Pathways to Friendship

03/30/2026

✨ Pathways to Friendship 2026 Forum: Foundations of Friendship ✨

Join Pathways to Friendship and The Arc of Massachusetts on Thursday, June 11, 2026 for an inspiring day of connection, learning, and hands-on experiences focused on building meaningful relationships between people with and without disabilities.

We’re honored to welcome keynote speaker Dr. Ann Turnbull, a nationally recognized leader in intellectual and developmental disabilities, known for her groundbreaking work in family support, inclusive communities, and quality of life.

📍 Location: The Verve Hotel Boston Natick, Tapestry Collection by Hilton (Constellation Ballroom)
🗓 Date: Thursday, June 11, 2026
⏰ Time: 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM

A special thank you to Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services for their generous support of Pathways to Friendship.

For more information, contact Rachel Hayward at rhayward@arcmass.org

We hope you’ll join us for this meaningful and energizing day! 💛

03/26/2026

Today is International Social Prescribing Day! Social prescribing is a healthcare approach that recognizes the importance of relationships and connections for our wellbeing. Healthcare providers might prescribe an art class, volunteerism or joining a hiking group.
In honor of today here's a video highlighting a beautiful friendship developed through a running group!

03/24/2026

Our Building Belonging Grant Partners (https://thearcofmass.org/friendship/ ) MCS and It Takes a Village held a wonderful, inclusive, games day for their local Russian community this past weekend!

03/19/2026

Join our community partner, It Takes a Village, for a fun Community Game Day for the Russian speaking community near Huntington, MA!

When: This Saturday March 21, 2-4pm
Where: It Takes a Village: 2 East Main St, Huntington MA 01050

03/19/2026

Word choices have impact! The language we use determines whether we are creating exclusionary and unsafe environments or places of inclusion, welcoming, and belonging!

03/18/2026

Make music and friends tomorrow night Thursday 3/19 from 6-8:30pm!

03/18/2026

Pathways to Friendship offers FREE presentations to community organizations, schools, families, provider agencies, and people with disabilities (and anyone else who is interested)!

Check out the list of our offerings (https://thearcofmass.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Presentation-Descriptions.pdf) and contact us: Friendship@arcmass.org

03/12/2026

Sports are an amazing way to build community and friendships!

By competing together, students with disabilities and those in general education are forming friendships that might not have happened otherwise.

03/11/2026

The New England Aquarium is holding Sensory Inclusive Hours on Sunday March 15th from 8-10am.

03/11/2026

📚 Virtual Book Club Tonight!

Join us Wednesday, March 11th, 7–8 PM on Zoom for our next Book Club session! ✨

Tonight, we’ll explore the importance of Freedom and Money as part of living a good life. No need to read ahead or attend every session, everyone is welcome!

Come explore ideas, share your thoughts, and connect with others who are curious about what makes life meaningful.

This book club is open to anyone who wants to explore the keys to living a good life!

💻 Register here to join: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/ehhtu93/lp/677880fc-3c8a-4855-aea3-09f6a6812f3a

We're excited to have you join us! 💜

03/11/2026

🌟 Join Community Connections Incorporated (CCI)for the March Family Engagement & Advocacy Virtual Session! 🌟

The next session in our Family Engagement & Advocacy Series is Wednesday, March 18, 2026: “A Parent’s Journey to Inclusion” with Marie Younger Blackburn—a passionate parent advocate and leader who brings lived experience, insight, and hope to conversations about inclusion, disability, and belonging.

This session is all about empowering families and building stronger, more inclusive communities. It’s free and open to anyone who wants to join!

📅 When: Wednesday, 3/18/2026
💻 Where: Online (Zoom)
🔗 Register here: https://ccimass.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F36557

We can’t wait to see you on screen and share this inspiring conversation! 💜✨

03/09/2026

Save the Date!
Thursday June 11, 2026
Pathways to Friendship's Annual Forum