04/29/2024 – The AC Hotel by Marriott was the location for Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kate Walsh and Undersecretary, Mary McGeown to join the 33rd Annual Legislative Breakfast sponsored by the Central Mass Providers, a group of non-profit private providers of services for people with disabilities.
Those provider sponsors are the Center of Hope Foundation, Advocates, Kennedy-Donovan Center, LUK, Inc., Open Sky community Services, Seven Hills Foundation, The Arc of Opportunity, Thrive Support & Advocacy, Venture Community Services, The Arc of Massachusetts and Association of Developmental Disability Providers. These organizations serve tens of thousand of people with over 10,000 staff in Massachusetts.
The 200 attendees from a broad array of agencies and advocates, along with a dozen state and federal legislators and aides, came to present, listen and understand the issues around people with various disabilities, particularly intellectual, developmental, autism and behavioral health in Central Mass and the State.
Each year this event has a theme, and this year the theme was Myth Busters. Although the field has come a long way, there is still a long way to go to get the general public to understand the civil rights and prejudicial issues that still go on. The theme helped to clarify some of the dozens of preconceived notions still out there, such as “People with IDD cannot work” , “The state takes care of people with disabilities adequately”, “Direct Support Professionals make a living wage”. Speakers addressed the crowd with how to “Bust those Myths”.
Sean Rose, President and CEO of Thrive Support and Advocacy addressed questions to the Secretary and Undersecretary in a “Fireside Chat” format. This discussion addressed the ongoing workforce crisis and the challenge in recruiting and retaining staff, which is in large part due to the rates that are paid to employees. With Inflation, food costs, electricity, and a lack of affordable housing, especially in the Worcester area, it makes it even more difficult. This workforce crisis is preventing the individuals served from accessing programming, putting a strain on families and caregivers.
The Secretary and Undersecretary explained to the participants the state budget items that will support the increases needed to address this crisis and their plans and pilot programs to address these issues, including efforts with newly arrived immigrants to get work authorizations to work in provider agencies, along with helping them with housing.
State Representative Natalie Higgins of the 4th Worcester District spoke to the crowd about her own personal experience with her “Aunt Tilly”, who only started to live her best life in her seventies when she finally was able to go to a group home and have friendships, goals and was able to get out in the world. She urged the other legislators in the room to do all they can to ensure that this can happen for the many thousands out there, especially those who are underserved or not served at all. They need to help her Bust the Myths about people with disabilities, too.
Included in the event was recognition of Leo Sarkissian, Executive Director of the Arc of Massachusetts, for outstanding leadership as he administered and advocated for the families and 17 Chapter agencies in Massachusetts for the last 33 years.
Awards to outstanding advocates are an essential part of this event each year. Award winners this year include:
- Davonte Johnson of LUK, Inc. – Excellence in Advocacy Award
- Kelly Pedro of Kennedy-Donovan Center – Impact for Life Award
- George Ntiamoah of Advocates – Inspirational Leader Award
- Amber Cannalonga of Thrive Support & Advocacy – Community Impact Award
- Marilyn (Fritzi) Foster of Center of Hope – Exceptional Advocacy & Compassion Award
- Alicia Randolph of Venture Community Services – Culture of Excellence Award
- Roxanna Mayas of the Arc of Opportunity – Inspiring Change Award
- Omolewa Fagboore of Open Sky & Seven Hills – Outstanding Leadership Award
A Call to Action went out to the audience about continuing advocacy from Ken Bates, President and CEO of Open Sky Community Services. Contact any of the sponsors to learn more about programs and how to support this cause.
Cindy Howard
Center of Hope Foundation, Inc.
508-764-4085 ext. 619
CHoward@thecenterofhope.org
www.thecenterofhope.org
