I serve on the Board of MAB Community Services, an organization that has been serving individuals with disabilities since 1903. Today MAB operates three programs:

 

· Adult Disability Services offers residential, vocational, and day supports to more than 70 adults with developmental disabilities or brain injuries. Our 13 group homes are located in Boston and surrounding communities.

· The Ivy Street School in Brookline provides residential and educational services to 30 adolescents with brain injuries, helping them gain the skills they need to successfully transition to adult life. Ivy Street also serves as a resource to schools and families.

· The Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired serves elders and adults who are losing their vision. More than 50% of people over the age of 80 have an eye disease that could cause them to lose their vision; as the baby boomers age the number of people with uncorrectable vision loss is expected to double. MAB provides support groups, 1:1 volunteer assistance, and vision rehabilitation.

 

As a Board member, I see firsthand the amazing difference that MAB’s services can have in the lives of our clients and their families. We teach them the skills they need to live full lives in the community, the lives that any of us would want for ourselves.

 

I have pledged to raise $10,000 this year to keep our organization moving forward on an impressive list of program developments such as:

 

· Renovated, accessible housing for adults with developmental disabilities

· Our Day Habilitation Program celebrating its one-year anniversary this spring

· A new low vision clinic opening in Springfield and a new house for four adults with brain injuries in Boston

· Collaborations to bring vision rehabilitation into community health organizations such as the Holyoke Health Center and Boston Medical Center.

· An ambitious campaign to eliminate our waiting list for 1:1 volunteer matches for blind individuals

· New job placements for students with brain injuries, at the MBTA, the Aquarium, and Boston University.

 

I would greatly appreciate your help. Your secure online donation will help me reach my goal and help MAB serve more than 1,600 people this year.

 

Thank you