Guest Article from Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Inc Family is the heart of everyone’s life. Sometimes members of our family need some services to help them live their “best” life. PLAN (Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Inc.) works with a collaboration of partners to assist people in reaching all their goals. PLAN’s amazing partners at Special Olympics of MA (SOMA) achieve mental and physical wellness through recreation. Another way PLAN can offer family support is through a Special Needs Trust. PLAN is largely focused on making sure that your loved…

By: Maria McElroy, PLAN of Massachusetts & Rhode Island Every parent is concerned about what the future holds for their children. Parents of a special needs child have, what some may describe as a monumental level of concern. If you are like many parents, you have woken up in the middle of the night worrying about your child. Worrying about what will happen to them when you are no longer here. You are not alone. Hundreds of parents who have children with disabilities have these same thoughts and concerns, yet they often become so overwhelmed with the options that…

Author: Ali Phaneuf After a one-year hiatus amid the COVID-19 Pandemic, the New England Revolution Unified team is excited to be stepping back on the field this Saturday. But for one athlete in particular, this year is still proving to be slightly unconventional. Jimmy Keith has played for the Revs Unified team for six years, and this year is like no other for the seasoned athlete. On Saturday, September 18th the Revs Unified team will play against the Andover Stars Unified team at Gillette Stadium. And for Jimmy, this means playing against a team that is coached by his…

Thanks to the Metrowest YMCA and Special Olympics Massachusetts Keeping fit and healthy is on most people’s to do list. For many families finding the time can be difficult. Incorporating your workout with the entire family can solve that problem. The Metrowest YMCA in Framingham is offering such an option. Working with Special Olympics Massachusetts the Y has created a Fit Families Challenge for groups of four, whether it’s a family unit or an individual with three members of their support group, connected to Special Olympics. The six week program started with a one hour assessment where each family…

By: Kate Dyer In July, my 12 year old daughter Sariah and I decided to participate in Over the Edge for Special Olympics. Initially I was rather apprehensive about the event. Not because Sariah and I would be rappelling off the roof of a 22-story building in Boston. Although my husband and son were not exactly excited about the idea. But rather, because I have always been intimidated by fundraising. Special Olympics has been important to me for most of my adult life. It offers so much to everyone involved. The Special Olympics athletes get to experience some independence…

Tuesday kicked off with a quick breakfast where James checked in with a recap of his first day with his new team. After the most important meal of the day, James and Julia took the the training field for the final time before the evening’s Match against the Western Conference. Just before taking the pitch, the twins got their head shots and Team Special Olympics Massachusetts photos taken.   The Keiths joined all of the Special Olympics Unified teammates for a group lunch and relaxed before heading out to Avaya Stadium for the MLS Works Special Olympics Unified All-Star…

Kate Dyer has been involved with Special Olympics Massachusetts (SOMA) since 1997, first as a coach and Unified Partner, and now as a parent to both a Unified Partner and an athlete. This July, Kate Dyer will add a new title to her lengthy SOMA resume, Fundraiser, as she goes Over the Edge in support of the organization to which she is so deeply connected. SOMA sat down with Kate to discuss her history with the sports organization, her decision to fundraise, and the value in raising her children within the organization. SOMA: Tell me a little about your…