One Step. One Community. Endless Impact.

Hello dear friends and family,

This year you may have already received a plea for funds.That was because I got hacked. But today, I’m asking—because the need is real and asking for your support is real. If you are able, any amount of support would make a difference.

For those who may not know, our eldest daughter Lara is now 53 years old. For nearly all of her life, she has been receiving her day services through Minute Man Arc in Concord. These programs have given her purpose, structure, and community.

The funding for services like Lara’s comes from many sources—primarily the state of Massachusetts and the federal government. But when you hear about budget cuts, it isn’t just numbers on a page. Cuts affect grants, businesses, and most importantly, people with disabilities and their families.

This year, the situation is especially difficult:

• Business sponsorships for Minute Man’s annual fundraiser are down.
• Grants for day service programs are increasingly scarce.
• Families are facing potential cuts to Medicaid, which provides much more than just medical care—it supports the daily needs of individuals with complex challenges.

So, am I asking just for Lara? No. I’m asking for the entire community that supports her and hundreds of others. Without these services, Lara and many like her would lose the opportunities, friendships, and care that give their lives meaning. Families like ours simply could not do this alone.

I know there are many worthy causes, and many voices asking for help. But today, I must add mine. If you can, please consider donating to Minute Man Arc. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps sustain the programs that make an immeasurable difference in Lara’s life and in the lives of so many others.

Thank you for reading my message and for always being there for us.

With gratitude, Judi and Lara too!