Northeast Arc

06/23/2026

Northeast Arc Project Perk graduate Daniel Krendel recently started a new job at Life Alive Organic Cafe in Salem! Daniel worked closely with Michael Blunt, Employment Program Manager, on interview prep and food service skills to prepare. Before applying, Daniel spent 6 months working at Breaking Grounds Cafe, learning all aspects of working in food service. Congratulations, Daniel!

06/23/2026

"Olmstead has helped millions be a part of their communities and live the lives they choose. We cannot go backward."

Today is the anniversary of Olmstead v. L.C., the Supreme Court decision that affirmed the right of people with disabilities to live in their communities. And today, that right is at risk.

A new Department of Justice opinion says the federal government may stop enforcing one of the strongest protections people with disabilities have against institutionalization.

This opinion doesn’t erase Olmstead or take away the regulations that protect community living. But it’s dangerous because rights mean less when the federal government refuses to enforce them.

Our Senior Executive Officer Shira Wakschlag, told NPR: “This opinion is a direct threat to decades of progress toward community living for people with disabilities. People with disabilities shouldn't be forced into institutions because a state refuses to provide services in the community.”

Olmstead has helped millions be a part of their communities and live the lives they choose. We cannot go backward.

Read the NPR article: https://www.npr.org/2026/06/20/nx-s1-5865100/doj-memo-trump-disability-civil-rights-institutionalization

06/23/2026

Registration is now open for the Run, Walk, and Roll for Inclusion and Family Fun Fest!

Join Northeast Arc at MarketStreet Lynnfield on Sunday, October 4, 2026 for a 5K Run, Walk, and Roll or 1-mile Run, Walk, and Roll. You can register as an individual, or join a team to fundraise and support Northeast Arc. Each dollar you raise will support services that help people with diverse abilities live as full participants in their communities. Visit ne-arc.org/5k now to register!

06/22/2026

Congratulations to our graduates!

06/19/2026

Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in the United States, and is an opportunity to celebrate the strength, perseverance, and resistance of those who were enslaved, and to honor their legacy. Visit https://linktr.ee/northeastarc to learn more about Juneteenth's history and how you can celebrate.

06/19/2026

Great job, Jayden!

06/18/2026

Future Focused – Northeast Arc held its 2nd Annual 2054 Society Lunch with the CEO recently to thank existing and new members and the 2054 Committee. Society members are loyal donors who support NeArc through a wide variety of planned gifts. The lunch was held on the 91st birthday of former Board Chair Barbara Remon, front row center. To learn more, please visit https://ne-arc.giftlegacy.com/

06/18/2026

Northeast Arc celebrated the opening of its newest day program location in Stoneham, Massachusetts. The new location at 105 Central St. is the home of Journeys, a community-based day support program that helps individuals develop the skills needed to access the community safely, become productive members of the community, and build and maintain employment and life skills. The program offers individuals diverse opportunities to volunteer in the community and work at local businesses. NeArc already operates one Journeys location in Danvers. Myrna Solorio, says opening the new location will allow the agency to build stronger relationships in Stoneham and surrounding communities. Journeys participant Robyn Vars was able to cut the ribbon to officially open the new space 🎊

The Journeys program is funded through the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS).

06/16/2026

Read the full statement from The Arc of the United States on the potential impacts of these changes: https://thearc.org/blog/moving-special-education-and-civil-rights-out-of-education-department-risks-a-patchwork-of-rights-for-students-with-disabilities/

Today, the Trump administration dismantled the foundations of educational equity.

By stripping the Department of Education of its authority over the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services and the Office for Civil Rights, they have gutted the critical oversight that protects students with disabilities.

This is not a reorganization; it is an abandonment of the laws and expertise designed to ensure every child has access to an equal education.

The Arc will continue to work with our national partners to fight for the educational rights of students with disabilities.

Here in Massachusetts, we must strengthen special education services and compliance with Individualized Education Plans as we navigate changes to the systems of oversight and appeal. Maura Sullivan Nora Bent Emilia Niyangoda

06/16/2026

Northeast Arc is seeking volunteers to coach our Special Olympics softball team 🥎 The team practices on Tuesday evenings at Bishop Fenwick High School and there will be two tournaments throughout the summer. Interested in helping out? Email Aiyanna Lamkin at [email protected].