Issue link: http://southshoremagazine.uberflip.com/i/1065914
22 The Arc of the South Shore has been helping individuals with disabilities and their families for over 66 years. With passion and compassion, The Arc provides information, referrals and community programs that foster inclusion, independence and advocacy. Its many programs include early intervention, community supports, employment services, day supports and habilitation programs, residential services and the Autism Resource Center. The Arc also has two long-term, in-home support programs for people receiving MassHealth: adult foster care and a Personal Care Assistant program. The Arc's Day Habilitation program is comprehensive and engaging. It provides therapeutic support, speech therapy, occupational therapy, medical oversight and life skills for adults who are 22 and older. "Our goal is to keep the individuals out of hospitals, long-term care facilities and nursing homes," says Anne Holton, Executive Vice President and Director of Day Services. Individuals participate in cooking classes, art, self-care and social skills instruction, exercise classes and physical therapy, just to name a few. The program receives funding from MassHealth, but the funds are not enough to keep up with cost of living increases and the adaptive equipment needed, such as language augmentation software, Hoyer lifts, iPads and other therapeutic supplies. "It's very costly," says Executive Director, Daryl Ann Cook-Ivan. Fundraising, grants and donations are important for sustaining and enriching the programs. The Day Hab program is currently at 20 Pond Park Road in Hingham while the River Street building is being renovated. The Arc looks forward to opening the remodeled space in February of 2019. The Community-Based Day Service program enriches individuals' lives by providing them with opportunities to develop, enhance and maintain competency in many areas. Getting involved with the community is a big priority. The individuals do more in a day than most people do in a week! They volunteer at places like Holly Hill Farm, the South Shore Natural Science Center, the food pantry and senior centers. Many individuals are also employed, as CBDS programs are designed to facilitate a pathway to employment. One of The Arc's most recent employment programs is with Russelectric in Hingham. The calendar is loaded with outings to places such as church, movies, bowling, golfing and the Museum of Science. "Every day is different; you never know what is going to happen," says Laurie Gustafson. Gustafson has worked with Arc for several years and is the Program Manager at the River Street location in Weymouth. The incredible programs and events are made possible by not only the knowledgeable Arc staff members, but also by volunteers such as Mary Monahan and Stephanie Peterson who help out multiple times a week. There are endless opportunities THE ARC OF THE SOUTH SHORE: Providing Empowerment and Advocacy for Over 66 Years By Erica Ford, photography by Susanne Malloy