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RTR also has incredibly successful group and individual employment programs. Every day, it sends over 100 individuals to work in local businesses through their numerous group employment sites. "Everyone is able to work doing something. Our job is to find the right fit for each person which accentuates their abilities, instead of their weaknesses," says White. RTR's clients have jobs in many fields, from grocery stores and cleaning services to data entry work at computer firms and scanning and shredding work at financial services operations. Tammy is a receptionist at an RTR Braintree day program and loves it. "The self-esteem that having this job has brought her is immense," Ford says. "Every Saturday we go together to deposit her paycheck, and you can't imagine how Tammy's eyes beam." RTR's goal is to better its clients' lives by giving them a means to be out in the community and thriving. White says that he's always been drawn to notions of connectedness, and makes sure that RTR is really involved in all of the communities it touches. RTR's clients volunteer in the community and have their interests expanded through a variety of activities intended to inspire and spark curiosity. "The people we serve are bowling, going to social dances, going out to dinner and working," says Ford. "Participation is the key." With almost 800 employees, RTR is one of the largest employers in the region. White says that the staff at RTR is just as committed to improving the clients' lives as the clients themselves: "One of the most rewarding parts of my job is seeing the way our employees are able to put people in positions where they are able to be successful and achieve their personal goals." Immense gratitude goes out to RTR's Direct Care employees who are with the clients on a daily basis, supporting their personal care, mobility and communication, accompanying them to activities and more. "They are the really important, and unsung, people here," says White. "They are dedicated, caring and more critical than ever as we cope with a workforce crisis which makes recruiting and retention challenging for us and every other company in the state at the moment." There are several employment opportunities with RTR, which is almost always hiring. They offer great benefits, as well as opportunities for educational advancement. Its staff development program offers unique opportunities to earn a bachelor's degree through Southern New Hampshire University and a master's degree in autism studies and applied behavior analysis through Endicott College's Van Loan Graduate School, for whom RTR serves as a satellite campus. Ford and White both express gratitude and appreciation for the RTR employees who dedicate their careers to improving the lives of others. RTR continues to add new programs on an annual basis, especially in the area of autism services. It is widely known and respected as a leader in the field and as an organization committed to serving even the most complex and challenging people – and doing so effectively. It recently received citations from Massachusetts Senate and the Massachusetts House of Representatives in recognition of RTR's impactful achievements and commitment to helping individuals with ID/D and their families. Most of RTR's funding comes from the state, which does not cover its needs. Serious financial constraints have posed challenges to the organization over the years, through funding cuts and the economy. "What the state can't provide, we need to provide," says Ford. "We raise funds, and also raise the awareness level about how our community can support people, who, through no fault of their own, have limited ability." There are many ways to get involved with RTR, such as through employment, individual volunteering, corporate volunteering, donating and attending its Making Lives Better Gala, which takes place at Granite Links Golf Club each fall. When you support RTR, you get to be part of something bigger than yourself and you get to be part of an organization that serves some of the most amazing, but also most vulnerable, among us. If you are interested in learning more, visit their website at roadtoresponsibility.org, like their Facebook page or call 781.834.1300. TheSouthShoreMagazine.com 11 ROAD TO RESPONSIBILITY MAKING LIVES BETTER