Best Buddies Massachusetts
401 Maine Street, Suite 15, Amherst, MA 01002
Contact: 413-259-1914, Christopher Watkins
Best Buddies provides one to one friendships to enhance the lives of people with developmental disabilities. Western Massachusetts has three programs: Best Buddies High Schools, Best Buddies Colleges, and Best Buddies Citizens. The Best Buddies Citizen has the potential for collaboration with MCS by reviving this program.
MCS has begun to foster this collaboration, but it’s currently a work in progress. Speak to Michael Romanovitch or Maria Rugani if you want to explore this opportunity further.
Disability Resource Program
367 Pine Street, Springfield, MA 01103
Contact: 413-788-9695, Nancy Bazanchuk
Website: www.chd.org/cfs/DisabilityResource.htm
DRP hosts a variety of adaptive sports, recreation, and activities for adults with physical, visual, and cognitive disabilities. Call or visit their website for current programming. Monthly newsletter is available upon request.
Dunbar Community Center
33 Oak Street, Springfield, MA 01109
Contact:
Website: http://www.dunbarma.org/programs.html
Dunbar hosts the Special Needs Advocacy Program (SNAP) that offers respite and other family support initiatives. Serves primarily the African American community.
Fun N’ Fitness
200 Trafton Road, Springfield, MA 01108
Contact: 413-787-7779, Tony Restivo
Website: http://www.springfieldcityhall.com/Park/235.0.html
Fun N’ Fitness offers a multitude of seasonal activities for adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities. Costs vary; however, DDS Family Support stipends can be used to fund most activities. Contact Tony Restivo or see website for seasonal schedule.
Jericho
537 Northampton Street, P.O. Box 1039, Holyoke, Ma. 01041
Contact: 413-538-7450, Sister Joan Magnani
Website: http://www.jerichobeca.org/index.php?page=home
Jericho is a facility run by the Catholic Diocese of Springfield which offers a variety of services – including a disability Mass on the first Sunday of each month, an Autism support group, religious education, faith and light programs and holiday dances. Contact Sister Magnani for current events.