60 Honorees

For 60 Years

Spotlight Honorees – Stewards – Public Officials – Corp., Foundations, Agencies – Families & Volunteers – Chapters

Spotlight Honorees

Read about all our Honorees:

: As a Nurse Practitioner and a leader in the field of nursing and health sciences education, Janet has been engaged for decades in advocating for greater support and health care access for people with disabilities as well as for the elderly. Now Assistant Dean of the Graduate Nursing Programs at Northeastern University’s Bouve College of Health Sciences, she continues to inspire her students to focus on the long-term needs of those who face ongoing healthcare disparities. Janet served on the Board of The Arc of Massachusetts from 2004 to 2010 and began another term in 2014. She also served on The Arc’s Healthcare Committee, which oversaw the publication of the landmark study Left Out in the Cold: Health Care Experiences of Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Massachusetts (2008). In her former role as Director of the Family Nurse Practitioner program at Simmons College, she advocated for the collaboration with The Arc in setting up Operation House Call to include nursing, nutrition and physical therapy students. Her vision for The Arc is to increase the involvement of young families just beginning their journey and to continue to be a strong force in advocating for accessible, high quality healthcare for those we serve. Janet and her husband Art have two daughters, Michelle and Lauren. Lauren is 24 and loves her peers and loving staff at The Arc of South Norfolk day program. She continues to inspire her Mom with her resilience, patience and love for life.

: Michael J. Borr is Chairman of the Executive Committee of Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts (AFAM), a nonprofit organization founded in 2004 to champion the individual and civil rights of people of all ages affected by an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). AFAM is dedicated to improving and expanding the funding and resources for Massachusetts residents with an ASD, by educating and informing legislators and policy-makers and by generating greater awareness and mobilizing public support. Since its founding, AFAM has been hosted by The Arc of Massachusetts and the two organizations have collaborated to advocate for legislation and regulations affecting the lives of people with disabilities. Michael and his wife, Nancy, have two grown sons, Eric and Jonathan. Jonathan is on the autism spectrum and currently resides in a group home operated by AMEGO. Both Michael and Nancy were founding members of the Family Autism Center at The Arc of South Norfolk, where Nancy is a program assistant and Michael is a member of the Center’s steering committee. ”The Arc has been a vital partner in advocacy on behalf of the autism community,” says Michael, “and we look forward to many more years of collaboration.”

: Attorney Neil McKittrick, a shareholder in the Boston Office of Ogletree Deakins, has represented persons with developmental disabilities in several significant lawsuits. The most prominent of these is Boulet v. Cellucci, a class action filed in federal court in 1999 on behalf of approximately 3,000 adults with developmental disabilities. The Court ruled that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts had violated the Medicaid Act by placing class members on a waiting list for services. The Commonwealth subsequently agreed to settle the case in 2001 by providing $114 million worth of services to the class members over a five-year period. Neil served as the Class Monitor to ensure that the Commonwealth complied with its obligations under the agreement. This involved interactions with the Massachusetts Legislature from 2002 through 2006 to ensure that all of the agreed-upon funds were appropriated as required by the settlement agreement, and assistance to various class members and their families. Neil has also filed amicus curiae (“friend of the court”) briefs in the U.S. Supreme Court in other leading disability rights cases, including Olmstead v. L.C., a landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) case, on behalf of two women with development disabilities committed to an institution in Georgia against their will, and PGA Tour v. Casey Martin, an ADA case involving a professional golfer’s request to use a golf cart during PGA golf tournaments as an accommodation for his physical disability. As a result of his pro bono work, Neil received the 2001 American Bar Association Pro Bono Publico Award and the 2001 Massachusetts Bar Association Access to Justice Pro Bono Publico Award.

: People sometimes ask how I came to be interested in helping the disabled, and I have a single answer. It happened the day I was born. My oldest brother, Jack, was challenged with an intellectual disability. In the 1930s, when he was born, it was common for persons with his disability to be committed to institutional care. Our mother would have none of that. Jack was her son, and he was to be with his family in her home. He was a gift and a blessing to his brothers and sisters. He opened our eyes and our hearts to the needs of the disabled. In Jack’s special way, he was our teacher – and we learned the lesson. James Brett initially became a supporter of The Arc when he was first elected as a State Representative from Dorchester in 1981. As an admirer of The Arc’s advocacy work for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, he learned from his colleagues that The Arc was very well respected for their data, research and advocacy. Jim recently served as the Chairman of The President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities and continues to serve as a member, as well as serving as Chairman of the Governor’s Commission on Intellectual Disability. He has continued to be a tireless advocate for the physically and mentally challenged. In 2014 he was awarded the John “Jack” Brett Champion’s Award from Special Olympics Massachusetts and was inducted into the Special Olympics Massachusetts Hall of Fame. Also in 2014, the Disability Law Center bestowed upon him the Edward M. Kennedy Leadership Award. In 2013, the University of Massachusetts Boston established the James T. Brett Chair in Disability and Workforce Development, the nation’s only endowed chair in disability and workforce development. In 1996, Bay Cove Human Services of Boston named a new community home for disabled adults “Brett House” in his honor. “The Arc has made great progress over the past six decades,” he says, “but so much more needs to be done. I am proud to stand with The Arc in making a difference for our special friends.”

: Ed and Jim have worked together at Ropes & Gray, LLP for the last 34 years. Jim has been involved with The Arc since 1990, after his middle child, Andrew, was born with Down syndrome. Shortly after birth, Andrew started receiving services from the early intervention program at The Arc of the South Shore. In 1991, Jim joined its board of directors and continued to serve for more than 20 years, with two terms as board president, during which he helped initiate a capital campaign drive and started a community-based inclusive recreational program to facilitate increased awareness and inclusion. He also served 4 years on the board of directors of The Arc of Massachusetts and initiated the capital campaign efforts for its new headquarters. Inclusion, advocacy and increasing awareness have always been a priority with Jim and his family. Ed has had a passion for helping and advocating for individuals with intellectual disabilities. As an estate planning attorney and trustee, he has worked with Jim to secure many grants, gifts and bequests over the years. The largest gift was for $1,000,000 which was used to support existing and new advocacy programs through The Arc’s network in Massachusetts. He has also helped with the current capital campaign and has generated over $110,000 for this project.

: John and Susan Nadworny are longtime supporters of The Arc of Massachusetts because they believe the people behind the organization understand what it takes for every individual to thrive and flourish, no matter what life challenges they may face. Their relationship with The Arc began 24 years ago, with the birth of their son, James. After much research, John concluded The Arc reflected their commitment to helping James live a life full of joy and possibility. As chairperson of Massachusetts Families Organizing for Change (MFOFC), Susan has also collaborated with The Arc on advancing promising, positive policies for individuals with ID/DD. John and his business partner, Cynthia Haddad, have also written a book, The Special Needs Planning Guide, which assists families all over the state with long-term planning. Susan is a Gunnar Dybwad awardee, and president-elect of the Melrose Rotary Club. John has served on the Governor’s Commission on Intellectual Disabilities, the MDSC board and the Real Lives committee. Together they are dedicated to working with The Arc to continue to raise the bar for those they support and they love.

: Fred Misilo has been involved with The Arc both nationally and in Massachusetts for many years. As an attorney, he is Chair of the Trust and Estate Department and the Special Needs Planning and Advocacy Practice Group at FletcherTilton, PC. A former Deputy Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (1991-1994), he is a past President of The Arc of Massachusetts (2008-2010) and a member of the Board of Directors of The Arc of Cape Cod. He currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of The Arc of the United States and co-chairs its Public Policy Committee. Both personally and professionally, Fred Misilo has been a compassionate advisor to families and a dedicated advocate on Beacon Hill and Capitol Hill on behalf of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). He dates his involvement to his college days when he had a summer job as a live-in camp counselor at an inclusive camp run by the Boy Scouts in cooperation with The Arc in Worcester. “That experience had a great influence on me,” he says, “because it exemplifies what The Arc does best: working with families to support the integration of their loved ones with I/DD into the larger community.”

: The Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council has maintained a collaboration with The Arc of Massachusetts since the DD Council was created in 1971. Our true partnership began in 1979 with the co-hosting of a legislative reception at the State House. The success of that event encouraged us to continue holding an annual event, and our 37th State House reception was held in March 2015! Over the years we have partnered on dozens of key policy and budget initiatives in many areas, including supporting Massachusetts Families Organizing for Change and Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong, the Tools for Tomorrow project, housing and education initiatives, systems change grants, self-directed supports and numerous funding priorities. Our recent successes include the establishment and support of the MA21 partnership for 21st century disability policy, which has led to the passage of the Real Lives bill, establishing the foundation for person-centered planning.

: We are pleased to recognize State Street Corporation for its substantial support of The Arc of Massachusetts over a number of years. Boston-based State Street is one of the world’s leading providers of financial services to institutional investors. The company provides investment servicing and management, trading and research, and data and analytics solutions to institutional clients around the globe, including asset managers, pension plans, insurance companies, sovereign wealth funds and foundations. Founded in 1792, State Street has 30,000 employees and operates in 29 countries. State Street takes great pride in contributing to the health and stability of the communities in which it operates, with a particular emphasis on education and workforce development. The company is a good friend and supporter of The Arc of Massachusetts, as is State Street Executive Vice President Tracy Atkinson, who serves on our Board of Directors.

: Tracy Atkinson serves as Vice President of The Arc of Massachusetts’ Board of Directors. Since joining the board in 2009, Tracy has been a generous contributor and provided thoughtful leadership on organizational development. Through her participation, State Street has been one of the leading donors of The Arc for the past five years, strengthening our advocacy on behalf of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Tracy’s commitment to The Arc’s mission comes from a personal perspective which she shares with her husband, John. Upon joining The Arc she noted that she had “visited what I consider substandard classrooms where children like my son, Michael, are placed, and wished I could help the families of these children know they can and should expect more. I know there are more challenges that lie ahead for us as Michael moves into adulthood. It is important to me to help create the kind of future that I want for Michael and others with intellectual disabilities. I am thankful for the tremendous work that The Arc does, advocating for housing, employment and social opportunities for individuals like Michael.” Tracy and John live in Boston (revised town). In addition to Michael, they have a daughter, Patty, who is in college.

(select photo above to read more about each spotlight honoree)

Stewards

Joseph Andrade embodies the concept of service to The Arc, having been president of The Arc of Massachusetts and its volunteer financial officer for 15 years. Joe provided time, treasure and talent for decades and served as President for two terms.

Angela and Dan * Becker have been generous supporters of The Arc for decades and recent leadership capital donor. Dan’s marketing background was critical in legislative advocacy for Turning 22 and other needed services.

For decades Ronald Campbell has been a generous donor and part of the Leaders & Founders Society. His support was especially helpful during the Waiting List Campaign.

Vibeke and Gustav Christensen have generously supported The Arc’s advocacy for decades and are original members of the Leaders & Founders Society. Vibeke served two terms on The Arc’s Board of Directors, and was a key member of the organization’s 50^th Anniversary Gala and Government Affairs Committees.

Mark Forziati can trace his connection to The Arc to his love of basketball. He sponsored high school teams to participate in The Arc’s Play on the Parquet tournaments and generously supported The Arc for over a decade.

Donald and Ruth Freedman have both been involved with The Arc for many years, and were founding members of the Leaders & Founders Society. Don’s expertise as an attorney and Ruth’s as a social worker advanced The Arc’s advocacy as well. Ruth co-authored The Arc’s landmark study of health care experiences of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Richard and Edith Frye have been devoted supporters of the disability community since the 1960s, through their service to both The Arc of the South Shore and The Arc of Massachusetts. Their generosity is demonstrated by their gifts of time, talent and treasure – ranging from valuable advice to significant contributions. Dick served on The Arc board in the 1980s and presently serves on The Arc’s capital campaign committee.

Sarah Gates was an active member of The Arc’s government affairs committee and a passionate advocate at the State House. She has generously supported The Arc for decades.

Phil Gloudemans (or “Mr. Play on the Parquet”) founded and shepherded the annual corporate basketball fundraiser at TD Garden throughout its 25-year history, raising nearly $1 million for The Arc. He served several terms on The Arc’s Board of Directors and has been a valued source of public relations counsel.

Dana Graves, D.D.S. has supported The Arc generously for decades. The ongoing stewardship demonstrated is critical to sustaining our advocacy.

Simon Greisdoff left a legacy to The Arc to continue its advocacy work, in addition to a significant donation to the capital campaign. He was an active parent leader for decades. He made many trips from his Boston home to the State House to advocate for his daughter and others.

Cynthia and Mark Haddad can trace their involvement with The Arc to the fact that Cindy has a brother with special needs. Together Mark and Cindy chaired The Arc’s 50^th anniversary Gala. Cindy, a Certified Financial Planner, is a former member of The Arc’s Board of Directors and provides expertise to The Arc.

Evelyn and Robert Hausslein are members of The Arc’s Leaders & Founders Society. They have been strong advocates for adult services. A former board member (and former dean at Wheelock), Evelyn helped found The Arc’s SUPPORTbrokers program and chaired The Arc’s Government Affairs Committee for several years.

James and Tina Kerkam, the parents of a son with special needs are original members of the Leaders & Founders Society who have been generous donors to The Arc of Massachusetts for more than two decades. Jim was elected to The Arc’s Board of Directors in 1992 and served until 1998, some of the time as Vice President. He continues to advise The Arc.

Susan and David Lodemore have a nephew on the autism spectrum and have supported The Arc for several years. Sue has served several terms on The Arc of Massachusetts board of directors and co-chaired The Arc’s Gala in 2009 and 2010. She is co-chair of the 60^th Anniversary Gala.

Ray and Doris Nickerson established the Daniel Nickerson Memorial Fund following the death of their son. It assists The Arc in its advocacy efforts. Ray served on The Arc Massachusetts Board from 1974 to 1985, one of the few to serve a 3-year term as President.

Susanna Peyton and John W. Campbell are generous supporters of Operation House Call (OHC), facilitating its expansion to 3 more graduate or medical schools. Susanna is a senior advisor to OHC, helping to maintain high quality and expand outreach where possible.

Donald and Elizabeth Stewart were founders of the Leaders & Founders Society, an initiative to encourage and recognize major donors to The Arc. Don served on the Board of Directors from 1994 to 2000 and was president for three years. He has led a number of initiatives.

Maureen and James Sullivan were founding members of The Arc’s Leaders & Founders Society, generously supporting advocacy for decades. Maureen was a member of the Board of Directors from 1998 to 2002 and chaired The Arc’s Distinguished Citizen Awards Committee. She also played a leadership role on the government affairs committee on issues such as Turning 22 and Family Support.

Theresa and Harvey Varnet, have generously supported The Arc for decades. Terrie – an attorney has shared her expertise. She was elected to the Board of Directors in 1998 and served as president.

Public Officials:

Rosalie Edes’ distinguished herself as Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services during a transitional period, helping implement the autism omnibus bill and other priorities. She spent many years in a leadership role in Early Intervention and Family Health programs.

For nearly a decade, Elin Howe has led the Department of Developmental Services (DDS). Under her leadership, we have seen expanded eligibility for those with autism and others, the advancement of humane and positive behavioral supports and other policy innovations.

As a House member (now Senator) Barbara L’Italien’s leadership was reflected in advocacy for broadened eligibility for all, passage of an autism private insurance bill, new line item for children with autism, the change in the name of the Department and comprehensive recommendations through a Governor’s Commission on autism.

Gerry Morrissey’s strong leadership sustained DDS during difficult financial times, maintained the deinstitutionalization’s forward motion, and allowed DDS to address a large waiting list.

As a house member, Tom Sannicandro’s hallmark has been advancing choice for families and individuals in the delivery of services and increasing access to college options for students with disabilities, among other policy innovations.

Karen Spilka has championed self-sufficiency for persons with disabilities. She played a key role in the Department’s name change to DDS, advanced budget goals for family support and employment while being a bridge builder between advocates and legislative leaders or the administration.

Corporations, Foundations, and Agencies:

One of the nation’s oldest and largest community foundations, The Boston Foundation has a profound impact on community life. They provided significant multi-year funding for two projects at The Arc: “Left Out in the Cold,” The Arc’s collaborative landmark study of health care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and Family to Family, directed at the adult waiting list for services.

Since 1935, Burke Distributing Corporation has been a premier distributor of beer, spirits, and other beverages. With a focus on corporate responsibility, they were a generous sponsor of The Arc of Massachusetts Golf Tournaments and other activities.

Comcast Business first became involved with The Arc of Massachusetts as a sponsor of Play on the Parquet. They continued their commitment to the organization’s work and the families we help by becoming a lead sponsor of All Aboard The Arc for three years.

FletcherTilton’s special needs practice has been advocating for families for decades, working not only on behalf of their clients, but also as advocates for the disability community at large. The firm and its attorneys have volunteered countless hours to help pass key legislation and have generously supported The Arc financially for more than a decade.

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, a top rated health insurer, is committed to the health and well-being of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They have supported The Arc’s work for more than a decade. Chief Information Officer Deborah Norton serves as The Arc’s Treasurer.

RhumbLine Advisers is a Boston-based investment firm specializing in managing index-based strategies for institutional investors. For more than a decade, the firm was an enthusiastic partner in Play on the Parquet, The Arc’s signature event that made the dream of playing basketball in the Boston Garden a reality.

For over a decade, TD Bank has demonstrated their commitment to corporate responsibility through their generous, ongoing support. They made The Arc’s work possible through their lead sponsorship of key events such as the 50^th Anniversary Gala, Play on the Parquet, and All Aboard The Arc.

Tudor Investment Corporation is a private asset management company and hedge fund. As a multi-year sponsor of and participant in Play on the Parquet, they supported The Arc of Massachusetts’ efforts on behalf of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

For more than a decade, UBS Securities, LLC was the principal sponsor of Play on the Parquet, The Arc’s signature event. UBS made the dream of playing basketball in the Boston Garden a reality, while also supporting The Arc’s advocacy and outreach work.

Bay Cove Human Services provides effective, compassionate care to more than 20,000 individuals and families each year who face the challenges of developmental disabilities, mental illness, drug and alcohol addiction, and aging. With more than 160 sites in Boston and southeastern Massachusetts, their goal is to provide full, rich lives for people with the greatest challenges.

Bridgewell’s continuum of care includes residential services, day habilitation, behavioral health services, employment training, transitional homeless services, affordable housing, and substance abuse and addiction services. The agency guides the more than 6,250 individuals to whom they provide services to achieve and enjoy their highest quality of life and personal growth.

Justice Resource Institute (JRI) addresses the most confounding challenges of both the human services and educational systems and the persons and families these systems were created to serve. JRI pursues the social justice inherent in opening doors to opportunity and independence.

Founded in 1972 by a group of parents seeking community care for their loved ones, Nonotuck Resource Associates has since helped transform the lives of hundreds of people with intellectual and physical disabilities. Nonotuck provides the personalized service through Shared Living and Adult Family Care and addresses the growing need for these non-traditional, value-based, in-home services.

As a leading provider of community-based services to people with psychiatric conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges, Vinfen has been transforming lives for over 35 years. Vinfen supports people in achieving their goals and leading more independent, productive, and valued lives as members of their community.

Families and Volunteers:

Chris Andry’s work in expanding health programs, building collaboration and articulate presentation of our mission are reflective of his leadership. He served as two terms as a member of The Arc Board and was President from 2010 to 2012

Mary Ann Boulet represented the waiting list families in the Massachusetts Waiting List Case, known as “Boulet v. Cellucci.” Her son, Ed Boulet,* was one of the named plaintiffs. She gave many hours of service in sometimes difficult circumstances and always represented the individuals and families with great dignity. Mary Ann also participated in the Family to Family project steering committee, which assisted families who were part of the Boulet Settlement.

For decades, Lucie Chansky demonstrated leadership by chairing the government affairs committee longer than any other volunteer and always demanding a strong family voice, particularly for self-advocates who couldn’t speak for themselves.

Anne Fracht advanced the voice of self-advocacy in the field through hundreds of hours of service. At The Arc, her selfless involvement has been reflected in the Tools for Tomorrow project and policy work to increase participant-directed services.

Dianne Glennon demonstrates the commitment of siblings as she has worked tirelessly on the government affairs committee and other organizations in the field for many years.

Kerry Mahoney’s body of work as a family support professional and director reflects the commitment of staff in our field. She advanced the practice of family supports as others have done and pushed The Arc in its advocacy.

As President and Government Affairs leader, Mary Ellen Mayo demonstrated the power of family leadership. She led proudly, standing above the fray as some made personal attacks to stop the tide of deinstitutionalization.

Henry and Evelyne Milorin’s leadership in Family to Family and Government Affairs advanced waiting list policy for all. Without fear they innovated. They also carried the advocacy message to diverse communities.

Transition policy and practice was greatly advanced by Pat Pakos. Along with her husband Pat generously supported The Arc but her biggest contribution was maintaining our commitment to family education.

The Eighteen Affiliated Chapters of The Arc of Massachusetts:

Achieve with us.

The Arc of Massachusetts 60th Anniversary Gala Honorees