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Mass Budget Cut Rally a Success

Wednesday, 20 May 2009

According an email that the Massachusetts ARC sent out this week, over four hundred individuals with disabilities, family members, staff and friends gathered at the Grand Staircase at the State House to rally and speak out against the DDS and DMH budget cuts. That is a great turnout and sends a clear message to our legislators.

Besides the ARC, kudos also need to go out to the following statewide disability advocacy organizations for supporting and spreading the word about the rally: The Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers (ADDP), Massachusetts Families Organizing for Change (MFOFC), Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts (AFAM) Mass Advocates Standing Strong (MASS) and Mass Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC).

Thank you for getting the word out there and showing our legislators what “Parent Power” is all about!
Sharon Marie

POSTED BY: AT 12:51 pm | Permalink | E-mail this

DMH Layoff Outrage

Tuesday, 19 May 2009

The elimination of 100 case worker positions from the Massachusetts Department of Mental health was the state kicking a dog that was already down. A callous and heartbreaking move that decimates a department hard hit by previous cuts.

I want the state to know that there are faces and families behind the numbers they throw around. That people are hurting and don't know where to turn. That dedicated case workers are once again left stretching themselves farther then ever before to help those who are unable to help themselves.

If these dire economic times continue, there may be more cuts still to come for the DMH. I implore Governor Patrick and his administration to stop this outrage, this abomination to the well being of our mentally challenged.

Every one of us needs to call our state legislators right away. You can find their contact information at www.wheredoivotema.com. Tell them: No more cuts. No more layoffs. No more.
Sharon Marie

POSTED BY: AT 12:42 pm | Permalink | E-mail this

May Is Childrens' Mental Health Month

Saturday, 02 May 2009

Many of our children have emotional and mental challenges along with their physical disabilities. Children's Mental Health Month in Massachusetts will showcase many family support services that are participating in a month- long series of events to promote community awareness and spreading the word about and helping the mentally impaired and their families.

The Wayside's Parent Partnership Program is just one of many mental health organizations in Massachusetts hosting events in cities and towns such as Arlington, Billerica, Brighton Framingham, Lexington and Watertown.

Their community workshops include themes such as a Forum for Children's Health Campaign, Legislative Breakfasts, Helping Parents Learning Parenting, There's No Such Thing As A Bad Kid and much more. The month long campaign will end with a May 31st NamiWalks at Artesani Park in Brighton. Please visit the Wayside at www.waysidepp.org for details on many more events.
Sharon Marie

POSTED BY: Sharon Marie AT 12:46 pm | Permalink | E-mail this

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