GWArc, Inc - Improving the lives of people with developmental disabilities and their families

Welcome to GWArc

GWArc's mission is to serve children, adolescents and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in the community, utilizing a person-centered planning approach. We provide quality, flexible programs, services and supports which maximize independence, foster inclusion, promote self-advocacy and build community connections. GWArc programs are based upon self-determination, sound teaching practices and the latest technology. GWArc is committed to advocacy and legislation to influence attitudes and perceptions so individuals may choose and achieve life goals.

OUR COMMUNITY

A private nonprofit organization founded in 1956 by a group of concerned parents, GWArc is uniquely sensitive to the level of personal support required for individuals to thrive. We have proven experience with the inclusion of all people into the community.

Spanish Translation
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See our Employment Opportunities!

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GWArc Announces New Adult Family Care Program

GWArc CEO Roz Rubin (above, left) meets with Heather Chagnon, GWArc's Adult Family Care (AFC) Manager

Dear Consumers, Families and Friends of GWArc,

We are very happy to announce that GWArc, Inc. is now a provider of the Adult Family Care Program and we are now able to offer the services to consumers and community members! The Adult Family Care (AFC) Program is a MassHealth funded program which offers financial support to friends or family members who are caregivers in the home for a loved one living with developmental, medical, physical or cognitive disabilities. The AFC Program also includes care for the elderly.

This program is designed to support consumers in the family setting for as long as possible. Consumers who are eligible for this program are unable to live alone and require daily assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as: ambulation in or outside of their homes, bathing, dressing, toileting, eating or transferring.

The AFC team will work one-on-one with the caregiver and/or family to develop an individualized Plan of Care and will provide training, regular visits and services to help support the individual and caregiver.

The AFC Program offers two Levels of Care:

Level 1 for consumers who require assistance with one or two ADLs;
Level 2 for consumers who require assistance with three or more ADLs, plus display one or more of these behaviors: wandering, resisting care, verbally or physically abusive or socially inappropriate behaviors.

A registered nurse and care manager will conduct an onsite assessment to determine eligibility for the program as well as evaluate the home in which the consumer is living.

For further information, I invite you to visit our AFC Program web page, which you will conveniently find under Services We Offer/Adult Family Care.

Sincerely,

Heather Chagnon

GWArc Adult Family Care Manager

GWArc Adult Family Care Program - "Serving the Community, Supporting Families"

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Artists of GWArc Art Show in Senator Susan Fargo's Office at the Massachusetts State House

GWArc CEO Roz Rubin (left) presents a framed painting as a gift to Senator Susan Fargo (center) at the Opening Reception of the Artists of GWArc Art Show in Senator Fargo's office on January 18. Pablo Friedmann, GWArc's Artist-in-Residence, is at right. The art show, which showcases paintings created by GWArc consumers, will continue in Senator Fargo's Office, Room 504, at the State House through February 17. Additional images from the art show are below.

Consumers in GWArc's Day Education and PLUS programs participated in a series of art classes with Pablo Friedmann in 2011. The classes, which continued our longstanding Artists of GWArc enrichment program, were funded through a grant from the Waltham Cultural Council*. Thanks to Senator Fargo staff member Kelly Durkee-Erwin, Waltham resident and former Waltham Cultural Council member, for arranging this event, which will bring additional awareness to our Massachusetts legislators and the community.

*This program was supported in part by a grant from the Waltham Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

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NEW! Click here to see our Summary of the FY 2012 Operating Plan

NEW! Click here to see our FY 2012 Accessibility Plan

NEW! Click here to see our 2011 Performance Analysis Summary

NEW! Click here to see our 2011 Annual Report

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BIS MAILING SERVICES
BIS Mailing Services is our agency-owned business. Founded in 1994, BIS Mail has served well over 150 customers with assembly and mailing services. BIS Mail employees are people served in our Vocational and Day Education Programs in Waltham. Employees complete BIS Mail jobs and are paid competitive wages.

BIS Mail is capable of completing numerous mailing tasks, and frees up your most valuable resources - your employees - so they can spend their time doing what they do best. GWArc staff supervise, inspect and sign off on jobs, providing you with timely and accurately completed work. For more information or to speak with a BIS Mail supervisor, please contact us at 781-891-1904, or email BISmail@gwarc.org or visit www.BISmailing.com.