Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation awards $6,606 to support The Arc’s “Caring for Caregivers” initiative
WEYMOUTH, MA, ISSUED FEBRUARY 4, 2026…The Arc of the South Shore, a family-oriented, community-based non-profit providing information, referrals, and community programs for individuals with disabilities, is pleased to announce it is a recipient of an Autism Community Impact Grant of $6,606 from the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism in support of its “Caring for Caregivers” program.
The Arc of the South Shore’s Autism Supports Director Bridget Dunn and CEO Liz Sandblom.
The Autism Community Impact Grant is awarded through an application process and historically supports traditionally under-served, under-funded, culturally diverse communities reflected in the Flutie Foundation’s areas of impact.
As a result of the generous grant, the “Caring for Caregivers” initiative will advance, offering events such as coffee gatherings and caregiver retreats to allow caregivers with opportunities to find support and connect with each other.
“Our deepest gratitude to The Flutie Foundation for providing grant funding for this important programming,” said Elizabeth Sandblom, CEO of The Arc of the South Shore. “Their financial backing helps us create meaningful opportunities for caregivers to pause, connect, and feel truly supported.”
“The Flutie Foundation Autism Community Impact Grant helps our partner agencies address a variety of significant needs in the autism community,” said Nick Savarese, Executive Director of The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism. “Programs like these help people on the autism spectrum live life to the fullest and we are proud to support their efforts.”
The “Caring for Caregivers” program further enhances the Arc of the South Shore’s Autism Resource Center which provides referrals, and community-based programming for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families.
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.
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.
About The Flutie Foundation
Former NFL Quarterback, Doug Flutie, and his wife Laurie started the Doug Flutie, Jr. Flutie Foundation for Autism in 1998 after their son, Dougie, was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. Their experience of raising a son with autism inspired them to help others on the challenging journey. Over its history, the Flutie Foundation has distributed over $20 million to schools and organizations who provide clinical therapies, recreational programs, social skills training, and more for people with autism. The Flutie Foundation also provides education technology tools, adaptive camp scholarships, safety equipment, and direct family support through its partnerships and special initiatives.
