South Norfolk County Arc (SNCARC) celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2004. The following history was published in honor of that event.

On September 23, 1954, Mrs. Ruth Holman of Walpole, Massachusetts placed a notice in the local newspapers: "Parents of Exceptional Children are Asked to Share Problem Together" was the title of the Norwood Tribune article. The notice was directed toward parents of children with developmental disabilities in Canton, Medfield, Sharon, Walpole and Westwood, in order to "help bring the children out of the shadows and into the light." The posting drew a response from parents who became active, long-standing members of SNCARC. Mrs. Peg Ellison, Mrs. Mary Hacker, the late Mrs. Connie Ferris, and the late Mrs. Connie Scribner were among these pioneer members. These parents met with Mr. and Mrs. Holman at their home, and listened to the invited guest, Mr. John Fettinger, Vice President of the Massachusetts Association for Retarded Children (now known as Arc Massachusetts). A business meeting followed, and Mrs. Holman was nominated to serve as chairman until a board of officers could be elected.

The group got right to work, and began by reaching out to other parents through the newspapers and through physicians' offices. The school nurse in Walpole helped locate families through her work. One newspaper article by the group stated:

"Sympathy is not needed nor is it wanted by those who today face the problems that present themselves due to the lack of understanding on the part of the public. You are never too old to learn. Educate yourself on this subject. Be prepared to help those who need help, to encourage those who need to be encouraged."

These parents set about to create an Association to work to get their children the services which, until that time, did not exist. Prior to the 1950s, the only options available to families were to place their children in large institutional settings, or to keep them at home, with no school program and no support.

1955 - 1959

By February 1955, a notice in the Walpole Times read: "There now exists in this area, an Association founded for the help of the mentally retarded, regardless of age, race, color or creed, it is the South Norfolk Association for Retarded Children." Monthly meetings were held in the homes of members, at schools, at the Norwood Civic Center and at the American Legion Hall. By the summer of 1955, SNCARC provided a summer day camp, "The Dover Day Camp," along with nursery classes and playgroups. Space for the programs was always donated. The parents were quite progressive. That first summer, the children went to the Capron Park Zoo, the Children's Museum, fishing in Duxbury, and they climbed "Big Blue" in the Blue Hills. They even had weekly pony rides! Stop and Shop donated the cold drinks. The needs have not changed in the last 50 years, nor has the Association's dedication to meeting the needs of people with developmental disabilties and their families, .

The first fund-raising activities involved door-to-door appeals by parents and other volunteers. The first recorded outside group to hold a fundraiser for SNCARC was the Norwood Arena Stock Car Race. The fund drive proceeds were used to start a volunteer-led preschool nursery training class held at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Norwood. Mrs. Dorothy Cadogan led the class with an all-volunteer staff. Today, one of the scholarships awarded at each SNCARC Annual Meeting is named for Mrs. Cadogan.

Mrs. Holman (above, 1954) was elected Regional Vice President of MARC in 1957 and Mrs. Ellison became the second President of SNCARC. That same year, Mrs. Claire Henderson of Westwood served on the scholarship committee, and Mrs. Stephen Ferris was the local fund drive Campaign Coordinator. In 1958, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, parents of an exceptional child themselves, spoke at the MARC "Thanksgiving Crusade" fundraising event. According to a newspaper account, in attendance from SNCARC were Mr. Edward Donahue of Norwood, Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Ferris of Norwood, Mr. and Mrs. William Francis Keenan of Canton, Mrs. Neil Henderson of Islington, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Goodwin of Canton, Mrs. Carl Ellison of East Walpole and Mrs. Richard Holman of Walpole.

In 1959, SNCARC began a Saturday Speech Clinic in conjunction with Emerson College. Mrs. Florence Dodge was a delegate to the MARC conference that year.

1960 - 1969

In 1960, Mrs. Dodge became the President and Mr. John Allen (seen above launching a fund-raising campaign) the Vice President. A recreation program began in 1960 at the Norwood Civic Center and included square dancing for children ages 8 through 12. This was also the year that SNCARC was incorporated. The document, dated November 23, 1960, listed the following names: Florence A. Dodge, John L. Allen, Edward J. Goodwin, Marguerite F. Demone, Natalie A. Schmatzler, Raymond J. Connolly, Jr., John D. Jenkins, Royal Armstrong, Jr., and Constance F. Scribner. Both Mrs. Dodge and Mrs. Goodwin wrote that their families found out about SNCARC through their Hood milkman, Mr. Ed Donahue, SNCARC's third president. This was true parent-to-parent outreach.

The original "Agreement of Association" from 1964 lists the Board of Directors as Roy Jacobson, President; Mrs. Mary C. Tausey, Treasurer; Mrs. Connie Ferris, Recording Secretary; Mrs. Ruth Boragine, Corresponding and Financial Secretary; Joseph Walsh, Parliamentarian, Barton Smith, Director; Edward Koval, Director; John L. Allen, Director; and Mrs. Claire Henderson, Director.

In 1967, the parents opened a Day Care Center operated by Mrs. Carole Keegan, a special education teacher. Another of the scholarships awarded each year by SNCARC is named for Mrs. Keegan.

In 1968, the Westwood Junior Women's Club members (including SNCARC parent, Jane Forsberg) convinced the National Junior Women's Club to take on the issue of mental retardation as their primary cause for 2 years. This elevated the issue in the eyes of the public and got many more volunteers involved. The Norwood Women's Community Committee and the Dedham Women's Exchange were also supporters of SNCARC. The Knights of Columbus, the Elks and the Masons all contributed time and funds to SNCARC and continue to do so today.

1970 - 1979

In 1972, the first of the "Consent Decree" lawsuits to improve conditions for people living at the Belchertown State School was filed. In 1974 the Fernald State School in Waltham, the oldest institution in the United States was added to the suit, followed by the Dever and Wrentham State Schools in 1975. Conditions for the residents were deplorable: large wards, very little staff, nothing for the people living there to do but wander the halls. Judicial oversight continued for many years. Several of these institutions closed as the residents moved into the community, and the populations of the others were reduced. As SNCARC opened community residences, many residents from the state schools had their first chance at living a more dignified, independent life.

Also in 1972, SNCARC opened a day activity program for adults and called it the Developmental Achievement Center. The First Baptist Church provided the space for the program. SNCARC member Mrs. Peg Ellison was the Chairman of the Center, and records show her advocacy for the individuals who attended. Staff members Natalie Watson and Bob Hebshie were instrumental in the operation of this program as well.

The following year, Jane Smith led the board in opening the first vocational program for people with developmental disabilities in the area, Norfolk Industrial Services (NIS). It was opened on Cottage Street in Norwood and expanded to Fulton Street in 1976.

At the 1975 Annual Meeting some of the parents mentioned included: Mrs. Pauline Allen, Corresponding Secretary; Mrs. Millie Procop, Treasurer; Mrs. Sheila Coakley, Membership Chair and Mrs. Barbara Koval, who is described as having the workshop as her "special project," and thanked. By this time, Mrs. Holman was appointed as the Director of SNCARC's summer day camp on the Dutton estate in Walpole, and continued her involvement for more than twenty years. Mr. Allen was running a Boy Scout Troop for children with special needs. Tennis, roller skating and dance lessons were offered through the recreation program.

1976 was also the year that Chapter 766, Massachusetts Special Education Law was passed after a hard fought battle by families involved with the ARCs. The law served as a model for the federal Public Law 94-142 and changed education for children with disabilities forever. SNCARC's name changed from "Children" to "Citizens" to reflect that the children of the founding parents were now becoming adults. The minutes from that meeting document the need for the organization to begin focusing more on adults, specifically on opening community residences in the area. President Jane Smith introduced the new Executive Director Bill Abel with the following quote,"I hope our association with him is long and fruitful."

SNCARC's budget in 1962 was $10,000. By 1975, it had grown to $59,000. With Bill Abel at the helm, it has grown into the millions, so Jane's hope has certainly come true! When Bill began, he did not even have an office in which to work, and SNCARC's net worth could not support his salary. He took the job anyway, inspired by the parents who had hired him.

Bill Abel in 1975. Original photo by Larry Welsh.

At the 1976 Annual Meeting the minutes stated, "thanks to Mrs. Esther Zambella, who generously catered the entire dinner for us." The membership chairman that year was Mrs. Eileen Stanley. The first SNCARC community residence opened in April 1976 on High Street in Sharon. An apartment program began as well.

Esther and John Zambella, Natalie and Joe Walsh, Connie Ferris and Tom and Millie Procop were now running the popular monthly dances. Janet Abrahamson was the Editor of SNCARC's newsletter, The Arcade. The "Prevention and Early Intervention" program began in 1976 along with one of the first respite programs in the state.

The next community residence on Howard Avenue in Foxboro opened in 1978. The following year, volunteers were being sought to help with "Disco Dances" and a benefit celebrity auction was organized. A tie tack donated by Ethel Kennedy went for $35. A new "Citizen Advocacy" program matched the individuals served by SNCARC with friends in the community. Jane Smith is quoted in a Patriot Ledger article: "The advocacy program is....bringing a person into the mainstream of life."

1980 - 1989

The year 1980 began a two-year battle to open SNCARC's fourth community residence, at the former Lithuanian Dance Hall in South Norwood. A group of South Norwood residents were fearful and opposed the project. They convinced the town to use zoning laws to prevent the home from opening. Happily, through persistent advocacy, good public relations and excellent legal assistance, SNCARC prevailed. The home opened in 1982, and an article in the Norwood Daily Transcript quoted neighbors: "It's so gorgeous, the people who reside there are so quiet, I haven't heard any comments against it." "I love it, my family loves it. We go over there, we know all the people." The movement of people with developmental disabilities from state institutions to the community was a massive social change, and SNCARC played a significant role in this revolution in Massachusetts.

Past SNCARC President Jane Forsberg took a course at the Meeting Street School in 1980 on how to teach children about "Handicap Awareness." The course involved ways to show children who did not have disabilities what it might be like to be blind or use a wheelchair, and included a discussion of cognitive disabilities. Jane began at the Pine Hill school, where Mrs. Ruth Doorly taught a special education class. The third graders were very interested and participated with enthusiasm. Jane trained volunteers in the other SNCARC towns to implement the same curriculum. This work was the foundation for greater inclusion of children with special needs in the public schools. Mrs. Doorly was a beloved teacher and a great supporter of SNCARC. A scholarship in her name has been added to the list that SNCARC awards at each annual meeting.

The sports program at SNCARC began with a softball team in 1981. It grew over the years to include basketball and bowling. This program is heavily dependent upon volunteers and many parents and others have faithfully provided this help. In 1986, a key volunteer literally walked up and offered his help one day. Ed Ferrara had no family connection to SNCARC, but he wanted to help. He arrived on the softball field at the Balch School in Norwood and asked Dan Burke, "What can I do? I want to volunteer." Dan put Ed to work, and Ed found that he had made the right decision. The sports program continues to be a labor of love for all involved. Ed became Chairman of the Board for Lifeworks and continued to volunteer many hours for the SNCARC sports program.

In 1982, SNCARC began a Self-Advocacy Club with many of the adult children of the original members. The members voted to call the group "Our Club" and elected their own officers. The club's officers run all the meetings themselves and offer a monthly dance called the "Hip Hop Cafe," where long-time parent volunteer Ruth Gagliard served as a waitress. They have volunteered for many projects in the community have done fund raising for their own activities and trips.

Dan Burke's contributions to SNCARC and Lifeworks for 20 years have included almost every job in the two organizations. He started as a teacher/counselor in 1984 and has since helped to open group homes, manage the employment programs and has served as a van driver in a pinch. He became Vice President of Lifeworks and he is beloved by those we serve for the volunteer work he has done with SNCARC sports programs.

Pat and Nora Walsh of Canton began running an Irish Dance fundraiser for SNCARC in 1984 that has continued for 20 years. Nora has been an amazing advocate for SNCARC and has been especially active in legislative advocacy. Pat Walsh made and installed all the bulletin boards in the Day Habilitation program. The Walsh family is among a new generation of parents who continue the tradition of the founders of SNCARC, along with Glenna Boland, Mary Granger, Lucy and Tom Erhard, Peg and Jack Crawford, Sheila Coakley, Ruth Gagliard, Mercedes Warren, Barbara Perry, Jean and Clinton Clark and many others.

In 1985, SNCARC was on a continued path of growth and needed more physical space for its programs and administrative offices. The Day Habilitation Program (a successor to the earlier Developmental Achievement Center), and the Early Intervention Program moved from Westwood to Medfield and occupied the empty Memorial School. The administrative offices relocated there as well, from Walpole Street in Norwood. Although the new facility was a great improvement over the previous ones, members of SNCARC began to dream about a building designed to fit the needs of people with disabilities. Every move involved the renovation of bathrooms to make them accessible to people using wheelchairs - older buildings simply were not designed for their needs.

Past board members...

In 1988, SNCARC began a Capital Campaign to achieve the dream of a building that could be, as they called it, "A Place of Our Own." Steve Brown came to SCNARC in 1989 as Director of Development. Steve wrote: "The work culture and community at SNCARC, including the fund raising, was a team effort, and we had an exquisite captain in the person of Jane Smith." Steve, Jane and Bill became a formidable fund-raising force, marshalling parents and corporations to pitch in any way they could. Steve is quoted in one newspaper article: "Inevitably, we will be able to raise the money, because that's what we have to do."

1990 - 1999

In 1990, SNCARC's Board voted to form a new organization specifically to create homes and jobs for people with developmental disabilities. Attorney and former president, Mike Razza, donated considerable time and legal expertise to this effort. "Lifeworks," a separate but related nonprofit organization, continued the work of SNCARC with many of the staff who had worked there for years; Dan Burke, Mary Hagen, Mike Fuller, Lorraine Beaudoin, Joanne Sarno, the late Tony Calderone, and, of course, Bill Abel. Bob Stearns, a former director for SNCARC, returned to Lifeworks and, together with Bill and Dan, expanded both vocational and residential services. The two agencies continue to work hand-in-hand to provide services across the life span of people with developmental disabilities in the 12 towns served by SNCARC and beyond. Their shared history and common purpose unites them and provides continuity of services to the members of SNCARC.

Volunteers play a variety of roles, and members contribute their time and skills in many ways. Financial Advisory Committee members Joe Walsh and John Ballinger (both former SNCARC presidents), Lou Beigbeder and Bob Forsberg helped with invaluable business and financial advice for both organizations. Many current and former staff have left their marks on the organization. Carolyn Barrett, parent and former SNCARC Residential Director went on the be President of ARC Massachusetts. For more than 20 years, Joanne Sarno has been like a family member to the men who live in the Howard Avenue residence. Neva Budrys has been a constant caring presence since 1980 as secretary, teacher/counselor and development associate.

In the 1990s, an issue was beginning to surface with some of the original founders of SNCARC, and at all of the ARCs. As parents were getting older and sometimes becoming ill, they began to wonder, "what will happen to my child when I am gone?" In 1993, a public relations campaign began to educate the public and to influence the legislature to pass appropriations for the Department of Mental Retardation (DMR) to serve those families who were waiting for a residential placement. A November 1993 article in the Boston Globe featured the Boulet family of Sharon and their personal struggle. Mary Ann Boulet became an activist for this issue, and later her son Ed Boulet was the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit brought by ARC Massachusetts to address the waiting list. The suit was settled in July 2000. Long-time members Woody and Anita Sullivan were also prominent advocates during this lawsuit, and Anita became a leader in the "Family to Family" project, educating other parents and volunteering time on committees and for interviews with the media. Leo Sarkissian, Executive Director for ARC Massachusetts and former SNCARC Residential Director worked with Attorney Neil McKittrick who offered his services pro bono. Together with families and ARC staff, they successfully represented more than 2,600 people waiting for services.

SNCARC acquired a license to operate a mental health clinic in 1993. The Harbor Counseling Center is a specialty clinic which provides counseling and psychiatric services to people with developmental disabilities and their families. The clinic provided another much-needed service for the SNCARC community.

In January 1993, Jane Smith received a letter from the Polaroid Corporation: "Dear Jane," it read, "In response to your request...Polaroid had agreed...to contribute a parcel of land in Westwood." In September, a letter from Steve Brown to Polaroid stated, "Enclosed please find a check for $1.00 payment as specified." The 7.5 acre parcel of land was valued at more than $1 million.

Bart, Jane and Bruce Smith

In August of 1993, Mary Henderson and Bruce Smith led the groundbreaking ceremonies for "A Place of Our Own" in Westwood. The Capital Campaign had been a success and was only $99,000 short of its $1.5 million goal. On May 18, 1994, the building opened and the Day Habilitation program, along with Family Support, Social Recreation and the administrative offices, moved in. In October, Eunice Kennedy Shriver came for a tour.

During the 1990s, a trend began to emerge within the Family Support program. An increasing number of families referred had a child with a diagnosis of autism or a related disorder. The families calling were in great distress over this baffling diagnosis and were desperate for answers and support. The Director of Family Support at that time, Deb Wood (now Vice President of SNCARC) worked with a group of parents to identify their needs. These parents were willing to work as hard as the original founders of SNCARC to create a program to support families with this specific diagnosis. Michael and Nancy Borr, Bill and Tessa Cannata, Lisa and Jim Brown, Don and Lois Kraus, Jon and Dolores Brown, Mary and Peter Wallan and Melinda and Steve Kirstein were among the pioneering families who created a new service. They raised enough funding by 1996 to hire a director, Audrey Morgenbesser, to develop the program. In January 1997, the Family Autism Center held its grand opening celebration as the newest program serving SNCARC's families.

Into the 21st century

Parent volunteers continue to make the difference in the success of SNCARC. Current Chairman Frank Sally and his wife, former Chairman Nancy Sally have volunteered many hours, board members Meta Unterweger and Marilyn Howley help Robyn Garth throw a "Getaway Gala" fundraiser that raises much-needed funds. Dick Henderson continues the work of his mother, Claire, by his services to the Board. Many parents, such as Mary Ellen White, Jude O'Hara and Ann and Michael Jankowski, make a special effort to give back to the community that has supported them. Other concerned citizens, including, for example, Dennis Carroll and Jann Alden, are also active volunteers. Jeff Kerr is a volunteer attorney on the SNCARC Human Rights Committee, along with parents Barbara Mordini, Mercedes Warren and Jane Forsberg. Marie Pacella, Bob Lynch, Kevin Murphy and many others give their time and their love. Years go by, and they continue to help, always willing to come when they are needed. They volunteer because, in the words of Peg Ellison, "SNCARC became the vehicle for collecting those dimes and quarters which enabled us to start programs and keep them running."

SNCARC's history is one of advocacy, inclusion and volunteerism. Few people have exemplified this more than Joe and the late Natalie Walsh. They were honored by The United Way in April 2000 for more than 40 years of volunteer work for SNCARC. They, like John and Pauline Allen, Millie Procop and other founding members are still a vital part of SNCARC and remain active volunteers. Fifty years later, they provide the younger parents and staff with great inspiration and lead the way as they always have as mentors and advocates.

South Norfolk County Arc
789 Clapboardtree St.
Westwood, MA  02090
Email: DWOOD@SNCARC.ORG
Phone: 781-762-4001 Fax: 781-461-5950
South Norfolk County Arc is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.