August 2013
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Alternatives recipient of Real Friends Project Grant mental disabilities will see the same benefits from the Club experience as individuals with psychiatric disabilities,” added Alternatives’ Executive Director Dennis H. Rice. For more information regarding the new club to be funded by the Real
Alternatives Unlimited, Inc. (Alternatives) has received a grant of $7,500 from the Real Friends Project to pilot a program designed to expand the social networks of people with developmental disabilities. The Project, a partnership between The Arc of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services, was established to fund creative approaches that support the development of relationships between people with and without disabilities. Three years ago, Alternatives launched an innovative program in Worcester called Club 21 to address the problem of social isolation experienced by individuals with psychiatric disabilities. The grant from the Real Friends Project will be used to test the viability of the Club 21 model for a club including people with developmental disabilities. Club 21 matches ten individuals served by Alternatives with ten community volunteers who share common interests. By offering small group and whole club activities as well as one-toone “partner adventures,” all of the club members have the opportunity to expand their social circles and explore the local community. In fact, with 20 members and one coordinator, 400 possible relationships are produced. The outcomes of the Worcester Club 21 program have been evaluated on a yearly basis by Worcester State University students with excellent results. Because of the measurable success of the program, additional clubs were added in the Fitchburg/ Leominster and Milford areas to meet the needs of individuals with psychiatric disabilities in those communities. Leo V. Sarkissian, Executive Director of The Arc of Massachusetts is “pleased that Alternatives will be collaborating with The Arc and the Dept. of Developmental Services on expanding inclusive opportunities for those with disabilities in our community. Their proposal was one of a handful chosen
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Recovery Member Kim Paulin and Discovery Member Elizabeth Mullaney at a Worcester Club 21 picnic in Elm Park.
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Friends Project grant, contact Lori Girard at 508-266-6566 or Lori.Girard @Alternativesnet.org. For more information about Alternatives, call 508-234-6232 or visit www.alternativesnet.org.
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