The Arc of the South Shore, a family-oriented, community-based non-profit providing information, referrals, and community programs for individuals with disabilities, is the recent recipient of a $10,000 United HealthCare Community Grant in support of its First Early Intervention (EI) Program.
The EI family-centered program provides educational and therapeutic services to children from birth to three years of age who have developmental concerns due to biological, medical, or environmental factors. Services are provided in everyday settings, including the home, childcare centers, and the community. The team-based model allows the child, family, caregivers, and Early Intervention professionals to work collaboratively together to create increased opportunities for learning. A variety of parent support, educational services, and resource referrals are also provided through the EI program.
“Research indicates that human learning and development are at the highest rates during the toddler and preschool years,” said Brenda Linden, Chief Strategy and Engagement Officer with The Arc of the South Shore. “Unfortunately, some children, because of conditions diagnosed at birth or later developmental delays, risk missing these key learning and developmental milestones. However, with age appropriate and timely interventions, such as Early Intervention, children with disabilities can and do thrive.”
“We are grateful to United HealthCare as this grant funding will ensure that every child who is eligible for Early Intervention receives linguistically appropriate care,” said Linden, noting that nearly a quarter (23.9%) of Massachusetts’ residents speak a language other than English at home.
UnitedHealthcare offers Community Grants through its Empowering Health program to support community-based organizations in addressing social determinants of health. These grants help tackle issues like food insecurity, social isolation, behavioral health, and health literacy.
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.
