The Arc of Opportunity in North Central Massachusetts

01/30/2026

Here in CBDES we are staying on track with our fitness journey!
Emily is putting in the work at the YMCA, knocking out 2 miles, and getting ready for better weather ahead!
How are you staying fit?

01/30/2026

Construction update! Progress is coming together one step at a time

01/29/2026

This week’s listening circle was held with Paxton Rd staff and was filled with meaningful conversations and valuable insights. As always, it was a great time.

01/28/2026

Our program participants participate in volunteer programs in the community. One program participant had a great time volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, where he learned how to gift wrap packages for customers. It was a great day of giving back!

01/28/2026

Fundamental #9: Deliver Legendary Service by Tierra Sanders.

Delivering legendary service starts with genuine empathy and presence. This means actively listening to understand not just what someone is asking for, but why it matters to them. Put distractions aside, ask thoughtful questions, and acknowledge their feelings or goals. When someone walks away feeling understood and respected, the service instantly rises above the ordinary.

Second, take ownership and be reliable. Legendary service means to take responsibility from start to finish. Follow through on promises, communicate clearly, and act with urgency. Go the extra mile. When something goes wrong, don’t deflect blame; focus on solutions. Consistency in small actions—being on time, prepared, and responsive—signals respect and professionalism.

Finally, legendary service goes beyond expectations in meaningful ways. This doesn’t require grand gestures; it’s the thoughtful extra step, personalization, or proactive help that surprises and delights. Remembering preferences and offering value before being asked shows that you genuinely care about the other person’s success or well-being. Over time, these moments create lasting impressions and turn ordinary interactions into memorable ones.

Bio: My name is Tierra Sanders, and I am the Residential Manager at Foster Street in Pepperell. I've been with The Arc of Opportunity since September of 2025, but I have worked in this field for over seven years throughout my career. Advocating and navigating opportunities for the individuals we support is very rewarding in itself. I enjoy working for The Arc of Opportunity because as an organization, we maximize those opportunities from every aspect of life and continue to build on what we know and what is left to learn. I look forward to more years of the rewarding work that we do, while embracing change and delivering legendary service to individuals and families.

01/26/2026

The Way of The Arc Fundamental #9 Deliver legendary service.

See every interaction as an opportunity to create an extraordinary experience. Take the extra steps to amaze people and create experiences they’ll tell others about. Do the unexpected.

01/23/2026

01/23/2026

Students with disabilities have the right to a free, appropriate public education (FAPE). That right is protected by federal law and enforced by the U.S. Department of Education.
Right now, those protections are being threatened.

Sign the petition now to protect the educational rights of students with disabilities

Sign the Petition to Protect Special Education.

01/23/2026

Our first Listening Circle of the year was with Gamache Lane Staff - lots of thoughtful conversation and a great breakfast to celebrate the staff!

01/21/2026

Fundamental #8: Honor Commitments by Joseph Oti-Akenten

Being punctual for phone calls, meetings, and appointments shows respect for other people’s time. It also shows reliability and professionalism. When you consistently honor your commitments, people learn they can trust and depend on you.

Trust is built through actions, not words. By honoring commitments, you strengthen relationships, improve teamwork, and demonstrate integrity in both your personal and professional life. Sometimes it requires adjusting our actions while still upholding the essence of our promise. It’s about recognizing the value of dependability, a quality that builds trust, deepens respect, and sustains relationships over time.

In our life, commitments take many forms: personal goals, relationships with coworkers, responsibilities such as responding to emails, being on time for our professional duties. Speaking straight is also imperative by communicating any hindrance’s that will prevent you from honoring your said commitment to all who may be affected.

It’s about recognizing the value of dependability as a quality that builds trust, deepens respect, and sustains relationships over time in our various places of work.
To honor a commitment then is not only to keep a promise, but also to uphold our integrity, shape our character, and leave behind a legacy of trust.

Bio: I am Joseph Oti-Akenten. Residential Manager – Providence Street. I have been with The Arc since September 2021. I do enjoy spending time with my Family and Reading Books.