Episode Transcript
[00:00:00] Speaker A: Welcome back. We are so happy to welcome back to the program ARC of the South Shore to share a little bit about their story and about some details for their summer soiree, which is coming up later on this month, actually. So Elizabeth San Blom, Brenda Lindon are back. Hi, ladies.
[00:00:15] Speaker B: Good to see you. Hello.
[00:00:16] Speaker C: Thanks for having us.
[00:00:17] Speaker A: Thank you. Oh, pleasure. This is great. Although our South Shore, located on the South Shore serving Quincy, right, Elizabeth? Absolutely. And the other communities as well, you're relatively new. Let's remind folks a little bit about yourself before we talk about anything else.
[00:00:31] Speaker C: Sure. I started here in February and I feel like I have been working here forever. It's been a wonderful transition. Yep. And we're doing some great things. So we're looking forward to sharing about this soiree and the next year where we're going to be celebrating our 75th anniversary.
[00:00:50] Speaker A: That's amazing. Yeah. For folks who aren't aware a little bit about AHRQ's mission, if you could.
[00:00:54] Speaker C: Sure. So we support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, all across the South Shore.
We start with the Littles, we call them. So we have an early intervention program located in Weymouth and we go all the way through people's lifespans and we support older individuals in residential and employment and day services.
We have a lot of enrichment activities, yoga and movie nights and dances.
And again, as you said, all across.
[00:01:25] Speaker A: The South Shore, do you have any sense for about how many folks you help every year?
[00:01:30] Speaker C: We, in all of our different programs, I don't have the total number. We support individuals that live at home with their families and need a little bit more hands on support that actually spans further out than the South Shore where we go as far as north of Boston into Revere and we go down into like Taunton and Attleborough Agency for that as well. And then we have an adult foster care program which also supports people with varying disabilities so that they can remain at home living with their families.
[00:02:01] Speaker A: Sure.
[00:02:03] Speaker B: We get close to about 6,000 individuals and families every year that we help.
[00:02:08] Speaker A: Okay. So that's significant over the past 70.
[00:02:10] Speaker C: 40 years, be it a phone call just for help with a question or a reference or actually doing some real in depth direct support.
[00:02:19] Speaker A: Sure. You must have an incredible staff to be able to provide these services.
We should talk a bit about who those folks are and what they do because it's truly, it's a passion. Right. It's a calling, I'm sure, to help folks with disabilities. Yeah.
[00:02:33] Speaker C: And I think part of our 75th year we're going to really be digging into that a little bit and asking our staff to share their why. Why do they do this work?
So we're excited about that.
[00:02:43] Speaker A: Yeah. I think it's a great story to tell because folks do it unheralded sometimes, you know, and unnoticed. But it's so critical, especially to the people that they serve. They must develop very strong relationships.
[00:02:56] Speaker C: Very strong relationship. We had a night the other night where we were doing pizza and planning, so our individuals came and developed their own vision board for their future. And as they were talking with their staff and talking about their staff, it really is like a family.
We pride ourselves on that reciprocal, respectful relationship.
[00:03:16] Speaker A: Yeah. Not only that, but when you're dealing with, you quote the Littles all the way up to adulthood. I mean, they're a part of the family at that point.
[00:03:23] Speaker C: Exactly.
[00:03:23] Speaker A: Yeah. It's not just a work client relationship.
[00:03:26] Speaker C: We're welcomed into people's homes. You're right. We know details about their lives and just try to help support them through all the different transitions that they go through.
[00:03:35] Speaker A: Yeah. So, I mean, your staff, you really have to build a level of trust. I mean, that's key, Right. In order to provide adequate services.
If you can't be trusted, you're not going to open up and be able to help them as much as you possibly could.
[00:03:48] Speaker C: Right, Exactly.
[00:03:50] Speaker A: So I think it's worthwhile for sure and worth mentioning. And it's what makes the soiree all that much more important. Right, Brenda?
[00:03:57] Speaker B: Exactly. It's our largest fundraiser of the year.
It's going to be on June 12th.
We're at our day programs, but we set up a big tent. So we're outside on the beautiful shores of Webb State Park.
[00:04:12] Speaker A: Oh, that's good. Because Mother Nature has not been friendly to us lately.
[00:04:15] Speaker B: Yes, we do have a big tent, but that's not going to happen that night.
[00:04:18] Speaker A: Oh, right. That's going to be a beautiful night. Absolutely. Okay, so June 12th. Okay.
[00:04:22] Speaker B: Yeah. So it's a great night that we gather a bunch of different restaurants on the South Shore.
We have Abbey Park, Novara, Burton.
Who else do we have? Davio's, Monchilio's, the best.
Tosca, Common Market group. So quite a few different restaurants, tasting portions.
We have a wonderful live and silent auction.
We'll have some different. Some really great Red Sox tickets with overnight stay in Boston.
We also have Bruins tickets with a signed hockey puck. We have various South Shore packages.
One Liz is putting together are her favorite things around the south shores.
Then a Plymouth Adventure package that Plymouth Coffee Company has put together for us. So a lot of different fun things for the families to do over the summertime.
[00:05:24] Speaker A: Yeah, A lot of folks have really stepped up to support this.
[00:05:27] Speaker B: Right. Yeah. We have some wonderful sponsors that really have been with us since the start.
The plan of Mass and Rhode Island, South Shore Bank, Electro Switch, Eastern Bank, Granite, to name just a few.
[00:05:44] Speaker A: Sure, absolutely. And I'm guessing, Brenda, there's still opportunities for sponsorships.
[00:05:48] Speaker B: Absolutely, absolutely.
[00:05:50] Speaker A: Reach out to you.
Okay.
[00:05:52] Speaker B: Yep. They can reach out to me easily. I think you put an email in.
[00:05:56] Speaker A: Yeah. We'll put all your contact information up there for folks to see. Absolutely. And tickets are required?
[00:06:01] Speaker B: Yes, tickets are required. It's 175 a ticket, and they can purchase them online.
[00:06:07] Speaker A: Okay. All right. And about how many folks are you hoping to have?
[00:06:10] Speaker B: We usually have about 350.
[00:06:13] Speaker A: Wow. Okay. That's a nice gathering.
[00:06:15] Speaker B: Yes, it is. And this year, we're highlighting the event by doing a fashion show.
[00:06:20] Speaker A: Oh, really? Oh, do tell that.
[00:06:22] Speaker B: So we have 20 of our individuals that are been practicing with two women who do fashion shows from humankind. And next on stage scene. And we've been having practices and learning the Runway skills. And so, yeah, we're looking forward to.
[00:06:42] Speaker C: That and doing demonstrations for all of us every time they come to the office to visit.
[00:06:47] Speaker A: Oh, really?
[00:06:47] Speaker B: Yep.
[00:06:48] Speaker A: Showing off their skills.
[00:06:49] Speaker B: Absolutely.
[00:06:50] Speaker A: Where are the fashions coming from?
[00:06:52] Speaker B: The fashions are coming from Lynn Evans in Norwell and then Milton's in Braintree and then a few other designers out of New York.
[00:07:02] Speaker A: Oh, wow.
[00:07:02] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:07:03] Speaker A: So this could be in the society pages.
[00:07:06] Speaker B: Well, hopefully, yeah.
[00:07:07] Speaker A: Do you have kind of a goal in mind for how much you'd like to.
[00:07:10] Speaker B: We'd like to get to about a quarter million dollars that evening is our usual goal.
[00:07:16] Speaker A: Okay.
[00:07:17] Speaker B: And if we go above that, even better.
[00:07:19] Speaker A: All the better, right? Exactly. Yeah. As you mentioned, it is the largest fundraiser for ARC South Shore.
Liz, maybe we could talk a little bit about why that's important and what the funds will be used for.
[00:07:31] Speaker C: So, you know, historically, nonprofits obviously have always relied on fundraising.
It's very important.
But in our current climate and with unknown resources from both the state and federal government, it's even more important this year to make sure that we do a great job during this fundraiser.
Again, any funds raised augments our state and federal funding, but it also allows for us to do some enrichment in some programs that aren't covered by state or federal funding. So we're able to have our autism Resource center, which touches hundreds of families every year. As I said earlier, it could be from a simple phone call, or it could be going in people's homes and supporting families during difficult times and transitions.
So that is a big piece of where our fundraising goes. And then other enrichment activities, from building raised garden beds to gazebos in people's backyards, all kinds of things that we do that make people's lives better and allow them to do some special activities and be really important, valued parts of their community.
[00:08:45] Speaker A: Absolutely. I know a lot of most social service agencies are in limbo, a little bit of flux right now, just not really knowing what the future holds.
[00:08:53] Speaker C: Right. Exactly.
[00:08:54] Speaker A: Is it the same at ahrq?
[00:08:55] Speaker C: The same, yeah, all around. So there's a lot of support for us, and people can follow the ARC of Massachusetts, which is an amazing resource. We're one of 17 chapters under the Arc of Massachusetts, and they have a lot of advocacy opportunities there, and they make it really easy. So, you know, if you want to be active in that regard, that's a great place to go and find resources. But we have wonderful advocacy and support groups that providers like us are a part of. So right now, knock on wood, things are okay, but it can change quickly.
[00:09:35] Speaker A: Sure. How many ARCs are there in Massachusetts?
[00:09:38] Speaker C: 17. 17 chapters? Yep. All over Massachusetts. We're pretty representative of the geography, and they're just a fabulous community of folks doing great, innovative things and sharing ideas.
[00:09:54] Speaker A: And are there other arcs across the country?
[00:09:56] Speaker C: Yep, the ARC of United States, and then each city, and not each city, but each state has similar to Massachusetts, you know, chapters of arcs divided down. So, yeah, so there's been a lot.
[00:10:11] Speaker A: Of discussion about autism recently due to some of the discussions happening at the federal level. Is that translating down locally? Are you finding to your clients?
[00:10:22] Speaker C: I think, you know, discussions, however they're presented, allow for an opportunity. Right. So I think our Autism Resource center has been doing a lot of education and just continues to have their door open for any families, any individuals that, you know, feel the need to reach out, ask questions we're there to answer and help however they need that to look.
[00:10:50] Speaker A: Do you know, Elizabeth, are there support groups, autism support groups that are sprouting up in communities that folks can access?
[00:10:57] Speaker C: I haven't seen anything formally, but the state of Massachusetts Department of Developmental Disabilities does have special. Some resources for peer support, for sibling support, and for parent support groups.
So that's always something to look for. And we, you know, if anyone out there is listening that is interested in starting that, we would be happy to connect people and you Know, play that role to help, you know, give them space to meet anything that might be helpful or necessary. The nice thing about both our early intervention programs and our autism resource centers is when there's an activity or an event, things sort of happen naturally. So a parent will drop off their kids or their adults and then say, hey, let's go grab a bite to eat, or let's go for a walk. And then they develop that support kind of naturally.
[00:11:51] Speaker A: Absolutely.
[00:11:52] Speaker C: Which is the best kind.
[00:11:53] Speaker A: Yeah. It's amazing what can happen when folks connect on the same level. Right. With the same goal, on the same mission.
[00:12:00] Speaker C: I love that you use the word connect because my theme for. For the next year, as we're celebrating 75 as sort of the four C's. So we're celebrating. Right. But also, connections is a big piece of, you know, what we do, we help make connections. We help people maintain connections and friendships and relationships.
Community.
You know, we are where we have been in this community for 75 years, which is really unique. There's a lot of provider agencies out there.
We all do fabulous work. We all have similar missions, but we're unique in that we've been rooted in this community for such a long time. And then contributions. So whether it's attending the soiree or making a donation or volunteering your time, however that contribution looks to that individual person, those are also appreciated by us.
[00:12:54] Speaker A: It's important to say thank you, Rick.
[00:12:56] Speaker C: Yes, exactly.
[00:12:56] Speaker A: Absolutely. So, Brenda, do you need anything for the soiree?
Volunteers, donations, sponsors?
[00:13:03] Speaker B: We're good with volunteers, but we still have room for sponsorship.
[00:13:07] Speaker A: Okay.
[00:13:08] Speaker B: Guests to attend and come and bid on some of the fabulous auction items that we have.
[00:13:15] Speaker A: Yeah. Is it a live auction?
[00:13:16] Speaker B: There will be a live auction, too. That includes a trip to Antigua, some great dining experiences with limo service.
[00:13:27] Speaker A: Yes.
[00:13:27] Speaker B: And as well as Red Sox tickets in the Comcast box with limo service in. So. Yeah. So we have some fun things.
[00:13:35] Speaker A: Sounds like fun. Who's your auctioneer?
[00:13:38] Speaker B: Jim Fagan.
[00:13:39] Speaker A: Oh, sure.
[00:13:39] Speaker B: Yeah. So he'll be joining us for the second year.
[00:13:42] Speaker A: Okay.
[00:13:43] Speaker B: And actually, Liz is going to be his sidekick for the fashion show.
[00:13:47] Speaker A: Oh, very good.
Will you be modeling on the Runway?
[00:13:50] Speaker C: No, unfortunately.
[00:13:51] Speaker A: How about you, Brenda?
[00:13:52] Speaker B: No, no. Be at the end, making sure everybody gets down the Runway. Okay.
[00:13:57] Speaker C: It's gonna be great energy, though, I promise.
[00:13:59] Speaker A: Yeah. Do you need models?
[00:14:01] Speaker B: We are good with models. Our individuals were all asked who wanted to participate and they. Like I said, they went to a practice last week and we just got them all their clothing and fitted last week. As well. So they're gonna get hair and makeup and the whole experience.
[00:14:19] Speaker A: Okay. All right.
[00:14:19] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:14:20] Speaker A: And is it. Is like a formal sit down or is it kind of.
[00:14:22] Speaker B: No, it's just kind of a tasting event. And, you know, there's regular high talk tables that you can or depending on your sponsor level, table of 10 and things like that. So, yeah, it's a really.
It's a great night of networking.
[00:14:38] Speaker A: Yes.
[00:14:39] Speaker B: With all of your friends and co workers on the South Shore while doing something great.
[00:14:45] Speaker A: Yeah. Logistically, Webb State Park, Bridge Street North, Weymouth.
[00:14:48] Speaker B: Right? Yep, yep. And we have valet park, so people don't have to worry about finding parking in the park or whatever. You just pull right up and they.
[00:14:59] Speaker A: Take the car and you go and have a drink.
[00:15:00] Speaker B: You're met with a drink, they take your car and ready to have a.
[00:15:04] Speaker A: Great time, have a good time. Is there entertainment at all?
[00:15:08] Speaker B: We have a DJ coming in to do the fashion show and we'll be playing music and, you know, throughout the evening.
[00:15:14] Speaker A: Gotcha. Okay. And about how long was the event?
[00:15:17] Speaker B: The event goes from six to nine.
[00:15:18] Speaker A: Oh, okay.
[00:15:19] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:15:20] Speaker A: And it should just be getting dark at about that time.
[00:15:22] Speaker B: Exactly, exactly.
[00:15:24] Speaker A: Still light? No. I don't want to say it. But no rain contingency? No. Okay.
[00:15:30] Speaker B: It's a big tent. But we usually get the storms right at the end of the night, which works out fine. Yeah.
[00:15:36] Speaker A: How many years has the soiree been going on?
[00:15:38] Speaker B: This will be the 12th year.
[00:15:41] Speaker A: Okay. All right. So we're hoping for a big one, right?
[00:15:44] Speaker B: Yep.
[00:15:45] Speaker A: Yeah, absolutely.
Liz, I'm just going over some of the goals that you've kind of listed for ARC of the South Shore. And the one that caught my eye that I wanted you to expand a little bit on was strengthen self advocacy efforts.
Yeah. What does that mean?
[00:16:01] Speaker C: So we actually kicked that off last week at our pizza and planning night. But just giving people a voice, the individuals that we support, when you talk to them one on one, they all have hopes and dreams and visions for their future, just like you or I have. And so how do we give them that voice? How do we help them learn the skills to sit at the table with professionals and say, wait a second, this is what I'd like to do.
And so developing tools, utilizing, you know, developing staff skills in helping them use their voices, public speaking, all kinds of opportunities to really talk about what's important to them and feeling comfortable advocating for themselves in all different settings, whether it's at a doctor's office or again at a table of professionals talking about their own lives or with mom and dad at the dinner table.
[00:16:57] Speaker A: Absolutely.
[00:16:58] Speaker C: Yeah.
[00:16:59] Speaker A: It's hard for all of us.
[00:17:00] Speaker C: Yes.
[00:17:02] Speaker A: Right.
Talking about yourself and talking about your needs and putting them out there. But for somebody who's struggling emotionally, it's an added challenge.
[00:17:10] Speaker C: Yes, absolutely. Or somebody that doesn't have the same language skills that you or I have. So then how do they. How else can they communicate? And it's still communicating. It's, you know, just as important.
[00:17:23] Speaker A: So, speaking of, as I recall, you're also certified in sign language.
[00:17:28] Speaker C: I'm proficient at.
[00:17:30] Speaker A: Is that coming handy yet?
[00:17:32] Speaker C: Interestingly enough, I just got a letter from a family member saying that their son has been deaf since birth and that they saw in my bio that I'm proficient in sign language, and they reached out to ask if we can talk. And so that just came late last week. So I'm looking forward to reaching out to them.
[00:17:50] Speaker A: That's fantastic. I just read a story recently. There's a Quincy public school teacher teaching sign language to the, I think, first class grade.
[00:17:57] Speaker C: It's an amazing skill. I highly recommend anyone that's interested, go for it. Take a class.
[00:18:03] Speaker A: That's great.
Anything else we should let folks know about? Just come. Have fun. Buy your tickets.
[00:18:08] Speaker B: If you go on our website, you can see our whole calendar of events.
The early intervention playgroups, the autism programs. We'll be participating in the Falmouth Road race in August.
[00:18:21] Speaker A: Okay. We'll have to have you back.
[00:18:23] Speaker B: All right. Yeah, we'd love to come back during Direct Service Professional appreciation week.
[00:18:29] Speaker A: Okay.
[00:18:30] Speaker B: Yeah, that's a D. Okay, perfect.
[00:18:31] Speaker A: Thanks. Thanks you both.
[00:18:33] Speaker B: Thank you.
[00:18:33] Speaker A: You're welcome.
