DANVERS — Marblehead man Steven P. Rosenthal donated $1 million to Northeast Arc, a not-for-profit organization that helps children and adults with, or at risk for developing, disabilities become full participants in the community — the second million dollar donation he has made to the organization.
In 2017, Rosenthal’s initial $1 million gift to Northeast Arc established the Changing Lives Fund, which provided the vehicle for the organization to expand services in creative and innovative ways that traditional funding has not allowed. It also led the organization to raise additional visibility, supporters, and funds.
“When Steve made his initial $1 million donation it was a real game-changer for us,” said Jo Ann Simons, president & CEO of Northeast Arc. “Since that time Steve has been actively engaged with the Northeast Arc and has encouraged us to look beyond what we are currently doing and find new and exciting opportunities. This second gift solidifies his belief in what we are doing to change lives for people with disabilities and their families every day.”
Northeast Arc plans to activate Rosenthal’s donation in three primary areas: by focusing on workforce investment through its new Pathways to Opportunities program, by continuing to execute on bold ideas such as the ArcTank, and by replicating successful programs and services, such as the Center for Linking Lives, into a wider geographical area while also expanding the use of technology for people the agency serves
“I’ve been incredibly impressed with the work that Jo Ann and her team have done with my initial donation and I’m confident they will continue to be innovative with these additional funds,” said Rosenthal, chairman of West Shore, a multifamily real estate investment firm. “I urge others who are looking at organizations to support to talk to the folks at Northeast Arc. I know they will be equally impressed and want to be part of changing lives in a very positive way.”
Rosenthal earned his bachelor’s degree at Harvard and a law degree at Boston University. He practiced corporate law for 25 years and served as co-managing director at Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky and Popeo. Prior to forming West Shore, he served as president and president and CEO at Northland Investment Corporation.
Northeast Arc changes lives for people with disabilities — and children at risk of developing them — and their families. The agency, which opened the Center for Linking Lives at Liberty Tree Mall in Danvers in 2020, serves thousands of people in nearly 200 Massachusetts cities and towns each year.
Northeast Arc is the largest Arc in the state of Massachusetts and one of the largest in the country. Services include: Adult Family Care, the ArcWorks Community Art Center, Autism Services, Black Box Theater, Breaking Grounds Café, Continuous Care Nursing Services, Day Habilitation, Deaf Services, Early Intervention, Employment Services, Family Support, The Learning Center Childcare and Preschool, parcels retail store, Personal Care Assistance, Recreation, Residential, Shared Living and Transition, and Skilled Intermittent Home Health Care. Learn more at www.ne-arc.org.
