Farewell from Saera

I have tremendous appreciation for this opportunity to work at The United Arc. It has been transformative for me both professionally and personally. Over the course of nearly three years, I have gained excellent experience and developed many new skills which will serve me well throughout my life. Particularly meaningful were the Strategic Planning Process, the Annual Business Meeting, the Gala & Auction, and the Open Houses, as well as the behind the scenes work through our digital platforms and the process of gathering and developing content. Now I am ready to pursue other endeavors. It has been a pleasure to work with all of you in furthering the needs and rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, especially inclusion, choice, and independence. My last day will be Tuesday, September 25. 

The United Arc
2018
Annual Gala & Auction
6:00 pm Saturday,
September 15, 2018
Hadley Farms Meeting House
SOLD OUT!

The United Arc 2018 Annual Gala & Auction is SOLD OUT!!!

We are so excited for this splendid evening of celebrating The United Arc and supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Thank you to Kingsley's Landscaping and Renfrew Real Estate for joining us as Associate Sponsors! Thank you to our package donors: 

A2Z Science & Learning Store, Analina Rag Dolls, Atlas Farm, Autobahn Hadley, Tanya Barton, Berkshire East Mountain Resort, Lynne Bielecki, Robert Bitzer, Black Birch Vineyard, Bombay Royale, Mark R. Bosworth, Brits R U.S., Francis Campbell, Checkwriters Inc, Michelle & David Collings, Country Club of Greenfield, Dillon Chevrolet, Ann Dorr, DST Systems, East Heaven Hot Tubs, Elite Island Resorts, Holly Elmer, Mary Fernsebner, Charlie Franklin, Doreen Gallien, Michelle Gallien, Greenfield Savings Bank, Diane & Rick Gumaer, Hadley Farms Meeting House, Hadley Garden Center, Hannoush Jewelers Hadley, Gina Henry, Katherine Johnson, April Jones, Patty Judice, Kingsley Landscaping LLC, Kringle Candle, Kyocera Document Solutions New England, Shirley Lunderville, James McNeil, Mike’s Maze, Betsy Misch & Terrence Bernard, Moldavite Dreams, Murduff’s Goldsmiths & Jewelers, Northfield Golf Club, Northampton Jazz Festival, Michelle Parker, Joey Parzych, Peterman’s Boards & Bowls, Pioneer Valley Press, Richardson’s Candy Kitchen, Katrina Richotte, Roberto’s, Willow Ross, Ryan & Casey Liquors, Salon 180, Charlie Scoville, 2nd Street Baking Company, State Street Fruit Store, Sylvester’s, Terrazza Ristorante, The Boston Red Sox, The United Arc Chat & Knit Group, Trader Joe’s, and Vega Yoga Mobile

Missed the chance to join us this year? You can still bid on select packages online through Labor Day weekend! Click here to bid now!

United Way Backpack Drive

Turners Falls, MA - Every year The United Way Women's Way of Franklin County organizes Blooming Backpacks - a drive to distribute school supplies and new backpacks to children in Franklin County who might not otherwise have adequate supplies at the beginning of the school year. This year, The United Arc served as a distribution point for nonprofit organizations in the area who get the backpacks to the students who need them most. Thank you to United Way Executive Director Kelly Brigham-Steiner, Charity Day, and the rest of the Women's Way team who organized the drive! 

Grandparent & Kinship Caregiver
Support awarded grant

Turners Falls, MA - On Tuesday, August 21, The United Arc Grandparent & Kinship Caregiver Support program was awarded a grant through Lifepath, Inc! This program offers networking and social support to grandparents and other relations who are raising or helping raise children other than their own. The Grandparent & Kinship Caregiver Support provides support groups throughout Western Massachusetts. To learn more about this program, contact Pat Keith at (413) 834-4073 or patkeith@unitedarc.org

Interim Community Outreach & Family Support Manager

Turners Falls, MA - We are pleased to announce that Darlene Reilly has accepted the position of Interim Community Outreach & Family Support Manager. You may have met Darlene at our Annual Picnic, which she has done marvelous work in organizing the last two years. She is friendly, efficient, and has worked hard in her role as Intake, Referral & Billing Coordinator for our Family Support programs. Thank you Darlene! 

New Positive Parenting
Program Coordinator 

Turners Falls, MA - Please join us in warmly welcoming Rebecca Majoya as our new Program Coordinator for our Turners Falls Positive Parenting Center. Rebecca comes to us with 30 years of social work experience, primarily in the state of Vermont. Her favorite experiences involve coaching parents and families to improve communication and life skills. This makes a perfect fit for our Parent Educator Coordinator position. September 18th begins our fall parenting classes and Rebecca will be our lead facilitator.