Commonwealth of Mass Department of Mental Retardation

Brockton Area Arc's Family to Family Support Center provides information, education, and referral services that assist parents to successfully manage the challenges of raising a child with disabilities. Support groups and parent meetings sponsored by Family to Family Support Center provide opportunities for families to connect with other families, share resources and build support networks.

For various upcoming events, see our newsletter, "The Messenger" under Family to Family News or check out "Coming Events".

For more information about any of the following programs, call the Brockton Area Arc at 508-583-8030.

Brockton Area Arc Family Group meets monthly to provide information and support for those who have adult family members with special needs. "How can we help?"  

In order to ensure that the Family to Family Support Center and the Brockton Area Arc are meeting the needs of individuals and families, we need to hear from you, the consumer.  You can tell us how satisfied you are with our services, and to make suggestions for future program planning by filling out our Family Evaluation of Program Services 2007-2008.  Your feedback is vital for us to make needed improvements, and to make decisions about where we are going.  Please take a few minutes to fill out the survey and return it to us.  Thank you in advance for your help!

Sibshops

Sibshops is a recreational program sponsored by “Sibshops of Greater Brockton,” a collaboration of Brockton Area Arc, Growthways, Old Colony YMCA, and South Bay Early Intervention.  The program is held one day during school vacation weeks. If you know a boy or girl, ages 8 to 12, who has a sibling with special needs, please tell them about Sibshops!

Adult Siblings Group

Brothers and sisters have an opportunity to meet others who have similar life experiences and to share information about resources for aging parents and siblings with special needs.  This group meets quarterly on a weekday evening.

Sunday Recreation Program at the Arc 

For Brockton Area Arc members, the Sunday Recreation Program provides a variety of recreational activities for children ages 8 - 14.  Children with special needs and their siblings and/or friends are invited to participate.  The program is designed to encourage children to recognize their abilities and to socialize with others in a recreational setting.  This program takes place on Sunday afternoons during the school year.

Self-Advocacy Group

Advocates Being Strong, a group for adults with special needs, meets monthly in the evening to develop the skills to make decisions about their own lives, to speak up for themselves, and to identify others who can support their growth.  These important skills contribute to a better quality of life for individuals, especially if they are living away from their family or if their parents are gone.

Arc-ED (Extended Day)

Brockton Area Arc’s Extended Day Program—for students at the Angelo School, Downey Elementary School, South Middle School and Brockton High School— provides a variety of recreational activities for students with disabilities.  Activities include:  sports, arts & crafts, music, cooking, games, and other recreational activities tailored to the unique needs and preferences of the participants.

Parent workshops are held throughout the year to provide parents and other interested people with information about a variety of disability related topics.  To be added to the mailing list, please call the Brockton Area Arc.

Brockton Area Association for Retarded Citizens, Inc.

1250 West Chestnut Street, Brockton, Massachusetts 02301 
(508) 583-8030        Fax (508) 583-1739
BAARC@comcast.net