Family Support Center

A Hub of Information & Resources

We are honored to have been selected by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) as a new Family Support Center within the Merrimack Valley. Family Support has been at the core of our agency’s vision since its inception. With offices in both Haverhill and Newburyport, we are here to serve individuals with I/DD who live within our communities and the families who care for them.

Connect With Us:

To schedule a one hour, consult please fill out the Intake Form below:

The Arc of Greater Haverhill-Newburyport Family Support Center Referral

Formulario al Centro de Apoyo Familiar Del Arc de Greater Haverhill-Newburyport

View this month’s Happenings: March Monthly Happenings

For additional support contact:

Andrea Morris, Director of Family Supports amorris@thearcofghn.org or 978-373-0552 x211
Sreya Shepard, Family Support Center Manager, sshepard@thearcofghn.org or 978-373-0552 x241
Rowan DeAza, Bilingual Family Support Navigator rdeaza@thearcofghn.org or 978-373-0552 x216

Family Support Hours:

Monday-Friday from 9am to 5pm, appointments preferred. Extended hours are offered by appointment only.

Family Supports we Provide

Information and Referral resources throughout the lifespan
Support Groups and Individual Consultations
Opportunities to meet other families with similar challenges
Workshops and Trainings
Provide support on topics such as Social Security, Educational Advocacy, and Financial Planning
Share expertise in transition from High School to Adult Services
DDS approved Flexible Funding (referral only)
Navigation support during times of crisis or transition (referral only)

Our Approach

We believe in the empowerment of families through education, and resource sharing. We value deep listening as a means to understanding the needs of each family and individual, while partnering with them to identify supports and resources for their unique situation. Our approach is based on respect for individuals and families, and recognition of their expertise, diversity, unique characteristics, and cultural and spiritual values. The voice of families is critical in driving social change and equal rights for people with disabilities.

To ensure that we remain current on the most relevant needs of individuals and families within the Merrimack Valley, we partner with various stakeholders via our Family Support Advisory Council. This group consists of individuals, parents, siblings and community providers who serve as advisors on family support at The Arc of GHN.

“Through the development and growth of relationships and natural support networks, we believe families can exercise control and direction over the opportunities available to them” – Luis Bachman, CEO

Eligibility Requirements

Live in the Merrimack Valley – Amesbury, Andover, Boxford, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Lawrence, Merrimac, Methuen, Newbury, Newburyport, North Andover, Rowley, Salisbury, or West Newbury.

Be eligible, or potentially eligible, for services from the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) – Families must be caring for a loved one who has a developmental disability.

Referral from DDS (for Flexible Funding or Navigation only)
Your family member has a referral from the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS).