The Arc of the South Shore, a family-oriented, community-based non-profit providing information, referrals, and community programs for individuals with disabilities, has learned it has been awarded a $25,000 grant from the Yawkey Foundation.
The funding will allow The Arc of the South Shore to install ceiling Hoyer lifts in two of its residential group homes, thereby improving residents’ safety, independence, and dignity. The lifts will allow Arc staff to easily transition residents into and out of bed. The system minimizes the risk of injury to both residents and staff while they are completing daily activities, such as transferring to a chair or toileting. Lifts also allow residents more time out of bed, which is shown to decrease the risk of bed sores and improve endurance and mood.
“Although ceiling Hoyer lifts are considered the safest transferring option, they are not covered by state funding or Medicare,” said Abigail Parrilla, CEO of The Arc of the South Shore, extending enormous gratitude to the Yawkey Foundation for the grant. “This gift will help make a difference in the lives of adults with disabilities and will also allow The Arc to offer the highest quality of care to both its residents and the staff who care for them each day.”
The Yawkey Foundation is dedicated to perpetuating the philanthropic legacy of Tom Yawkey and Jean Yawkey, whose eight decades of quiet generosity supported individuals and families in the communities that were closest to their hearts – Massachusetts and Georgetown County, South Carolina. Having awarded more than $550 million to date in charitable grants to organizations focused on health care, education, human services, youth and amateur athletics, arts and culture, and conservation and wildlife, the Yawkey Foundation is committed to preserving and sustaining the charitable values of the Yawkeys by investing in nonprofits that provide resources, opportunity, and dignity to the vulnerable and underserved.
About The Arc of the South Shore, Inc.
The Arc of the South Shore (The Arc) was founded in 1951 when a group of individuals created a school for children with disabilities. Then, in 1967, The Arc was deeded property at Webb State Park in Weymouth; the space gave the agency a permanent home and the opportunity to expand. By the end of the 1980s, The Arc became a multi-service agency. Today, The Arc is a family-oriented, community-based non-profit providing information, referrals, and community programs for individuals with disabilities.
These services include an Autism Resource Center, early intervention program, community supports, employment services, day supports and habilitation programs, in-home care, and residential services. All of their programs are based on their six core values of people first, community, transparency, self-determination, diversity, and respect. The Arc serves participants from communities throughout the South Shore, including Abington, Milton, Quincy, Randolph, Braintree, Weymouth, Hingham, Hull, Cohasset, Scituate, and Norwell. Through their 72-year history, they have helped more than 100,000 people.
