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CONSULTATION | TRAINING | IMPLEMENTATION
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BUILDING STRONGER COMMUNITIES BY PROVIDING EXPERT GUIDANCE ON INCLUSION OF PERSONS WITH DIVERSE ABILITIES
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Hello <<First Name>>
As we are in the midst of this holiday season, I want to take a moment to say Happy Everything! Whether you have, or are about to celebrate Hanukkah, The Winter Solstice, Kwanzaa, Christmas, or just that you made it through the day successfully, I'm happy you are celebrating! I recognize that the holiday season is difficult on some, and this year has been particularly difficult for all of us, so it is so important that we find joy where we are. Whatever you celebrate and whatever brings you joy, we wish you a Happy Everything and look forward to ringing in a new year filled with welcoming, belonging, learning and sharing.
I invite you to spend a couple of minutes of your day exploring this final newsletter of 2021, where I share "a few of my favorite things" (good news that is!) that have happened in the world of MERGE recently.
Lisa Drennan
MERGE Founder
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WATCH OUT UMASS BOSTON - HERE COMES MERGE 
It’s official, MERGE founder Lisa Drennan will be teaching a course at UMASS Boston for the spring semester starting in January. She'll be sharing her experience and passion for inclusion as an instructor of Adaptive Physical Activity for Exercise & Health Sciences majors. "I'm delighted to be provided this opportunity to open their minds to the benefits of physical activity and possibilities that arise with adaptive programming and inclusive practices", shares Lisa Drennan.
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INCLUSION MATTERS APPOINTS MERGE FOUNDER TO BE AN ADVISOR
MERGE Founder, Lisa Drennan, will be serving as advisor to Inclusion Matters Board of Directors. Inclusion Matters, based in West Bridgewater, MA, supports families with children with special needs. Their mission: "Inclusion is belonging and we partner with families in their efforts to find places where their children can belong--in schools and beyond. Inclusion Matters knows that including people with disabilities in the life of the school and the community is everyone's responsibility and privilege. We seek to invite and train non-disabled families and community members in supporting and including people with special needs."
Dr. Melissa Winchell, Chair of Inclusion Matters remarks on a recent MERGE webinar that they hosted, "Lisa Drennan did an AMAZING new presentation for Inclusion Matters last month--a presentation for families of typical kids, raising their disability awareness and providing them strategies for promoting friendships between their kids and kids with disabilities. It was wonderful and impactful--the feedback has been top-notch."
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RECENT NEHRA DEI SYMPOSIUM FEATURED MERGE
Northeast Human Resources Association (NEHRA) recently held a DE&I Symposium for HR professionals where MERGE's Lisa Drennan was a featured presenter along with other leaders in the field of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion promotion and education. The room was packed (following all Covid guidelines of course) with an enthusiastic and involved crowd to take part in, "Inclusive Strategies For Supervisors or Peers to Engage and Support Employees with Diverse Abilities".
DID YOU KNOW: Approximately 82% of the disability community in Massachusetts are unemployed? If you own a business, are an employer or supervisor that is looking to fill their work force gaps, we encourage you to think creatively and reach out to hire a capable, eager and dedicated person with a disability. Then call MERGE to give your team the tools and confidence to welcome and support employees with disabilities to be successful members of your team.
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NEEDHAM'S BEST BUDDIES CHAPTER EXPLORES FRIENDSHIPS
MERGE recently presented to Needham High's Best Buddies Chapter:
⏩Being The Best "Best Buddy" - Exploring Authentic Friendships"⏪.
A primary theme of the presentation was for students to move past "The High Five" stage of saying hello to their buddies in the hallways at school. They were challenged to get to know their buddies interests, talents, and passions and seek to explore other times throughout the school day and outside of school to connect, spend time together and strengthen their relationship.
Last year, Needham's Best Buddies Chapter President, Fernanda Pinto, took part in an inclusion training at her local YMCA. Following that training, she reached out to MERGE to share, "That was an amazing training, I learned so much! I would love to have you come share this message with our Best Buddies Chapter". The rest is history. #inclusionmatters #friendshipsmatter
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COMMUNITY INCLUSION TRAININGS BENEFIT LOCAL PROVIDER AGENCIES
Did you know MERGE offers a variety of trainings for Human Service Providers to meet your community inclusion needs? We work with your organization to create a customized on-site or on-line learning experience that will support your staff and/or the families you serve to access inclusive recreational and community programs and events. Give your team the skills and confidence to pursue community inclusion for the individuals you serve.
Recently MERGE had tremendous success working with the Adult Services Leadership team from Cardinal Cushing Centers of Hanover MA (see group photo below) as well as Dayhab & CBDS Staff from Fidelity House CRC of Haverhill, MA. Both teams showed tremendous energy, involvement and enthusiasm throughout their in-person workshops.
Check out the feedback below on the MERGE training:
 "Building Community Through Meaningful Participation & Engagement " where their team was on board with enhancing their skills around Active and Positive Support strategies.
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