Michael Weiner is a friend and mentor of mine. He is a special needs financial planner who knows pretty much everything families in transition and beyond 22 need to know about housing and work — particularly for people on the Spectrum. Here, with his permission, is a notice about his next monthly meeting for parents, held at the Newton, MA Jewish Community Center:<\/p>\n
Our next meeting is scheduled for April 17 (Wed) at the JCC, 333 Nahanton St (Room 508), Newton, from 7:00 \u2013 9:00 PM.<\/p>\n
The topic of the meeting will be \u201cWORK\u201d.<\/p>\n
For those of us who have children who are capable to work, with the appropriate support, we all realize how important this opportunity is.\u00a0 As our children leave their academic programs, the activity of working can provide the foundation on which to build a fulfilling life.\u00a0 To rob a phrase from Jim Cassetta (executive director of Work, Inc.), \u201cwork is the hub of the wheel\u201d.\u00a0 A simple statement with enormous benefits, but often elusive and can be challenging to provide these work opportunities for our children.<\/p>\n
This meeting will be devoted to discussing how best to prepare our children, and ourselves, as it relates to these work opportunities.<\/p>\n
We are fortunate to have two representatives from organizations who put an emphasis on work, and are both on the fore front of provider agencies who can work with us to try to create these vocational opportunities.\u00a0 We all know there are more of our children who are seeking employment, than there is employment available.\u00a0 However, with the support of DDS (and their \u201cWork First\u201d initiative), and combined with a joint effort of parents and support organizations, these opportunities are possible.<\/p>\n
Our speakers will be:<\/p>\n
Ms. Sharon Smith.\u00a0 Sharon is the Senior VP and COO of Work, Inc., Dorchester.\u00a0 This organization has been in existence for more than 40 yrs serving individuals, with all types of disabilities.\u00a0 Today, they serve over 800 individuals, and provide vocational training and placement services.\u00a0 They are New England\u2019s leader in the Federal Ability One program.<\/p>\n
Ms. Mary Ellen Cameron.\u00a0 Mary Ellen is the Program Director of the Lifeworks, Inc. Supported Employment Center in Norwood. The foundation of this organization has been in existence for more than 50 yrs.\u00a0 They offer a wide array of employment services, including competitive employment, group employment, and job training centers amongst their supports.\u00a0 They have successfully placed hundreds of our children in community based employment.<\/p>\n
Both Sharon and Mary Ellen are intimately familiar with today\u2019s landscape, and how the agencies (primarily DDS and MassRehab) are approaching the immediate future as it relates to employment.<\/p>\n
So, whether you have a child in the transitional age (less than 22), or who is post 22, you will benefit from participating in this discussion.<\/p>\n
Please send me an e mail if you plan to attend so I can be sure there are adequate arrangements.\u00a0 Thank you.<\/p>\n
Lastly, on a personal note.\u00a0 I serve on the board of the Federation for Children with Special Needs, and am the current Treasurer.\u00a0 Our annual Gala is scheduled for May 3, 2013 at the Seaport Hotel, Boston, MA.\u00a0 The Federation has supported, and continues to support, all our children.\u00a0 Any support for this wonderful organization would be greatly appreciated.\u00a0 Please consider attending the Gala, and if you are not able, a donation, in any amount, is appreciated.\u00a0 Here is the link to the Gala event:\u00a0 http:\/\/fcsn.org\/gala\/2013\/index.php<\/p>\n
Michael W. Weiner
\nFinancial Advisor
\nSpecial Needs<\/p>\n
Commonwealth Financial Group
\n101 Federal St. (Suite# 800)
\nBoston, MA 02110<\/p>\n
617-312-5115 (Cell)
\nE Mail:\u00a0\u00a0 MichaelWWeiner@financialguide.com
\nwww.commonwealthfinancialgroup.com<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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