Center Overview
The Arc of Greater Brockton Family Support Center works in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to provide planning assistance, information, education, and referral services to assist parents in managing the challenges of raising a child with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and autism spectrum disorder. These services extend to the people who love and support them: parents, sisters and brothers, grandparents, educators, and others.
Members of the Family Support Center Team include Coordinators that are fluent in Portuguese, Cape Verdean Creole, French, Spanish and Haitian Creole. We can also arrange for translation and interpretation in other languages upon request.
The Family Support Center sponsors a variety of support groups and educational workshops providing family members opportunities to connect with other families, share resources, and build supportive networks.
Family Support Center Programs and Activities
We speak your language!
Family Support Coordinators are fluent in Portuguese, Cape Verdean Creole, French, Spanish, and Haitian Creole. As needed, we arrange for translation and interpretation for other languages.
The Family Support Center provides a variety of services through the assistance of our team members, whether it is at your home, child’s school, at our offices or another convenient location for you.
Services such as:
Service Navigation for DDS – Eligible Families in such areas as:
Family Support Groups
Haitian Family Support
The Haitian Family Support Group meets periodically throughout the year to share information and support, and learn about resources available to your family. The whole family is welcome!
Bienvenue Parents Haitiens!
Avez-vous une personne handicapee mentale dans votre famille ?
Voulez-vous avoir des informations qui peuvent vous aider avec votre enfant ?
Aimeriez-vous de parler avec d’autres parents qui ont des enfants avec des deficiences physiques ou mentales ?
Spanish Support Group for Parents
The Spanish Support Group meets every other month to learn about resources, share support, and hear presentations from disability experts in Spanish.
Nos reunimos cada dos meses para aprender acerca de los recursos, compartir apoyo y escuchar las presentaciones de los expertos en discapacidad en español.
Cape Verdean Support
The Cape Verdean Support Group meets periodically throughout the year to share information and support, and learn about resources available to your family.
Periodicamente ao longo do ano, os pais encontram para informação e apoio. Saiba mais sobre os recursos disponíveis para a sua família, e encontrar apoio para acessá-los.
Transition Support Group
Is your child between the ages of 14 and 21? What is your vision for his or her future? What can you be doing now to help your child prepare for the transition from school to Adult Services?
These questions and more are discussed at our monthly parent meeting. We share information, voice concerns and questions, and get expert guidance from disability professionals. The group meets one evening a month at The Arc of Greater Brockton.
Sibling Support
Brothers and sister ages 8 to 12 who have siblings with special needs are invited to participate in Sibshops, a recreationally-based program that provides opportunities for friendship and FUN! We meet during school vacation weeks and summer vacation.
Parent Support Group
Parents of individuals with autism and/or intellectual disabilities can find support through in-person and virtual meetings held throughout the year. Topics covered include managing emotions, self-care, relationships, building a support system and topics that keep you abreast of new standards and practices.
Virtual Caregiver Group: 1st Friday of the month, 7:00 p.m.– 8:30 p.m.
In person Support Group: 1st Thursday of the month, 9:00 a.m.– 11:00 a.m. at our 1250 West Chestnut Street in Brockton facility.
Recreation Activities
Through the Family Support Center children, teens and adults with disabilities, and their families are able to participate in a variety of social and recreation activities held throughout the year. We have after-school, night, and weekend activities.
Cooking classes for children and adults, dance lessons, Zumba, Friday Night Socials for adults, after-school programs, movies, bowling, community activities for the whole family, Vacation Camps for kids, and play groups for young children are just some of the activities offered.
The Weekend Warriors is specifically designed for ages 8-21. They meet on Saturday mornings during a 3 hour block over an 8-week schedule. Children and young adults can chose from a variety of enriching programs including Drums Alive Ability Beats, cooking, yoga, crafts, games and more…including field trips in the community. The programs are designed to enhance abilities and provide opportunities for friendship in a recreational setting. Depending on the specific program or activity there may be a small fee associated with your participation.
Department Director:
Nelson Cordeiro, Director of Family Support
Ph: (508) 583-8030 x241
Email Nelson