The Real Friends Project is a partnership between The Arc of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services. We are pleased to announce that several mini-grants of up to $7,500 each will be provided for projects throughout the state. Go here to the Real Friends page and scroll down to the bottom of the page to learn more.

The Arc of Massachusetts announced the appointment of Barbara L’Italien as Director of Government Affairs at The Arc of Massachusetts. Ms. L’Italien previously served for 8 years in the Massachusetts House of Representatives and in the office of Treasurer Steve Grossman. With the addition of Ms. L’Italien, The Arc and Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts (AFAM) reaffirm their intention to collaborate and promote a progressive policy agenda for children and adults with autism.  Read more here.

On Saturday, April 27, the Charles River Center hosted a   health promotion day featuring exercises, zumba, music and health assessments.  Health promotion and fun were the order of the day!  A DJ and smoothies rounded out the activities. 

    Usually a week of celebration, vacations and major Marathon partying, everything came to a quick halt last Monday as explosions hurt over 100 people and caused three fatalities. The best in us came out as we mourned with those in grief and celebrated the lives of the fallen.                          

Health Meet off to a great start in Pittsfield with 24 self-advocates receiving health assessments yesterday night - thank you Berkshire Arc!      

Tomorrow The Arc Brockton hosts a day time session.  Still can use some more doctors, nurses and physicians to round out our volunteer team!  Go here to learn more.

Congressman Jim McGovern reached out to constituents in South Worcester this week and to The Arc, Center of Hope Foundation.   

Cindy Howard and Linda Cournoyer talked to the Congressman McGovern about speaking at this year's legislative breakfast in their region.  The date will be announced soon.

On Friday, March 22– Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary John

Polanowicz announced the appointment of Rosalie Edes as Assistant Secretary for the Office of Disability Policy and Programs. He stated that, “Rosalie is a well-respected leader who brings more than 30 years of experience in health and human services to this position.”  The Arc is pleased with the decision and welcomes Assistant Secretary Edes to her new role.  

Edes began her career as a practicing counseling psychologist and then transitioned into public policy & program implementation work in the area of disabilities when her youngest son, Andrew, was born with Down Syndrome over 25 years ago. She has a passion for enhancing disability services for all people.  Since 2009, Edes has served as deputy assistant secretary, working with the statewide Autism Commission, development of the community based Medicaid waiver programs and advanced family support initiatives.

In commenting on her recent appointment, Rosalie stated: “I consider myself truly fortunate to have the opportunity to work in partnership with families and individuals with disabilities, advocates, providers and the Administration to advance the Governor’s Community First agenda and the development of a network of quality services and supports that is responsive to peoples’ needs.”  (Picture -Sheri McCann, Rosalie Edes and Kathy Wilson at ADDP Conference)

Senator Warren visited members of the Disability Community hosted by ADDP in its Framingham offices.  Senator Karen Spilka, Reps. Tom Sannnicandro and Chris Walsh accompanied her.  She spent an hour with a mix of staff, self-advocates and family members.   The group was pleased to hear Sen. Warren state that she understood our concerns as someone who began her career as a special education teacher.  She also announced that her second committee assignment is the HELP committee- which handles health, education and labor and pensions, which is a key committee for The Arc and anyone concerned with disability issues. Sen. Ted Kennedy had served as chair of HELP.

Great Legislative session yesterday honoring Sen. Spilka and Rep. Bradley.  See more photos on this page! Over 300 attended along with Gov. Patrick, Speaker DeLeo and Majority Leader Rosenberg.  Hosted by The Arc Mass and Mass Developmental Disabilities Council.

Sen. Spilka w/Frank Sally, Sen. Rosenberg and artist Sean Cusack; Photo 2- Rep. Bradley with Speaker DeLeo, Julie Fitzpatrick and Sean Cusack.