Linda Cournoyer
For Leadership in Advocacy and in The Arc
Linda Cournoyer has been a relentless advocate throughout the decades not only in her area but on statewide issues. Linda has championed specific issues and one of them has been dental treatment. Linda has motivated families and individuals to be involved, in addition to developing strong relationships with legislators. Working with Cindy Howard and others she has made the annual breakfast in South Worcester and South Valley a special event. For all you do as an advocate, a mother, a friend, a staff person and volunteer, Congratulations on Leadership in Advocacy and in The Arc!
The Arc of South Worcester County
For Outstanding Support of The Arc through Leadership and Advocacy
What is The Arc of South Worcester County, Center of Hope? Is it a respected provider, a strong advocate, a community builder, an agency that tries to build hope between the cracks of government programs or an entrepreneur? Well it’s all those things while being an affiliate of The Arc. It has demonstrated leadership in its statewide and regional advocacy, support of self advocates, development of entrepreneurial programs and its connections to business and community organizations. With all of that, it also has been generous to The Arc during these tough times and made a long term commitment to building the brand. Congratulations for your Outstanding Support of The Arc through Leadership and Advocacy.
Deb Wood
For Leadership in Advocacy
During the extended crisis we have lived through – has it been 2 years already? Deb Wood has been there with a team of staff, families and volunteers that have shown up at the vigil, at local efforts, reaching out to legislators and doing whatever it takes. The individuals connected to the family and autism support centers have been especially engaged during this crisis and we have witness the rise of articulate leaders. This is what The Arc is about. Finally Deb was a key organizer in the “Walk in your Shoes” day at the State House and the picture of the shoes at the state house continues through the post cards. Deb, you have brought together individuals to speak with one voice. you have shown leadership for organizing area legislative and state house events, congratulations for Leadership in Advocacy
Bay Cove Human Services
For Sustained Support of The Arc of Massachusetts
Bay Cove was the first organization to become a champion sponsor over 10 years ago and you have supported statewide advocacy at a leadership level ever since. Bay Cove also has made a commitment to advocacy by hiring a director who has developed an action center, sends email alerts, outreaches to neighborhoods when siting of homes is taking place and educates agency staff, consumers and volunteers on key policy goals. Bay Cove also has taken risks in developing services realizing that you can’t stay in one place but need to adapt as the world evolves. This has included researching and developing new solutions for individuals with complex medical needs and offering supports that are options consistent with self determination. Bay Cove we recognize you for your leadership and Sustained Support of The Arc of Massachusetts.
Jerry McCarthy
Joseph Andrade Award for Leadership
We are glad to recognize Jerry McCarthy as the second recipient of the Joseph Andrade award for Leadership. Joseph Andrade (who is with us today), is of course a legend to The Arc. He served twice as President of the Board of Directors. And for 20 years maybe more, he served as the chief fiscal officer of The Arc of Massachusetts on a volunteer basis. Joe knows policy, numbers and programs. We established this award to recognize staff and volunteers that not only do something profound in our field but also further The Arc’s ability as a statewide leader in advocacy. Don Stewart, past President was our first recipient.
Over the course of Jerry’s career he has shown a commitment to advancing the welfare of people with intellectual and other disabilities, promotion of disability of rights and facilitating a strong connection to the North Shore communities. Across 4 decades in the field he has evidenced leadership across a broad range of areas.
Two examples reflect program development and disability rights – North Shore now Northeast was an early developer of PCA (personal attendant) services. He didn’t just become a PCA provider. Jerry and his team reached out to Ed Roberts, Judy Heumann and connected with the World Institute on Disability. As someone aware of & involved in the advocacy to provide the right to PCA to those with intellectual disabilities (not allowed prior to 1990s!), Jerry made sure his staff was involved in leadership meetings led by The Arc and Disability Law Center when the administration dragged its feet on regulation and policy changes. The agency supported the marches and public protests. As a result by 1992, regulations were being implemented which would finally open the doors to the people of all disabilities to the PCA program.
Today the PCA program with other MassHealth programs is critical to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Another example, with a gifted team, building medical supports capacity became a high priority. Jerry saw the aging of those being served at his agency and problems getting quality care. He encouraged his team to solve that problem. They researched Medicare and Medicaid regulations and found ways to reimburse physicians for collateral contacts and other needs of their common clients. As a result, they developed an effective program that is now being shared with other organizations and persons are receiving the quality health care they need and deserve.
Finally Jerry’s participation in community first has been consistent throughout the decades. He participated in getting language established for the Belchertown state school closing. Three years ago, he set up a meeting that included The Arc and Disability Law Center to brief Cong. Tierney on a federal bill that would have impeded deinstitutionalization. The congressman was being pushed by constituents to cosponsor the bill which was filed by Barney Frank. Two years ago he was a key presenter at a meeting with Gov’s counsel sharing how he served people with complex medical and other needs who had left the institution. The Counsel was moved; two weeks later, the Governor promulgated Community First.
For those and other reasons we are pleased to honor you with the Joseph Andrade Award for Leadership.
A large and enthusiastic crowd gathered at the National Heritage Museum in Lexington on April 15 to celebrate the talents of a group of artists drawn primarily from the disability community.
The event, which included a silent auction and a live auction, not only raised funds for The Arc of Massachusetts but also brought attention to the diverse artistic achievements of people with disabilities. Paintings, drawings, ceramics, photography and jewelry were among the works of art on display.
They were complemented by artwork donated by several professional artists. A number of non-art items were also included in the auction, ranging from vacation getaways and sports memorabilia to gift certificates for area restaurants and retail businesses.
Following the silent auction, guest auctioneer Hank Morse (WKLB Radio 102.5) brought humor to a fast-paced live auction in which members of the audience bid on such items as one-week stays at an English country home, Cape Cod, and St. Simons Island, Red Sox and Celtics tickets, and outstanding works of art.
Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed cocktails and dinner as they toured the museum and viewed the art. Delicious hors d’oeuvres were provided by Trader Joe’s of Arlington, which was honored with a Community Partner Award from The Arc of Massachusetts. Sixteen-year-old Melissa Sullivan, who had entertained audiences at previous Arc of Massachusetts events, was back again with her original piano compositions. Another highlight was a performance by singer Mary Ann Ziegler, who delighted the audience with songs ranging from selections from “The Sound of Music” to the hymn “Amazing Grace.”