Health Insurance Premium Payment Program
The Health Insurance Premium Payment program (HIPP) is part of MassHealth. Any family that has at least one family member on MassHealth and has an employer-based health insurance can apply to HIPP to have the amount the employee (parent) pays towards the premium directly reimbursed to them. In a sense, they receive a check in the mail in the amount of the premium taken out of their pay. Participation in HIPP will not affect one's MassHealth benefits. Any family who has a child on MassHealth such as MassHealth Standard, SSI, CommonHealth or Kaileigh Mulligan can apply if they pay something toward their health insurance. Having MassHealth and private insurance benefits the family in situations where private insurance may cover services that MassHealth does not. If the family should lose their MassHealth coverage, HIPP will pay the private health insurance for up to six months. A family plan bought through HIPP may cover members of the family who are not covered by MassHealth.
To apply for HIPP, families can call 800-462-1120 for an application.

The Massachusetts Assistive Technology Loan Program: An Alternative Financing Program Operated by Easter Seals Massachusetts

Independence is priceless . . . We help make it more affordable.

This program is a partnership between Easter Seals and the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission in conjunction with Sovereign Bank. Funding was obtained through a federal grant matched by the Commonwealth.
      People with disabilities of all ages will have access to low interest, cash loans to purchase assistive devices and services to improve the quality of their lives and expand their independence.  This loan program could cover communication devices, adapted computers, Braille equipment, hearing and vision aids as well as certain vehicle modifications.
      The Assistive Technology Loan Program has many options for people who may have difficulty getting a traditional bank loan.
      Local agencies around the state have been designated as “Access Sites”. At those sites, individuals can meet and talk with someone to assist them through the application process.
      For more information and assistance with the process, call 978-343-6662: Eileen (ext. 125 email: ) or Kathy (ext. 115. email: ) at ARC Community Services. Or call Easter Seals at 1-800-244-2756: Jason (ext. 431) or Kristina (ext. 428).

Autism Support Group
ARC Community Services hosts a monthly support group for parents and/or caregivers of children and/or adults who are diagnosed with autism. For more information, please contact Kathy Black at 978-343-6662 or email her at .

Family Support Center
ARC Community Services Family Support Center holds monthly trainings and support groups for family members in the North Central area and hosts an annual children’s Christmas and Easter party. Our Resource Library is also available to families Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Family Support Coordinator
The Family Support Coordinator also works with families involved in the Boulet lawsuit through the Family-to-Family Support Center, providing outreach, support, clinical services and education. ARC also manages interim respite supports for some individuals.

Shared Living/Adult Foster Care
Do you have a spare bedroom? Have you ever thought about sharing your home and your life with someone who may be less fortunate than you? Do you have a sincere desire to make a difference? Have you ever thought it would be great to be paid for doing something that you love to do? If you answered yes to these questions or if this describes someone you know, we would love to talk to you and tell you about Adult Foster Care and Shared Living. Please call 978-345-6302 and ask to speak with a member of the Shared Living / AFC team.

SERVE — ARC Program

What Is SERVE?
SERVE is the smart alternative to food shopping. It is a program designed to promote volunteer service by offering discounts on the highest quality grocery, meat, and produce items to community-minded individuals willing to volunteer two hours per month! Simply complete a registration form and community volunteer slip. Pay and place your order by the due date (Jan. 15, Feb. 12, March 12, April 9, May 7, June 11, July 16, Aug. 13, Sept. 10, Oct. 8, Nov. 5 and Dec. 3) and pick up your order on the 3rd Saturday of the month at the Cookie Jar Café.

Who Can Participate?
Anyone! There are no eligibility requirements. This program is open to all income levels, ages, and races. If you can give two hours per month, you are eligible for this great program.

What Is the Food Like?
The food is all the finest quality from top grocery store brands and SERVE currently offers four food packages (a family meal package, a meat only package, a produce only package and a special package) which vary each month.  The following is an example:

Interested?
For more information on SERVE, please check out their website. For more information on signing up, or if you have questions, contact Kathy Black by phone at 978-343-6662, ext. 115 or email at kblack@arccommunityservices.org