March 2020

The Central Region had a good month in February. We met with our REDD Group and we continue to work on transportation, thanks to Debbie Pierce, our transportation rep.

At our regional work team meeting in February we had a powerpoint presentation by Tess, a mobility specialist with the WRTA. We had a great discussion about safe travel and taking public transportation. JustinBernard also presented about voting. It was a great meeting!

On Feb 10th Janet spoke about self-advocacy at a Human Services class at Quinsigamond Community College. Great job Janet!

Our OVW Mass Rights for Change grant project team has met a lot during the month. We are working on plans to improve access to needed services for survivors of sexual assault. Our Central Awareness and Action team has hired a new trainer, Melissa Beauregard, and she attended her first training this month. Welcome Melissa! And…just in time….we have a busy month of training ahead!

The HMEA Hopedale Day Program (where we hold many grant project meetings)has moved to a beautiful new building in Franklin. An open house was held on Feb 26th.

So what is ahead for Central? We can’t wait for spring!! We look forward to having a meet and greet in March to welcome new members including self-advocates from the THRIVE self-advocacy group and others we have met. We also look forward to hosting tables at regional transition fairs and our legislative breakfast, attending events like “Light It Up Blue” and our regional self-direction support group, REDD Group and transportation meetings in March. We are also excited to connect with Building Bridges self-advocacy group on April 1st!

Spring is just around the corner……Happy Spring everyone!