The Arc of the South Shore, a family-oriented, community-based non-profit providing information, referrals, and community programs for individuals with disabilities, has experienced a more than 5% increase in those served in the last calendar year.
The 5.4% percentage represents an increase of 261 in the number of individuals receiving services by the nonprofit. In 2022, some 4,562 people were served, while in 2023 the number increased to 4,823.
Broken down into programs, some 78 individuals attended Adult Foster Care; 858 at First Early Intervention; 1,200 at Personal Care Management; 2,576 attended the Autism Resource Center; 38 were served at Pathways to Possibilities; and 47 were benefited by Residential Supports.
The growth coincides with the July 2022 appointment of Abigail Parrilla as CEO of The Arc of the South Shore, and is part of an overall trend over the previous five years, when the number of people served annually was closer to 2,000. Parrilla took over the helm of the agency after serving as its Chief Operations Officer for five years.
“Creating opportunities for and improving the lives of those in the disability community is our foundation; we are beyond pleased that an increased number of individuals are taking advantage of and benefitting from our programs,” said Parrilla, extending gratitude to the agency’s staff members for their “outstanding commitment to those we serve.”
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 73-year history, they have helped more than 100,000 people.
