By Caroline Bunnell
The work of the Arc of Greater Brockton serves people of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as their families.
Through their multiple programs, they provide social opportunities, as well as skill-building programs.
There are 18 other chapters of the Arc in Massachusetts, where Executive Director Dean Rizzo said they all have the same focus.
“Our primary focus is providing services and resources to individuals of all ages that have intellectual or developmental disabilities, and for autism spectrum disorder,” Rizzo said.
According to their website, programs include activity zones, day habilitation, community-based day support, employment services, a redemption center, and lawn care.
Throughout the facility there are art studios, sensory rooms, group activity areas, as well as a recycling center which provides employment opportunities.
However, these in-person resources were not available during the peak of the pandemic, which provided many difficulties.
“We were closed for a three-to-four-month period. We had to quickly pivot and adapt to remote services, which was a big loss for many of our members because they often need the hands-on assistance,” Rizzo said.
One of the most important programs that is provided are the employment opportunities.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 19.1% of people with disabilities are employed. This has increased from 2020 which had an employment rate of 17.9%.
According to the informational pamphlet, job services include, “assessment of skill sets and interests, training and skill building exercises and resources, job matching to maximize the employment experience, job coaching to build confidence and comfort, and transportation coordination,”.
They offer two internal business operations which are a bottle/can redemption center, and lawn care services.
Rizzo said providing opportunities for people with disabilities to work is important. It provides them with a sense of self-worth, as well as giving them something to work for.
Also, within the facility are different types of activity zones. This includes a fit zone, chill zone, music zone, and art zone.
Within the fit zone, the wellness and nutrition program assist people with the use of weights, and other fitness equipment
The chill zone includes two sensory rooms, with a variety of activities to sooth thoughts and emotions.
The music zone allows participants to express their creativity through a variety of instruments that are available.
Lining the walls are also pieces of artwork made by the members in the art activity zone.
There are many ways to become involved in this organization and contribute to the work of the Brockton Area Arc.
Stonehill College student Ang Colb, became involved in the Brockton Area Arc through her brother who participates in the program. She now volunteers there.
“We have a monthly party, where we rent out a dance hall, or host some type of event. Everyone is welcome to come, and we often have people come from different Arc chapters, so it is a really great experience for everyone,” Colby said.
Colby said that through volunteering, she has been able to become more patient with her brother, as well as all people with disabilities, and understand that everyone sees life through a different lens.
Rizzo said people can also donate to the program.
In the 2021 Year in Review Newsletter, “All Aboard the Arc”, it describes the importance of donations.
“The Friends of the Arc Helping Hand Fund is available to cover the cost of an unexpected expense, as well as to support skill development programs and recreating activities,” the newsletter said.
Rizzo said e new members and volunteers are welcomed.
“What we are really looking for is for people to understand what we do, so they can help spread the word. It can be a lonely world, and its challenging to know what is available to help them,” Rizzo said.
More information about how to become involved with the Arc of Greater Brockton can be found at https://arcofgreaterbrockton.org.
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