HINGHAM, MA, ISSUED APRIL 1, 2024…Just in time to observe April as national Autism Acceptance Month, The Arc of the South Shore, a family-oriented, community-based non-profit providing information, referrals, and community programs for individuals with disabilities, announces receipt of grants totaling $13,000 in support of its Autism Resource Center’s Caring for Caregivers Initiative.
A $10,000 grant from the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism and a $3,000 grant from Bailey’s Team for Autism will be used to provide support groups and educational sessions for caregivers and families of children with autism. The Arc’s Caring for Caregivers initiative provides caregivers with emotional support, improved access to information and resources, a reduced sense of isolation and stigma, and helps them navigate everyday challenges.
Over the coming year, the Arc of the South Shore’s Autism Resource Center will offer 24 support groups and educational sessions, including a men’s support group, educational discussion led by subject matter experts, health and wellness sessions, and more. As a result, this initiative will empower caregivers and improve the quality of life for their child and family.
“Our deepest gratitude to both The Flutie Foundation and Bailey’s Team for their support of our Caring for Caregivers Initiative,” said Abigail Parrilla, CEO of The Arc of the South Shore. “With this generous and greatly appreciated grant funding, we will provide families affected by autism with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive within a supportive environment of people working to create a more inclusive and welcoming society for all.”
Autism has been identified as the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States, with one in 36 children receiving a diagnosis, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The report further estimates that 2.2% of the adult population in this country have been identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
The Flutie Foundation (www.flutiefoundation.org) has a mission to help people and families affected by autism live life to the fullest. Bailey’s Team for Autism (www.baileysteam.org) is committed to raising funds and awareness to support people living with autism spectrum disorders and their families with a focus on programming, education, and research.
The Arc of the South Shore’s Autism Resource Center offers an array of services including family support groups, community dances, sensory-friendly movies, educational workshops, the Exploring Disney Animation social club, and the Sensational Story Time Yoga program as well as other programming. The Center is led by Director Janine Birmingham. For more information or to sign up for a caregiver group please visit https://arcsouthshore.org/news-events/event-calendar.html.
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 73-year history, they have helped more than 100,000 people.
