Episodes

In this episode, we hear from Leo Sarkissian, Executive Director of the Arc of Massachusetts, as he discusses the history and present of the organization, as well as the state of advocacy and care for people living with intellectual and physical disabilities in the Commonwealth. PLAN actually grew out of the original members and families of the Arc, with the original Trust incorporated in 1971 as a non-profit under the IRS Section 501©3 tax code. The discussion also touched on the impact of the ...

In this episode, hear from Craig Welton, Chief Development Officer at Northeast Arc, as he discusses how Northeast Arc fulfills their tagline: “Changing lives. Discovering abilities.” The supports offered by Northeast Arc, from independent living skills to job programs, seek to meet each individual’s needs and goals. Listen as he highlights how connections within the community and a partnership with PLAN support their work. To find out more: https://ne-arc.org/. The post Northeast Arc: Individu...

In this episode, hear from Elder Law Attorney, Elizabeth Phillips, as she discusses herself and her Rhode Island-based practice, Hackman & Phillips Elder Law Rhode Island LLC. Listen as she highlights Elder Law, Special Needs Trusts, her relationship with PLAN of MA & RI, and more. Learn more here: https://www.elderlawrillc.com/ The post Elder Law in Rhode Island – with Attorney Elizabeth Phillips appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

In this episode, hear from special guest Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Founder and Chairman of Best Buddies International, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that strives to end the social, physical, and economic isolation of the millions of people around the world with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Listen as he discusses his personal journey that led to the founding of this wonderful organization! https://www.bestbuddies.org/ Read the transcript for this episode. The post Becom...

In this episode, hear from Michelle Markowitz, President and CEO of Cardinal Cushing Centers, as she discusses how the organization’s variety of programs embodies its vision of being a caring intergenerational community where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live full and meaningful lives at home, at work, at school, and at play. Find out more here: https://cushingcenters.org/ Read the transcript of this episode. The post Finding Possibility, Opportunity, and Hope at...

In this episode, hear from Brenda Dater, Executive Director at Asperger/Autism Network (also known as AANE). Listen as she discusses how this nonprofit organization helps people with Asperger’s or similar autism spectrum and neurodiverse profiles to build meaningful, connected lives through their variety of inclusive programs. She also touches on the importance of the relationship with their partner, PLAN of MA & RI. Read the transcript of this episode. The post Empowering Individuals and Buil...

In this episode, hear from Tom Alessi and Craig Richardson, founders of the ARIES Foundation for Financial Education. Hear how this nonprofit organization helps to educate people on how to have a better relationship with their money. They also highlight their relationship with PLAN of MA & RI along with their insights on ways to fund a special needs trust. Read the transcript of this episode. The post Building a Better Relationship with Money – with Tom Alessi and Craig Richardson of the ARIES...

In this episode, hear from Greg Donnelly, President and CEO of the Carroll Center for the Blind, as he discusses how the organization achieves its mission of empowering those who are blind and visually impaired to achieve independence and lead a fulfilling life. He also highlights how their mission and goals align with those of their community partner, PLAN of MA & RI. Read the transcript of this episode. The post Overcoming Obstacles at the Carroll Center for the Blind– with Greg Donnelly app...

In this episode, hear from Mary Beth McMahon, President and CEO of Special Olympics Massachusetts, as she highlights just how special this organization is. Special Olympics Massachusetts strives to spread inclusion through year-round sports training and competition while changing the way the world views individuals with intellectual disabilities. She also highlights the importance of their partnership with PLAN of MA & RI. Read the transcript of this episode. The post Special Olympics Massachu...

In this episode, hear from Patrick Shaughnessy, State Director of Best Buddies of MA & RI, as he discusses the mission of this 501(c)3 organization: to establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for friendship, jobs, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). He also highlights the importance of the relationship with their Inclusion Partner, PLAN of MA & RI. Read the transcript of this episode. The ...

In this episode, hear from Jo Ann Simons, President and CEO of Northeast Arc, as she discusses the organization and how it reflects its mission of helping individuals with disabilities to achieve their most independent lives. Tune in as she highlights how the organization is benefiting their community, the major milestones it has accomplished, the significance of establishing the partnership with PLAN of MA & RI, and much more. Be sure to check out their innovative store, parcels, that sells pr...

In this episode, hear from Elder-Law Attorney, Michelle Lapointe, as she discusses special needs trusts and her relationship with PLAN. She highlights how to set up a special needs trust, the different types of special needs trusts, the importance of the POMS guidelines, and more. To learn more go to planofma-ri.org. Read the transcript of this episode. The post Establishing a Special Needs Trust – with Michelle LaPointe appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

In this episode, hear from Joan McGrath, the Executive Director at PLAN of MA & RI. Listen as she discusses PLAN and its history, what PLAN does as a Professional Trustee, and why someone would benefit from establishing a special needs trust with PLAN. To learn more go to planofma-ri.org. Read the transcript of the episode here. The post Who is PLAN of MA & RI? – with Joan McGrath appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

This informative podcast will delve into the world of Special Needs Trusts from the eye of a nonprofit 501©(3) Professional Trustee, the Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of MA & RI. It will discuss what special needs trusts are, the different types of trusts, how to set a trust up with PLAN, and many other related topics. To learn more go to planofma-ri.org. Read the transcript of this episode. The post The PLAN for Special Needs Trusts -Trailer appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.