As we step into November, a month marked by gratitude and reflection, we want to extend our heartfelt appreciation for each of you in our community Navigating life can bring unique challenges, but it also offers countlessopportunitiesforgrowth,understanding,andcelebration.
In this season of thanksgiving, we recognize and honor the dedication, resilience, and love that each family brings to their journey. Whether you ’ re celebrating a recent accomplishment, working through challenges, orsimplysavoringquiet,joyfulmoments,pleaseknowthatwearehereto supportyoueverystepoftheway.
This month, our newsletter will highlight some exciting resources, events, andtipstosupportyouandyourlovedones.
Understanding your human rights is important. They ensure dignity, respect, and equal opportunities for all. By being aware of your rights can create an environment that encourages independence, personal growth, and full participation in community life. If you would like to learn more about your human rights, reach out to our Human Rights Officer, Andrew Hartigan.
Your Human Rights include:
Dignity: To be treated with respect, including respect for ethnic and cultural diversity.
Have Questions or Concerns?
Please contact our Human Rights Officer:
Andrew Hartigan Program Coordinator
Guided Personal Supports (GPS) (978) 924 - 5872
ahartigan@ne-arc.org
Self-determination: To make meaningful choices and informed decisions about your life, including taking reasonable risks.
Communication: To communicate with others and fully express yourself, with access to necessary assistance and devices.
Relationships: To visit others, receive visitors, and have friendships and intimate relationships.
Privacy: In personal care, communication, visits, your home, and personal information.
Personal Safety: To feel safe and be free from harm or abuse.
Personal Property: To obtain, keep, use, and dispose of personal possessions.
Education, Employment, and Compensation: To have equal access to education and employment opportunities, and fair compensation for work.
Community Membership: To receive services that promote living in the least restrictive and most typical settings, encouraging meaningful community membership.
Northeast Arc’s Community Resource Center connects individuals and families with valuable resources and events in their local communities. By providing access to these resources, the Community Resource Center empowers families and individuals to actively participate in community life, creating a sense of belonging and inclusion.
Merrie Rothstein mrothstein@ne-arc.org
Christopher Marchese cmarchese@ne-arc.org
Eva Mostoufi emostoufi@ne-arc.org Holly Keane hkeane@ne-arc.org
A Weekend To Remember: Respite Program
Join Northeast Arc for an opportunity to unwind, recharge, and discover your potential! We are excited to announce a first-of-its-kind respite program for young adults with disabilities looking to gain independent living skills. Each weekend retreat will provide a wide range of hands-on learning activities as well as unique outings in the community. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet other peers in the community during this shared living experience.
INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS
The retreat offers a relaxing respite opportunity for attendees while giving caregivers time to themselves.
Complete with activities such as cooking classes, budgeting workshops, safety seminars, and everything in between!
Young adults will learn valuable social skills while making new friends in a supportive and inclusive environment.
BOSTON RESPITE
Our Boston respite began on Wednesday evening with everyone arriving at the Airbnb overlooking the State House The next day started with a delightful breakfast at a local café, followed by a refreshing walk through Boston Commons. The morning’s leisurely stroll was succeeded by a visit to the WNDR Museum, where we immersed ourselves in interactive exhibits that sparked creativity and wonder The highlight of the trip was an exciting evening at TD Garden, watching the Boston Bruins play. On the final morning, everyone was picked up, concluding our memorable trip to Boston.
Adventure to Stoneham this Winter for an exciting respiteopportunityandindependentlivingexperience. Guestswillenjoytwonightsofaccommodationsata local Airbnb with a trip to Stone Zoo to view the Zoo lights. Individuals will strengthen their independent livingskillsandengageinanunforgettableexperience. ContactKaileyTaggart
Social Group
Session Two: October 21 to December 14
NortheastArc’sRecreationprogramgivesourclientstheopportunitytoengagewith peers and find events they will enjoy. Although you cannot attend recreation with your clients, this is a great resource to show them and to work on signing up for eventsduringyoursessions.
Session Two
October 21 to December 14
Please Note: Prior to attending any recreation activities, registration and an intake is required.
October 21 to December 14
Please Note: Prior to attending any recreation activities, registration and an intake is required.
Healthy Eating Tips & Recipes
For Nutrition information about this recipe, visit https://www myplate gov/recipes/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/spanish-omelet
For Nutrition information about this recipe, visit
Providing care for a family member is a rewarding yet stressful job. TILL recognizes that everyone can use a break to rest and recharge. The care you provide to your family member is invaluable and to help you provide this care well into the future, we're offering an overnight respite opportunity to give families a much needed night off and an opportunity to meet other families who share many of your experiences.
Thanks to funding from the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Respite Innovations Grant.
If you're interested in participating, please contact Ilana Gordon-Brown at ilana gordon-brown@tillinc org for more information or to begin the enrollment process
Registration is require. Scan theQRcode toget startedtoday!
Connecting YOU(th) is a monthly get-together for teens and young adults with disabilities. Every second Tuesday of the month, we have a topic for discussion, and we’re always changing and growing in response to what participants want to happen next.
You are not alone! Come join us for a peer led support group.
Every Tuesday and Wednesday from 2 pm to 3 pm
Scan the QR code or Click here to join
GRATEFUL ASPECTS
young adults peer support group
Mondays 3pm-4pm on Zoom
Scan the QR code
LGBTQ+ Community Gatherings
A space to build a support system, and a sense of chosen family, with your community.
Our community gatherings are peer-led support groups that are non-clinical and led by a collective of individuals with lived experience in the group's topic or community. Each community gathering is unique to the population it serves and is created in a peer-led collaborative group process There is no pressure to share to attend We welcome anyone, anywhere that is 18+.
For more information, visit https://peersupportspace. org/communitygatherings-1 Daily Communal Gatherings
BLUE ENVELOPE PROGRAM
THE BLUE ENVELOPE PROGRAM IS AN EFFORT TO EASE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM AND LAW ENFORCEMENT DURING MOTOR VEHICLE OPERATOR INTERACTIONS.
Streamlining Communication Encouraging Preparedness
The Blue Envelope is more than just an envelope; it's a symbol of our commitment to inclusivity and understanding. It represents a step forward in ensuring that every driver, regardless of their neurological differences, can experience a sense of safety and respect on the road.
Through this program, we aim to build bridges between law enforcement and the autism community, fostering a culture of awareness and compassion that benefits everyone involved.
For more information, visit: www.mass.gov/info-details/blue-envelope-program
LATIN FILM FESTIVAL ON IDENTITY AND LGBTQ+ EXPERIENCES -
LOWELL, MA
November 7
7:30 pm-10:00 pm
UMass Lowell’s Department of World Languages and Cultures presents: the Latin Film Festival on Identity and LGBTQ+ Experiences. Hosted at the Luna Theater during the Fall of 2024, this festival will showcase five films that explore diverse narratives within the Latin LGBTQ+ community
