The Community Connections program works with families to link their children to fun, social leisure and/or recreational activities in the community. Families need to be referred by the Department of Mental Retardation. The Community Leisure Facilitator (CFL) meets individually with each family to identify the child’s interests and abilities. The CFL then searches out and assists the family in linking up with appropriate, available community resources. Activities might include scouting programs, sports teams, dance, horseback riding, etc. The CFL also maintains a list of activities and sends out a periodic newsletter to all of the families. The CFL has also started a unified Special Olympics soccer team (where each disabled athlete is paired with a partner) for children.

For more information, please contact ARC Community Services at (978) 343-6662 or email us at .

ARC Community Services and
Central Mass Families Organizing for Change
invite you to join them for

A CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PARTY
Saturday, December 13, 2008
1:00 to 4:00 pm, at the Fitchburg Senior Center
14 Wallace Ave, Fitchburg

• This party is open to all children with a diagnosed disability, up through age 12, and their family members.
• Refreshments will be served.  Plans include a coloring contest and music.
• Siblings are welcome to attend.
• Preregistration is required.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Santa will be making an appearance. Gifts will be provided for all pre-registered children through age 12. In order for children to receive a gift, the registration form must be returned by November 24.

ARC Christmas Choir

We are pleased to announce the formation of the ARC Christmas Choir

If you are interested in singing at the ARC Auction on November 15 and the ARC Christmas Dinner Dance on December 12, please join us on Saturday mornings from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm for rehearsals.

Rehearsals will be held October 4 through December 6, 2008, and will be held at ARC Community Services, 564 Main St., Fitchburg.

Individuals requiring one-to-one assistance must be accompanied throughout the rehearsals by family member/staff to be responsible for their needs; children under 18 will also need an adult to accompany them throughout the rehearsals.  

If you sign up, you must attend rehearsals regularly. Choir members with more than two unexcused absences will not be allowed to participate in the performances. All participants will need black pants and a white shirt to wear for the performances.

We invite and encourage staff or family members of all ages who enjoy singing to come along and join us. It is our hope to make this a fun event for every one, and also to show the general public just how talented the folks we serve really are.

To register, please send the registration form by September 26 to: Ruth Nicholson, ARC Community Services, Fitchburg, MA 01420

Come to the Kid's Connection (formerly SibShop)!

Do you have a brother or sister with special needs? Then this is the group for you! Sib-Shop is a place for you to meet friends who understand what it’s like to have a family member with a special need. Sib-Shop is a great place to problem solve, role play and have a good time! Ages 8 through 15 are welcome!

Indians and Me
November 8, 2008, 1:00 to 4:00 pm
Stone-house, Coggshall Park Electric Ave, Fitchburg, Ma.

For more information or to register, contact:  Kathy Black 978-343-6662 ext 115 or e-mail her at kblack@arccommunityservices.org