Thank you for your interest in the Pathways to Friendship Community Bridging Mini Grants. As of September 20 at 5:00PM, the application process is now closed.
If you have applied, please await further instruction. Submit any questions to Katie Driscoll at Driscoll@arcmass.org or Rachel Hayward at RHayward@arcmass.org.
We have chemistry. We enjoy each other’s company. We trust, understand, respect, and appreciate each other. We like how we feel when we’re together. We are close even when we are apart. We look forward to being together. We commit over some time. We give to each other. We may not give in the same way, but what we give and what we receive is of great value to each of us.
Widening the Circle, which includes Pathways to Friendship, is a collaborative initiative on social inclusion between the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and The Arc of Massachusetts.
The Pathways collaboration explores the benefits of relationships between people with and without disabilities, and provides information about resources to help interested individuals, families and organizations engage in and sustain those relationships.
Our partner in collecting information is the Center for Developmental Disabilities Evaluation and Research (CDDER), part of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center at the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS). A report on two years of data can be accessed here.
These virtual meetings focus on furthering inclusion within organizations and communities. They are a forum to share best practices, to network, and to learn from short presentations. All are welcome to join! There are currently three Regional Inclusion Network Meetings.
Held the 2nd Wednesday of every other month from 10:00 – 11:30AM.
Meeting ID: 869 1467 2732
Passcode: 174902
2023 Dates:
Contact: Katie Driscoll at driscoll@arcmass.org
Held the 3rd Wednesday of every other month from 10:00 – 11:30AM.
Meeting ID: 811 4911 0266
Passcode: 908968
2023 Dates:
Contacts:
Phoebe Goodman at goodman@arcmass.org
Rachel Hayward at rhayward@arcmass.org
Held the 2nd Thursday of every other month from 10:00 – 11:30AM.
Meeting ID: 863 9773 7679
Passcode: 626290
2023 Dates:
Contacts:
Meg Gaydos at meggaydos7@gmail.com
Rachel Hayward at rhayward@arcmass.org
Warren and Velvet: Like Peanut Butter and Jelly
Warren and Velvet have been friends for over 20 years. They have weathered life’s ups and downs together and have developed a bond deeper than friendship…they are family.
Jonathan and Joy: Friends Reconnected
Jonathan and Joy have known each other since the third grade. When they lost touch, Jonathan did not give up on their friendship!
Uly and Rachel: Friends in Advocacy and in Life
Uly and Rachel started as co-workers, but they bonded over their passion for advocacy work and ice cream, and became good friends!
Norma Y Phoebe: De Personal Y Cliente A Amigas
Norma y Phoebe comenzaron como personal y cliente, pero con el paso de los años, su relación se convirtió en una hermosa amistad.
Norma and Phoebe: From Staff and Client to Friends
Norma and Phoebe started off as staff and client, but over the years their relationship grew into a beautiful friendship!
Mark and Jack: From Fans to Friends
Mark and Jack’s friendship started from a mutual love of the Red Sox and Fenway Park and has grown from there!
Janine and Allison: Best Buddies to Great Friends
Janine and Allison were matched through a Best Buddies program at Stonehill College. Their relationship far outlasted their college years, and they have grown from buddies into wonderful friends!
Sam and Jerry: The Thrill of Friendship
Sam was 8 and Jerry was 14 when they paired up at Loon Mountain. They ended up skiing together for the rest of the day, and for the next twenty years!
Daniel and Korynn: Best Friends Forever
High schoolers Daniel and Korynn share a love of music, sports, and selfies. Their friendship endured throughout the pandemic and remains strong as they plan for life after graduation.
The Pathways to Friendship team and partners have chronicled incredible stories of inclusion and modeled examples for you to learn from. All of this and more can be found in the on demand Video Library.
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