The Arc of Bristol County

10/20/2025

🚨TOMORROW! 🚨
Be Prepared for the Transition Years: DDS 101 Info Session
📆Tuesday, October 21st
🕕6:00pm - 8:00pm
Register here:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/2mvpzny/lp/5a1ac8ba-a608-4176-8b34-5425ca47c1a9

This free 💻virtual workshop🤳 will provide the need-to-know information about the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services as the transition from high school to life after high school approaches. The webinar is organized and presented by DDS staff.

During this session, you will learn about:

-Eligibility: How do I become eligible for DDS Services?

-Area Office: What is the role of the DDS Area office?

-Family Support: What can Family Support provide to my family, and what are the limitations?

-Self-Direction: What are Self-Directed Services and how do they differ from Traditional Services?

-Autism Services: What support is available to my family member with autism, and how do we access it?

10/20/2025

We’ve been reading your comments, especially from people who feel unseen in conversations about disability. Some have asked who The Arc really represents. The answer is simple: We advocate for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

That includes people who live on their own and people who need 24-hour support.
People who work and people whose disabilities make competitive integrated work challenging.
Families who find joy in every day and families struggling to get through some days.

We can hold two truths at once.
Every person’s life has worth, purpose, and meaning.
People and families can also experience challenges and struggles.

Building a world that works for all of us means being honest about what’s hard. It also means fighting for what can be better: better systems, better care, and more real support for families. We fight against discrimination in all its forms, and advocate for better community living options, income support, educational opportunities and services and support that will benefit individuals and families. No one should have to do this alone. That’s the work we show up for every day.

Disability looks different in every home. Every experience should be understood, respected, and included. Whatever your story is, it matters. We see you, and we’re listening.

10/18/2025

🌟 We’re Hiring in Bristol County, MA & Northern RI! 🌟

Looking for a meaningful career where you can make a real difference? Join The Arc of Bristol County d/b/a proAbility and help empower individuals of all abilities to live, work, and thrive in their communities.

💼 Open Positions:
🔗 workforthearc.org/chapters/the-arc-of-bristol-county

💬 Join Our Virtual Job Fairs!
📅 Every Wednesday | 11 AM – 1 PM
❗ Spots available for October 22 & 29

✅ Chat 1-on-1 with our team
✅ Ask questions and explore roles
✅ Discover how you can build a career with purpose

📌 Reserve your spot: TheArcofBristolCountyVirtualOpenHousetest@arcnbc.org/?ismsaljsauthenabled&fbclid=IwY2xjawNfXQlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF1M0hSU3N1MG83VVdLa0hIAR5h4pDQJzeyhRAncymAj_MK24siIDHL5kdZGqnGdkl1D2pFXQIVpdCS5Uljpg_aem__OlWUvQRG7Sxcisrt42_SA" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://outlook.office.com/book/TheArcofBristolCountyVirtualOpenHousetest@arcnbc.org/?ismsaljsauthenabled&fbclid=IwY2xjawNfXQlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF1M0hSU3N1MG83VVdLa0hIAR5h4pDQJzeyhRAncymAj_MK24siIDHL5kdZGqnGdkl1D2pFXQIVpdCS5Uljpg_aem__OlWUvQRG7Sxcisrt42_SA

✨ Whether you’re starting out or seeking a fresh opportunity, we’d love to meet you!

10/18/2025

TONIGHT!!
We are thrilled to invite you to a special fundraising night in support of The Arc of Bristol County’s Family Support Program! Mark your calendars and bring your appetite:

📅 Saturday, October 18, 2025
⏰ 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Be sure to show the cashier the flyer before paying!)
📍 Chipotle – 421 New State Hwy, Raynham, MA 02767

Here’s how you can make sure your meal counts:
✅ Show the cashier a digital flyer before paying
✅ Show the cashier a paper flyer before paying
✅ Order online for pickup using Promo Code: TJDP2YB (valid only during our fundraiser date, time, and location)
🚫 Please note: Delivery orders do not count toward the fundraiser.
This is your chance to enjoy a delicious meal while giving back. 25% of all sales from our supporters will directly benefit individuals with disabilities - helping us continue to provide guidance, resources, and support to individuals and families in our community.

The more people who participate, the greater the impact, so spread the word! Share this with friends, family, and anyone who loves Chipotle and supporting a good cause.🍴💙

We can’t wait to see you there!

10/17/2025

🏃‍♀️ The countdown is on — the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism 5K is almost here! 🏃‍♂️
We’re proud to be a Flutie Foundation Charity Partner for the 3rd year in a row, supporting individuals of all abilities through The Arc of Bristol County d/b/a proAbility.

📅 Sunday, October 26th
🕘 Race starts at 9:00 AM
🏁 Featuring both a 5K and a Half 5K option!

Every mile makes an impact — and our teams are racing for inclusion, empowerment, and community! 🌟

💙 Support a team and help us reach the finish line:

Adult Family Care: https://runsignup.com/arcofbcafc
Community Living: https://runsignup.com/arcofbccommunity
Day Habilitation: https://runsignup.com/arcofbcdayhab
Family Support: https://runsignup.com/arcfamilysupport
Residential: https://runsignup.com/arcofbcresidential
RI Services- proAbility: https://runsignup.com/proAbility

Together, we’re running toward a more inclusive future — one step at a time. 🏅

10/17/2025

Email from Taunton Area Chamber of Commerce Look Who's Hiring! PLEASE SHARE THIS WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS LOOKING FOR A JOB OR A CAREER CHANGE! Contact me about being the next Job Posting Sponsor! Wan

10/16/2025

We are thrilled to invite you to a special fundraising night in support of The Arc of Bristol County’s Family Support Program! Mark your calendars and bring your appetite:

📅 Saturday, October 18, 2025
⏰ 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Be sure to show the cashier the flyer before paying!)
📍 Chipotle – 421 New State Hwy, Raynham, MA 02767

Here’s how you can make sure your meal counts:
✅ Show the cashier a digital flyer before paying
✅ Show the cashier a paper flyer before paying
✅ Order online for pickup using Promo Code: TJDP2YB (valid only during our fundraiser date, time, and location)
🚫 Please note: Delivery orders do not count toward the fundraiser.
This is your chance to enjoy a delicious meal while giving back. 25% of all sales from our supporters will directly benefit individuals with disabilities - helping us continue to provide guidance, resources, and support to individuals and families in our community.

The more people who participate, the greater the impact, so spread the word! Share this with friends, family, and anyone who loves Chipotle and supporting a good cause.🍴💙

We can’t wait to see you there!

10/16/2025

On Monday, October 20, join CEO Maura Sullivan for a panel discussion about the importance of employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism.

Panelists:
- Tara Kelly, the manager of Inspire Cafe, and Mia Kruppa, a cafe employee
- Mira Tamir Spiegel, half of the mother-daughter team behind Zo Much More
- Dean Rizzo, Executive Director of The Arc of Greater Brockton, which just opened its new AGB Employment Services building

Register: thearcofmass.org/webinars

10/16/2025

Applications for the 2025 DDS Children's Autism Service Program Open Request Period open this Friday, October 17.

The Children's Autism Waiver Program (AWP) provides one-to-one interventions to help children with autism who exhibit severe behavioral, social, and communication challenges through a service called Expanded Habilitation, Education (intensive in-home services and supports). This service occurs in the child's home or other natural settings under the supervision of trained clinical staff and is available for a total of three years.

AWP also provides related support services such as community integration activities and respite. At the conclusion of the three years of intensive services, a child may access supplemental services that meet the child's needs and help with the transition out of the intensive AWP until the child's 10th birthday.

The 2025 open request period runs from October 17 through October 31. Applications will be accepted during this period only.

https://www.mass.gov/lists/autism-waiver-service-program-open-request-period-2025

10/15/2025

🎉

💛Today we’re celebrating 16 incredible years with Tanya, Adult Family Care Manager in our New Bedford office!💛

"This year I celebrated my 16th work anniversary as an employee within The Arc of Bristol County. It is an honor and privilege to be able to work for a wonderful agency that makes such a difference in the lives of so many people. Being an Adult Family Care Manager for our New Bedford office has allowed me to advocate and offer guidance for individuals and their families who are in such need of guidance and support. Being able to assist and watch individuals meet their highest potential and giving families the guidance and support they need in order to be able to continuously care for their loved ones who face so many challenges is such a rewarding experience."

We are so grateful for Tanya’s dedication, compassion, and 16 years of commitment to helping others reach their fullest potential. 👏

💡Inspired to help others reach their fullest potential? Join our team! Www.arcnbc.org/careers

10/15/2025