Issue link: http://southshoremagazine.uberflip.com/i/1544989
26 On a quiet street in Weymouth, Massachusetts, a modest building on Main Street once marked the beginning of something transformative. In 1951, a group of parents came together with a shared determination: their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities deserved more opportunities than society offered at the time. For many families then, institutional care was often presented as the only path forward. These parents believed there had to be another way. Seventy-five years later, their vision lives on through The Arc of the South Shore, an organization that now supports thousands of individuals and families across the region with services that span a lifetime—from early intervention to residential programs and community engagement for adults. The Arc's mission remains clear: to support people of all ages and abilities in living full, independent lives while promoting inclusion and advocating for their right to participate fully in their communities. Over the past seven decades, the organization has helped more than 100,000 individuals, engaged 7,000 volunteers, built more than 1,000 partnerships, and served 85 communities throughout Massachusetts. For Elizabeth Sandblom, who joined the organization as CEO in February of 2025, the depth of those connections quickly became clear. "What struck me right away was the sense of family," she said. "Not just among the staff, but among the individuals we serve and their families. Many people have been connected to The Arc for decades." Today The Arc of the South Shore employs approximately 200 staff members, including about 120 full-time employees, and provides services throughout Weymouth, Hingham, Scituate, Braintree, Norwell, Cohasset, Hull, Quincy, Milton, and communities across the South Coast and Cape Cod. Programs often begin when families first receive a diagnosis for their child. Early Intervention services help infants and toddlers reach developmental milestones while providing parents with guidance during what can be an uncertain and emotional time. "Parents are trying to understand what the future might look like," Sandblom said. "Our role is to walk alongside them, provide resources and help them feel supported." As individuals grow older, services evolve to promote independence and participation in the community. Day programs frequently include hands- on learning opportunities designed to help participants explore interests and possible career paths. In one recent outing, a small group visited the McLaren auto dealership in Norwell, where participants spoke with mechanics and asked questions about what it might be like to work in the automotive field. Another group visited a Dollar Tree store to learn about retail jobs and customer service. Experiences like these help individuals build confidence while imagining new possibilities for themselves. Residential programs provide another critical layer of support. The Arc currently operates 10 group homes across the South Shore, each housing four to five residents and staffed around the clock. Two additional homes are being developed in Hingham and Scituate to meet growing demand for housing and supportive services. For Sandblom, visiting these homes has been one of the most meaningful parts of her first year leading the organization. "You see the pride people take in their homes and their independence," she said. "You see the relationships between staff and residents. It's incredibly powerful." The organization also operates an Autism Supports Center that helps families access information throughout different stages of their journey, helping them feel confident in advocating for their loved ones. For many families, The Arc becomes a lifelong partner. Anne Holton, Vice President of Day Services, says those relationships define the organization's impact. Years of Community: The Arc of the South Shore Continues Its Mission of Inclusion and Opportunity 75 Written by Laurie Barrett