The Arc of the South Shore Announces Amanda Holthaus as Community Supports Director

HINGHAM, MA, ISSUED JULY 24, 2026…The Arc of the South Shore, a family-oriented, community-based non-profit providing information, referrals, and community programs for individuals with disabilities now celebrating its 75th year, is pleased to name Amanda Holthaus of Dorchester as community supports director.

In this leadership role, Holthaus oversees all community-based disability services, blending program leadership, staff management, community partnerships, and mission-driven advocacy.

Holthaus brings more than 30 years of experience in healthcare, human services, compliance, and staff development to her post with The Arc. Her professional background includes leadership and clinical roles in DDS-funded residential programs, assisted living, rehabilitation, behavioral health, and community-based services, with a strong focus on person-centered care, quality improvement, and workforce development.

She holds a master’s degree in public health from the University of Massachusetts Lowell and is a Licensed Practical Nurse.

As the parent of a son with Down syndrome, Holthaus’s connection to The Arc’s mission extends beyond her professional experience, providing her with personal knowledge of the importance of inclusion, advocacy, and meaningful supports for individuals and families.

“Amanda brings an extraordinary blend of specialized expertise and personal devotion to her role as community supports director,” said Elizabeth Sandblom, CEO of The Arc of the South Shore. “Her decades of experience combined with her perspective as a parent make her uniquely equipped to strengthen our community supports and help ensure that every individual receives the inclusive, service-centered services they deserve.”

“I am honored to be a member of The Arc of the South Shore’s staff and be a part of an organization that supports individuals and families in building lives filled with opportunity, independence, and connection,” said Holthaus.

About The Arc of the South Shore, Inc.
The Arc of the South Shore (The Arc) was founded in 1951 when a group of individuals created a school for children with disabilities. Then, in 1967, The Arc was deeded property at Webb State Park in Weymouth; the space gave the agency a permanent home and the opportunity to expand. By the end of the 1980s, The Arc became a multi-service agency. Today, The Arc is a family-oriented, community-based non-profit providing information, referrals, and community programs for individuals with disabilities.

These services include an Autism Resource Center, early intervention program, community supports, employment services, day supports and habilitation programs, in-home care, and residential services. All of their programs are based on their six core values of people first, community, transparency, self-determination, diversity, and respect. The Arc serves participants from communities throughout the South Shore, including Abington, Milton, Quincy, Randolph, Braintree, Weymouth, Hingham, Hull, Cohasset, Scituate, and Norwell. Through their 75-year history, they have helped more than 100,000 people.