Issue link: http://southshoremagazine.uberflip.com/i/1537091
t h e t h e P o w er o o w er o f P Ph i l a n t h r o p y h i l a n t h r o p y 24 Since 1988, Road to Responsibility (RTR) has supported citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), including Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Acquired Brain Injuries (ABI), with the mission of "Making Lives Better." The organization works diligently to help those they serve find and take their rightful place within their communities. Through their residential, employment, day habilitation and community- based support services, RTR serves very diverse needs, across 110 communities along the South Shore and Southeastern Massachusetts. To carry out their mission, they rely heavily on the philanthropic efforts of private citizens and local businesses. Annually, RTR faces astronomical gaps between state and federal funding, and the costs of supporting their critical residential and day services. For example, in their day habilitation programs specifically, RTR is only reimbursed through contracts for the time a member spends at the program. If they are sick, have an appointment or any other reason to be off premise, RTR receives no funds for that time, while still maintaining the overhead for staff, facilities and other costs. Though much of their budget is based on contracts, there is no guarantee of receiving the full contracted amount due to this dynamic. This is just one example of why donations are critical to filling these gaps in funding. While the emergence of innovative assistive technology has dramatically helped many Members, that equipment comes at a cost and is not covered by state contracts for people in day programs. Typically, state programs and procedures often cover the bare minimum with lengthy waiting periods. RTR realizes that this equipment is pivotal in the lives of Members, impacting their abilities to engage in the community, as well as day-to-day activities. Through fundraising, RTR purchases durable medical equipment and assistive technological equipment that makes a real difference in the quality of life of those they serve. Funds also help Members access community activities like concerts, plays and sporting events. Written by Robin Carney