The United Arc February 2019 Newsletter

Our year is off to a terrific start! We have a host of opportunities for both the individuals we serve and their families as well as those who want to achieve with us. This February we will host a Family Fun Day through our Family Support program, enjoy a concert to benefit The United Arc and much much more. Just keep reading to find out all the wonderful happenings that will bring warmth to this frigid month.

We are also excited to hear stories of staff and client relationships from the people we serve at our annual Coffee & Conversation event on Friday, February 22nd. This event creates a casual platform for our legislators to hear from their constituents about the issues impacting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. This year's conversation will focus on workforce development. We look forward to seeing many of you there!

Lynne Marie Bielecki
Executive Director

Our Self-Advocacy clubs are creatively generating personalized cards for our legislative guests at this year's Coffee & Conversation event.

Serena pictured on the left at The United Arc's Annual Business Meeting.

Congratulations Serena Hause on your new position as
Senior Administrative Assistant & Human Rights Coordinator

Serena Hause has recently taken on the new position of Senior Administrative Assistant for The United Arc as well as the part time Human Rights Coordinator position. The Human Rights Coordinator is responsible for the oversight and coordination of The United Arc's Volunteer Human Rights Committee and Human Rights Advocates, annual Human Rights trainings, and ensuring that The United Arc is on schedule with its human rights calendar and Department of Developmental Services requirements. Serena has worked for The United Arc as the Administrative Assistant for our Turners Falls office for two and a half years and received an Employee of the Year Award at our last Annual Business Meeting for her positive attitude and efficient work-style.

Welcome to The United Arc Team

Hired December 7, 2018: Gerald Murcell, Direct Care Staff for George Street

Hired December 19, 2018: John Stannard, Representative Payee Assistant

Hired December 31, 2018: Pamela Lerch, Direct Care Staff for Davis Street

Hired January 21, 2019: Brianna Gabry, Direct Care Staff for Davis Street

Are you interested in joining our fabulous team
or know someone who is looking for a job that serves a great cause?
Check out all the wonderful jobs we are currently offering on our website by clicking the "Career Opportunities" button to the right.

Career Opportunities

Friends In Common
Fridays - February 1st, 8th & 15th
6:00 - 8:00 pm

North Quabbin Friends
Saturdays - February 2nd
*10:00 am - 12:00 pm*
February 9th & 16th 12:00 - 2:00 pm

Creative Adventures Club
Thursdays - February 14th & 28th
6:00 - 8:00 pm

Fine Arts Club
Wednesday - February 6th
6:30 - 8:30 pm
RSVP to Nick or Sarah for Fine Arts Club by Friday 2/1/19

The Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council
&
The Arc of Massachusetts
invite you to

The 41st Annual Legislative Reception

Wednesday, March 6, 2019
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Massachusetts State House, Great Hall

If you would like to join The United Arc contingent, please contact Kristina Tams at (413)774-5558 x1058 by February 27. Transportation and lunch will be provided.

If you would like to take the opportunity to meet with your legislator after the reception, we encourage you to contact them directly to set up an appointment.

Not sure who your legislators are?
Not registered to vote?
Register to vote https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ovr/
Find your legislators at https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator.

Family Support Centers

Watch for details on:

Franklin County - Turners Falls Office

TBD - DDS 101 Presentation/Discussion with directors and service coordinators from the Department of Developmental Services (DDS).

TBD: Planning for Your Loved One: Who has special needs and ensuring they have the bright future they deserve - Presentation/discussion with Kimberly Pisinski, Attorney and Licensed Independent Wealth Building Adviser.

North Quabbin - Athol Office

February 11th - 6:00 - 7:30 pm:
North Quabbin Resource Group - Self-facilitated Gathering

February 21st - 6:00 - 8:00 pm:
North Quabbin Resource Group - Training/Workshop
Planning for Your Loved One: Who has special needs and ensuring they have the bright future they deserve - Presentation/discussion with Kimberly Pisinski, Attorney and Licensed Independent Wealth Building Adviser.

Please be on the lookout for our flyers for February events!

Youth and Family Services' Community Living Program
Has started the year off right with exciting and educational youth and family activities!

Our resident families as a whole have engaged in monthly house meetings and special monthly events such as going to Look Park to see the holiday lights and attending a New Year's Eve family spaghetti luncheon celebration. On top of these special events our resident parents have connected weekly with Community Living and Parent Education staff to gain support and resources necessary for them to accomplish the goals they have established for themselves.

Our resident teenagers (12-18) have been engaging in weekly teen groups with the Youth Transition team. The teens have gone to volunteer at local animal farms, volunteer at the local soup kitchens, research and create "Healthy Living" bulletin boards for the program's office resource wall, and connected weekly with Youth Transition staff to gain support on reaching personal goals that they have established for themselves.

Our Resident youth (1-11) have started bi-weekly activity groups to provide respite for parents as well as positive supports and mentorship for the youth themselves.

Recently, we enjoyed having a special teen group celebration for Martin Luther King Day! In February we look forward to continuing our weekly groups and monthly meetings. We are planning on going to Greenfield's Annual Winter Carnival with all our resident families.

Announces Scholarship Deadline Friday, February 8, 2019.

GAAAFSN, in affiliation with The United Arc, will be offering scholarships for graduating high school seniors and students completing their first or second year of post-secondary education. Priority will be given to students from communities in the North Quabbin Area.

Potential grant recipients include: individuals with disabilities pursing educational opportunities beyond high school, siblings of individuals with disabilities, individuals who have a parent or parents with disabilities, individuals planning a career that would support people with disabilities, such as a career in education, human services, health care, legal services, technology or research with a disability focus.
For application materials contact –

Karon Parker at 978-249-4052 ext. 1047,
Email: officeassistant361@theunitedarc.org
The United Arc (Athol office)
361 Main Street
Athol, MA 01331

Music for The United Arc

A night to open up and achieve with us!

WHEN: Thursday, February 28th

WHERE: The Rendezvous
78 3rd St, Turners Falls, MA 01376

A benefit concert for
the individuals and families we serve.

Save the date. Spread the word. Enjoy the music!

Your contribution will not only help individuals with intellectual and developmental needs and their families who were impacted by the government shutdown
but will also help them in many other ways.

Musicians featured: Shawn Garland, Scott Kuzmeskus, Danny Hescock, Don LaCoy, Heath Lewis, Terry McKeon, Falltown String Band.

The United Arc has been selected as the beneficiary for the Knights of Columbus
Greenfield Council #133 Annual Golf Tournament!

Friday, May 31st 2019

The United Arc thanks the Knights of Columbus Greenfield Council #133 for this act of wonderful generosity.

Tap into the Excitement:
The United Arc Annual Business Meeting

We are delighted to announce that Greenfield Cooperative Bank/Northampton Cooperative Bank Division will be our Lead Sponsor for The United Arc 2019 Annual Business Meeting at Terrazza Ristorante on May 16th. This event features The United Arc Awards, the election of the Board of Directors, and our Auction Kickoff. Become a member today and receive an invitation to join us at this lovely event. Contact Director of Communications Willow Ross at willowross@unitedarc.org for more information on how to become a member.