Spring 2026

Community members, human services leaders, self-advocates, families, and state lawmakers gathered on June 5 at the Sheraton Boston Needham Hotel for a Legislative Breakfast focused on the challenges facing individuals with disabilities, their families, and the workforce that supports them.

Co-hosted by Lifeworks, Charles River Center, and Riverside Community Care, the annual event brought together advocates and elected officials for a meaningful discussion about workforce shortages, funding priorities, service gaps, and legislative solutions impacting thousands of Massachusetts residents.

Self-advocate Erez Bailin followed with a powerful account of his own journey toward independence and the supports that have helped him build a meaningful life in the community.

Bailin shared how services such as SNAP benefits, Section 8 housing assistance, employment supports, and educational resources have enabled him to live independently. He stressed the importance of preserving these programs for others who rely on them to achieve their goals and remain active members of their communities, reminding attendees that public policy decisions have a direct impact on people’s everyday lives.

Throughout both the panel discussion and audience Q&A, human service leaders highlighted the growing workforce crisis and its impact on access to services. Providers noted that approximately 1,800 individuals statewide remain on waiting lists for services, including hundreds awaiting residential placements. Panelists emphasized that competitive wages and adequate funding are critical to attracting and retaining the direct support professionals who make community-based services possible.

Representative Paul McMurtry underscored the importance of maintaining strong relationships between advocates and elected officials. “We as legislators are here to create policies with an open heart, open mind, and with compassion,” McMurtry said. “Our role is to make sure accounts are funded. Your role is to get to know your legislators and keep an open dialogue.”

“Budget competition is real,” Tarsky said. “There is always a need to make an argument. That’s the work for you as advocates, to educate us so we can represent you properly. Advocacy can never be underestimated.”

McMurtry echoed that message, noting that events like the Legislative Breakfast help lawmakers better understand the needs of their constituents and the realities facing service providers and families.

Attendees also heard encouraging updates from Sen. Rauch and Rep. Phillips on recent disability-related legislative successes, including the passage of the Archaic Language Bill, which removes outdated and offensive disability-related terminology from Massachusetts law, and the implementation of the Blue Envelope Law, designed to improve communication and safety during traffic stops for individuals with autism and other disabilities.

The breakfast concluded with a call to action from Maura Sullivan, Executive Director of The Arc of Massachusetts, who urged attendees to remain engaged as state budget negotiations enter their final stages.

“We are heading into the home stretch of a two-year budget cycle, and now is the time to be heard,” Sullivan said. “Our legislative agenda includes many bills, some with little or no cost, but all will have a great impact.”

As Massachusetts continues to address workforce shortages, funding challenges, and growing service needs, the Legislative Breakfast served as an important reminder that progress depends on ongoing collaboration among self-advocates, families, providers, and policymakers. The conversations throughout the morning demonstrated a shared commitment to strengthening supports and expanding opportunities for people with disabilities across the Commonwealth.

Read more in the Needham Local here.

Lifeworks resident Courtney W. combines creativity, advocacy, and lived experience to support others while building a life rooted in trust, communication, and community.

Courtney understands how important communication can be, especially for people who often feel misunderstood. That understanding has shaped both her career and her life. From creating communication books and interview guidebooks to supporting survivors through the Disabled Persons Protection Commission’s (DPPC) Sexual Assault Response (SAR) Team, Courtney uses her creativity and lived experience to help others find their voices.

She has also provided valuable input to healthcare professionals and public service agencies to help improve services and increase opportunities for people with disabilities.

In addition, Courtney serves as co-chair of the Peer Support Network, a self-advocate-led organization that promotes leadership and advocacy among people with disabilities. She also co-facilitates monthly educational sessions on topics such as self-advocacy, healthy relationships, wellness, and safety.

Courtney’s advocacy was recognized nationally when she received the 2024 National Miss Amazing Impact Award, which honors individuals who advance inclusion, self-advocacy, and accessibility in their communities. In recommending her for the award, supervisor and DPPC Peer Support Specialist Genine Farrell wrote, “When faced with challenges, she is resourceful and turns obstacles into growth opportunities. I cannot think of anyone more deserving because she continues to be impactfully Amazing.”

Last June, Courtney moved into a Lifeworks community residence in Wrentham. At first, she wasn’t accustomed to having people regularly check in on her or make sure she was okay. A year later, she says she has found something meaningful: people who understand her. She’s also been able to bring along her cat, Lily, who is enjoying the new home as well.

“Courtney is a wonderful addition to our residential home. She has such a big heart, and watching her flourish with the individuals and staff has been amazing,” said Residential Program Manager Beverly.

“Courtney is incredibly intelligent and creative. Once you understand how she communicates, you realize how much you can learn from her,” said Lifeworks Teacher/Counselor Alemy, who has supported Courtney over the past year. “She sees the world differently, and that perspective helps all of us become better at supporting others.”

If you want to see Courtney in action, you’ll find her on Saturday mornings at the Walpole Farmers Market, proudly displaying and selling handmade soaps, greeting cards, diamond art bookmarks, and wood-crafted creations through her small business, Courtney’s Creations. But beyond the colorful display is another passion: helping people with disabilities feel heard, understood, and supported.

Lifeworks Autism and Law Enforcement Coalition (ALEC) Director Sergeant Ryan Roettger was recognized by the Massachusetts Trial Court for his contributions to the development of the Massachusetts Blue Card Initiative (BCI), which officially launched on April 30. Roettger, along with ALEC Instructor Rita Curley, helped to review the curriculum. Their expertise and advocacy played an important role in shaping the program.

The Blue Card acts as a visual indicator that an individual may communicate, respond, or react differently than a neurotypical court user. This allows court personnel to adapt their approach and better meet the needs of individuals with ASD.

According to the Massachusetts Trial Court, the initiative was developed in collaboration with The Arc of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts State Police, and Sergeant Ryan Roettger of the Southbridge Police Department. Their guidance, training, and expertise helped ensure that the program effectively serves the autism community while supporting courthouse personnel.

The Trial Court noted that the Blue Card Initiative reflects its ongoing commitment to equal access to justice and to providing timely, courteous, and accessible service to all court users.

As spring comes and the weather gets warmer, Lifeworks has been busy!

Our dedicated Lifeworks crew braved the cold waters in February for the Nantasket Polar Plunge. Our team raised $3,431 to support our athletes who participate in the Special Olympics of Massachusetts! A huge thank you to everyone who participated, donated, and cheered us on.

The Lifeworks Theater Arts Group lit up the stage with their performance of songs from Mamma Mia at the Foxborough Community Center! From Dancing Queen to Waterloo, the Lifeworks Stars had everyone singing along.

The Horseback Riding Group kicked off at Right Stride Therapeutics in Norfolk. Participants enjoyed bonding with the horses, grooming them, giving treats, and leading them through an obstacle course.

Our individuals had a great time at the Stars of the Spectrum concert in Boston. Our partners at the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation held this celebration of Autism Acceptance Month, featuring amazing performances, including a special guest appearance by Kodi Lee.

Lifeworks partnered with the Morrill Memorial Library in Norwood to host an Inclusive Spelling Bee for all Ages. Participants enjoyed stations with games, cookie decorating, crafts, sensory activities, and even a book swap.

Lifeworks ‘Our Club’ held a restaurant fundraiser night at Conrad’s in Norwood to raise money for their Advocacy, Empowerment, Opportunity Scholarship fund, as well as supporting future social & recreation programming at Lifeworks. Thank you to everyone who came out and dined.

Nothing says spring like planting day! Individuals and staff worked together to plant flowers, vegetables, and herbs across the Westwood Lifeworks location. Everyone had a hand in making our gardens beautiful and ready for the season ahead.

Lastly, LES Boston held their annual cookout with burgers and hot dogs on the grill, and everyone was happy to celebrate the summer season ahead.

Every other Tuesday morning at The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Dorchester, a dedicated team from Lifeworks LES-Boston helps ensure hundreds of individuals and families have access to nutritious food while being greeted with kindness, dignity, and respect.

or more than a year, approximately eight individuals from LES-Boston have volunteered at the Kroc Center’s emergency food pantry distribution program. Working alongside Lifeworks staff, established volunteers, and Captains Michelle and Shakai Drigo of The Salvation Army, the group helps organize and distribute groceries including produce, dairy products, frozen foods, and dry goods to community members facing food insecurity.

The work is fast-paced and demanding, but according to LES Case Manager Patrick Kelley, the volunteers consistently rise to the occasion.

“The feedback from the individuals who volunteer at this offsite life enhancement activity demonstrates how much they enjoy serving their time through such a meaningful opportunity,” Kelley said. “They do not just deliver groceries, but a tremendous amount of assistance in the lives of all those who attend the emergency food pantry.”

At the time, only a handful of volunteers remained to help distribute more than 3,500 pounds of food every two weeks to hundreds of families in need.

“We had absolutely no help,” Drigo recalled. “It was just myself, my wife, and a few elderly church members trying to serve the community.”

The food pantry environment was stressful and overwhelming as staff worked to meet growing community needs while navigating language barriers and staffing shortages. Determined to continue serving families, Drigo began searching for partners who could help stabilize operations.

That search eventually led to Lifeworks.

After connecting with Lifeworks staff and identifying volunteer roles that would fit the strengths of LES participants, the partnership quickly flourished.

“Now the system works like a well-oiled machine,” Drigo said. “The Lifeworks volunteers are pleasant to our community. They greet people with enthusiasm and kindness at every station.”

Beyond helping improve the efficiency of the pantry’s operations, Drigo says the volunteers bring something equally important: compassion.

They give people dignity and respect when they come to the food pantry,” he said. “This is important for people with food insecurities. It makes them feel welcome and not looked down upon.

For the volunteers from LES-Boston, the experience has become far more than a service project. It is an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to their community, build relationships, and take pride in helping others.

And every other Tuesday, that impact can be felt throughout the Kroc Centerone smile, one grocery bag, and one act of kindness at a time.

Below are the Lifeworks staff members who were recognized for embodying PBS and going above and beyond during the months of March and April.

Support Lifeworks by donating a raffle prize! Your contribution helps make our fundraising events a success and directly supports the individuals and families we serve.