LEND Boston

05/01/2026

Congratulations to our 2025-2026 LEND fellows!

04/30/2026

🌟 LEND Resource Roundup: The Community Support Line

In LEND, our fellows recently explored how Title V programs in Massachusetts support families, focusing on the critical importance of linking them to the right supports at the right time. Navigating the complex systems of care for children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) can feel overwhelming, and knowing where to turn for help is often the first step toward integrated care. This week, we are highlighting the DPH Community Support Line (CSL)—a vital Title V resource that serves as your direct link to a vast network of statewide guidance and support.

📞 What is the Community Support Line?
The CSL is a statewide, toll-free "warm line" designed for families, providers, and community partners. It serves as a central entry point for accessing benefits and specialized services within the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH).

Who Can Call?
Families, healthcare providers, schools, and any partners supporting children with special health needs.

Availability:
Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Bilingual Capacity:
Staffed by specialists fluent in Spanish, Haitian Creole, and French, with access to interpretation for all other languages.

Contact: 1-800-882-1435 or 1-617-624-6060.

🛠️ How They Help
When you call the CSL, Resource Specialists provide extended assessment, technical assistance, and direct referrals to essential supports:

💫Information and Referral: Specialists help identify local and statewide community resources tailored to specific needs. Technical Assistance: Guidance is available for navigating complex public benefits, including SSI and MassHealth.

💫Empowerment: The line aims to help families and providers become more effective advocates for the children they support.

💡 Why Reach Out?
Whether you are a provider looking for technical guidance or a family navigating a new diagnosis, the CSL is there to inform, guide, and empower you.

Action Step: Save the number 1-800-882-1435 in your phone today! You never know when a family or colleague might need this vital connection.

04/24/2026

So grateful to Jonathan Gardner and Kamisha Heriveaux for coming to speak to our fellows this morning! Today is our last class session for the year, and having these two powerful self-advocates share their stories with us is a perfect way to wrap up this LEND year!

04/14/2026

Upcoming event for youth in the community!

04/13/2026

So proud to see so many of our LEND alumni doing such important work!

04/08/2026

LEND Weekly Resource Round-up: The Power of Care Mapping 🗺️✨

Navigating the complexities of healthcare for children with special health care needs can often feel like piecing together a vast puzzle. This past Friday, our LEND fellows had the privilege of learning from Dr. Rich Antonelli, Medical Director of Integrated Care at Boston Children's Hospital. Dr. Antonelli shared vital insights into the "Medical Home" model and the essential role of complex care coordination.

A highlight of the session was discussing Care Mapping—a family-driven tool that provides a 360-degree view of a child’s care ecosystem.

Why use a Care Map?
✅ It identifies all the people and services involved in a child’s life.
✅ It highlights gaps in care or areas of fragmentation.
✅ It serves as a powerful communication tool for families when meeting with new providers or school teams.

We are especially proud to highlight the work of former LEND fellow Cristin Lind, who developed a widely recognized care map to illustrate the many components of her own son’s care. Her work remains a gold standard for how families can visualize their journey and advocate for integrated support.

Interested in creating a Care Map for your family or professional practice? Check out the resources and templates from the Integrated Care Program at Boston Children’s Hospital here:
🔗 https://www.childrenshospital.org/integrated-care-program/care-mapping

04/05/2026

Two very important bills! Reach out to your reps today!

ACT NOW: Please take action and reach out to your Representative about two critical bills!

The Nicky's Law Expansion bill and the Blue Envelope bill have both passed the Senate and are currently in the House Ways and Means Committee.

We need to keep up the momentum and get these bills to the floor of the House for a vote!

Both bills are common sense, cost-effective, and ready to go. Use this action alert to contact your Representative today.

https://thearcofmass.quorum.us/campaign/159833/

04/04/2026

The 21st Annual Autism Advocacy Day is on Wednesday, April 8 at the State House. Hear from the incredible keynote speakers: Ashley and Alden Waring and our very own, Gyasi Burks-Abbott!

Register to join us at thearcofmass.org/autismday.

03/31/2026

🌟 LEND Weekly Resource Roundup: Care Coordination 🌟

This week in LEND, we are diving deep into the essential systems that support children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) with discussions on Medical Home & Integrated Care and Family Engagement. In addition, our fellows will be presenting on some of the Title V programs that support CYSHCN in the state of MA.

💡 This week's resource roundup is spotlighting the MA Department of Public Health Care Coordination Program!

Did you know that the DPH Care Coordination program is a core component of Title V funded programming in Massachusetts? This program is designed to help families navigate the often complex world of specialty care.

What they do:
• Bridge the Gap: Help families connect with community resources, insurance navigation, and transition planning.
• Support the Medical Home: Work alongside primary care providers to ensure care plans are holistic and integrated.
• Empower Families: Provide the tools and information necessary for families to lead their child's care team effectively.

🔗 Learn more about the program here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-dph-care-coordination

03/25/2026

What a fabulous day we had yesterday visiting our State Representatives and Senators! So proud of our fellows!

03/24/2026

🌟 LEND Resource Roundup: Partners for Youth with Disabilities (PYD) 🌟

We are proud to spotlight the incredible work of Partners for Youth with Disabilities! PYD is dedicated to empowering youth with disabilities to reach their full potential through mentoring, health education, and career development.

If you are looking for ways to support young leaders or find inclusive programming, check out these standout resources from PYD:

Mentoring Programs: PYD offers both 1-on-1 and group mentoring models that match youth with caring adults (often mentors who also have disabilities) to build confidence and navigate life’s transitions.

Career Readiness: Their "Learn to Earn" curriculum helps youth develop professional skills, explore career paths, and prepare for the workforce in an accessible environment.

The National Center for Disability Mentoring: A hub for organizations looking to make their own mentoring programs more inclusive and accessible.

Access to Theater (ATT): An award-winning inclusive theater program that lets youth explore creativity, improvisation, and performance.

Why it matters for LEND: Partnerships like these bridge the gap between clinical support and community integration, ensuring that every young person has a seat at the table and a path to leadership.

🔗 Explore their programs here: https://pyd.org/

Unlock Potential. Include and Empower all. Youth Opportunities Training Donate Years Lives % High School Graduation Rate % Commitment to Goals I have witnessed firsthand how guidance and encouragement can spark 
ambition and ignite passions. By fostering work-based learning experiences, 
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03/24/2026

What a great rally today to motivate and energize everyone before meeting our representatives and senators!