The Arc of Massachusetts is pleased to share with you the digital edition of the Spring 2021 issue of Advocate. The theme of this issue is Reconnecting. As we start to emerge from the pandemic, we look forward to reconnecting with the broader community through friendships, work, volunteering, and faith.
MassHealth offered opportunities for stakeholders to submit recommendations regarding how to use funding for Home and Community Based Services provided by the federal government in the American Rescue Plan Act. The Commonwealth expects over $400 million in additional HCBS funds between April 1, 2021 and March 31, 2022. The Commonwealth requested input through a defined Request for Information or “RFI.”
Nearly a year ago, during our COVID 19-sprint, someone commented, “embrace the uncertainty.” That approach depends on what we are uncertain about. But though we’ve learned to live with uncertainty, we continue to work together toward more clarity as reopening occurs. This blog and Monday’s Leo Live will touch on two major, related policy areas: Day Services and Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS).
The Arc of Massachusetts
Building Brighter Futures Virtual Gala
Thursday, November 4, 2021
6:30pm Entertainment and Cocktail Soiree
7:00pm Gala Program
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and autism and their families have always had to be strong, resilient, and persistent – even more so during the pandemic. As we look forward to better days ahead, this remarkable community inspires us to build a future that is inclusive and equitable and brighter for all people with IDD.
Please join The Arc of Massachusetts for the Building Brighter Futures Virtual Gala on Thursday, November 4, 2021. The festivities will feature music and art from talented individuals with IDD and autism, special guests, and surprises.
Tickets are $250 per person and include an instant cocktail party with hors d’oeuvres and wine sent prior to the event. The Entertainment and Gala Program are free and open to all with advanced registration.
All proceeds directly support The Arc’s mission.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorships start at $1,000 and provide corporations, individuals, and agencies an opportunity to get involved and support The Arc of Massachusetts at a range of gift levels. Please contact Katrin Aback, Director of Development, at aback@arcmass.org to learn more about the benefits of sponsoring the Building Brighter Futures Virtual Gala.
In these challenging times, we are all looking for resources that are uplifting, informative, and forward-looking. The Department of Developmental Services and The Arc of Massachusetts have partnered with Quillo Connect to produce a series of short videos that feature how Massachusetts is using the Charting the LifeCourse framework and tools to make a difference in the lives of individuals and families.
This week, Governor Charlie Baker announced that Massachusetts will “reopen some outdoor Phase 4, Step 2 industries effective May 10th and put plans in place for further reopening on May 29th and August 1st.” What wasn’t said is very important to our community: When will re-opening of our community day and employment services take place?
