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The Arc of the South Shore is a family. They understand the importance of nurturing a strong employee culture through engagement and team building. It is the organization's mission to be a place where employees love to work. By creating and maintaining a positive culture and environment, The Arc knows their team is delivering the highest quality service and care to the individuals they serve who have come to rely on them for critical support. Though The Arc receives state and federal contributions, funding falls short of true operating costs. The Arc of the South Shore relies on philanthropic contributions to bridge this gap. There are several ways that you can get involved, whether through fundraising and advocacy efforts, monetary donations or contribution of your time through volunteer work. Become a friend of The Arc and be a part of their incredible mission to provide support and services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including autism, as well as to their families. If your loved one needs support, do not hesitate – reach out to The Arc of the South Shore today and become part of a community that is waiting with open arms to provide the helping hand needed to optimize quality of life for that individual and your entire family. Over the last 70 years, the Arc has helped 100,000 individuals with the support of 7,000 volunteers and 1,000 local and national partners. Board membership opportunities are available, and regardless of how or how much you can contribute, everything is appreciated and there is no donation of money, time or otherwise that is too small. To learn more, email Elizabeth Jones at ejones@arcsouthshore.org, or visit arcsouthshore.org for more information. The Arc of the South Shore 20 Pond Park, Unit 113, Hingham 781.335.3023 / www.arcsouthshore.org The Arc's Autism Resource Center, funded through grants and donations, is a pivotal tool for families. It provides information and referrals, educational workshops, family support groups, skill building programs and more. Children with autism often have difficulties with speech and language, and The Arc helps with developing important literacy skills and social communication through the Arc's Autism Resource Center. Its programs positively impact their learning – and their lives. Sensational Story Time Yoga is a flagship program of The Autism Resource Center, in collaboration with Little Bee Yoga, and it engages children in an environment that encompasses language, interaction and movement, resulting in 360º learning. The program combines story time with sensory kits and yoga to offer a hands-on educational experience. Sensational Story Time Yoga is an incredible program that has transformed the lives of more than 300 children with Autism across the South Shore, and The Arc's goal is to make it available to all families. Parents and caregivers can utilize The Autism Resource Center for individualized support and for help understanding and coping with complex issues that arise. Support groups, workshops and informational sessions are available throughout the year to help navigate the autism journey. The Arc of the South Shore's residential program currently includes 10 group homes which are staffed around the clock to provide 24/7 care for residents. Individuals learn daily living skills, health management, money management and have opportunities for community involvement. Recently, the Arc has outfitted homes with Smart technologies that truly empower individuals to live more independently. As CEO of The Arc of the South Shore, Abigail Parrilla is ready to share her passion and vision for the organization's next project. The Arc of the South Shore is opening its first exclusively Turning 22 Autism Group Home in 2025. The need for this type of group home is immense, and though one home is just a drop in an ocean of need, Abby knows it is a starting point for these underserved families and will be worth all the hard work it will take to bring this dream to life. 29 TheSouthShoreMagazine.com