DANVERS ― Northeast Arc’s Center for Linking Lives got a very generous gift for its second anniversary: a $250,000 anonymous donation.
The not-for-profit organization, which helps children and adults with disabilities become full participants in their communities, launched the Center for Linking Lives in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, in October 2020. The center ― which has so far raised a total of $2.5 million out of a $3 million goal ― serves as a gathering place for individuals with disabilities, where they can spend time with peers engaging in activities. It is located in the Liberty Tree Mall in Danvers.
According to a press release from Northeast Arc, the donation was one of four of the same amount, and was meant as a “challenge gift,” meaning the organization will be granted the funding once other supporters donate a matching amount of gifts.
“We are thrilled to have this $250,000 match at this important point in the campaign,” said Jo Ann Simons, president and CEO of Northeast Arc. “Early on, we had a $125,000 matching gift challenge from the Kraft Family that created a great deal of momentum and helped us raise critically-needed funds.
“We expect that this even larger match challenge will further inspire people to help us fully fund our campaign and ensure the Center for Linking Lives reaches its full potential as an inclusive space supporting people with disabilities.”
The Center for Linking Lives boasts a number of features and initiatives for the community it serves. At the Liberty Tree location can be found parcels, a store that sells products made by or created at businesses owned by people with disabilities or autism.
Additionally, the Center hosts an assistive technology lab and innovative devices to assist with cognitive, physical and emotional needs of patrons; The New England Biolabs and Ellard Family Test Kitchen, which provides food preparation lessons; small meeting rooms for individuals to participate in one-on-one speech or cognitive therapies and mock interviews; and a group program space for small social gatherings and/or recreational programming. Individuals served by the Center for Linking Lives are also eligible for hire at stores around the Liberty Tree Mall.
“The Center does more than just deliver services to our North Shore community,” said Lauren Dalis, area director of marketing for the Simon Property Group, which owns the mall. “The individuals with disabilities supported by Northeast Arc have brought a new energy to the mall — whether they’re working in one of our stores or out shopping themselves — and we’re thrilled that our visitors now have the chance to interact with people with disabilities in a way that is inclusive and welcoming.”
The Center for Linking Lives is only one of Northeast Arc’s projects. The organization serves nearly 200 communities across Massachusetts, and includes initiatives such as adult family care, the ArcWorks Community Art Center, autism services, the Black Box Theater, Breaking Grounds Café, continuous care nursing services, day habilitation, deaf services, early intervention, employment services, family support, First Steps Childcare & Preschool, fiscal intermediary services, personal care assistance, and more.
To donate to Northeast Arc’s Campaign for Linking Lives, which supports the center, visit linkingliveschallenge.org. More information about programs and services at Northeast Arc can be found at ne-arc.org.
