and it only got better. We unloaded into our cabins – complete with bunk beds, lights, fans, a refrigerator, 2 bathrooms and a washer & dryer …

Last Saturday dawned bright, sunny and warm. Thirteen individuals, one young man and his Mom, and four chaperones gathered at the ARC Community Services parking lot to head to Maine. After greeting old friends and meeting new traveling companions, everyone piled into the vans in high spirits to spend a fun weekend together. 
After a ride filled with conversation and songs, we arrived at Scarborough Downs Racetrack. For many folks, this was their first experience with harness racing. Jenn L. intently watched the TV monitor, the race board and …

March 27-28, 2010
We just returned from our annual trip to the Irish Village in Falmouth, MA on beautiful Cape Cod. Though it was a bit chilly, our first stop was the beach where we gathered shells and tried to keep the wind from blowing our hats off. Despite the cool temperatures, it was great to be by the ocean again. I can’t imagine why but no one wanted to swim in the ocean. NOT! BURR.
After checking into our hotel, we changed into our bathing suits and enjoyed the …

On May 20, 2010, ARC Community Services Recreational Program, celebrated our Annual Sports Award Night. On this evening, we honor all the participants of our sports program – Special Olympians, members of our ARC bowling and miniature golf leagues along with the coaches, assistant coaches, partners and scorekeepers who make the sports program possible.
Coaches from each of our 26 teams select a Most Spirited athlete from their team. This is not necessarily for the best player on the team, but one who is eager, enthusiastic, loves the game, …