March is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month! We’re proud to honor those we serve and to celebrate the work that we do. Take a look at some of our hopes and goals, and the events we have planned throughout the month!

BCL HOPES AND GOALS FOR MARCH

• To highlight the value offered to our communities by persons with developmental disabilities
• To demonstrate how these individuals come together to form strong and diverse communities
• To raise awareness of persons with disabilities and reduce stigma and stereotypes
• To raise awareness of Better Community Living’s resources and support services
• To engage all in embracing this population of individuals as members of the community

HAPPENINGS & EVENTS

• March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 – NYACause
  • Not Your Average Joe’s, 61 State Road, Dartmouth, MA 02747
  • 11am-10pm, dine-in or takeout, Wednesdays all day, 15% of bill will benefit BCL

• March 12 – BCL, Disabilities Awareness, and Caregiver Self-Care Day at NB Well Sundays
  • NB Boys and Girls Club, 166 Jenney Street, New Bedford, MA 02740
  • Free, collaborative event with the New Bedford Wellness Initiative
  • 10:30am Qigong and 11am fitness class
  • 12pm awareness “walk” and rally in the gym with food and prizes
  • 1pm all-levels yoga
  • 1pm suicide prevention training with Rev. David Lima
  • 2pm mindfulness guided group meditation
  • chair massages, SouthCoast Health Van, a hypnotist, and more!

• March 17 – Access Dance
  • VFW Poirier Post, corner of Ashley Boulevard and Appleton Street
  • Open to the public, 7pm – 10pm, DJ, snacks and soda, $10 entry
  • St. Patrick’s Day themed – wear your green!

• March 22 – 99 Dining for a Cause
  • Pub 99 Restaurant, 34 Sconticut Neck Road, Fairhaven, MA 02719
  • 4pm-9pm, dine-in or takeout, 15% of bill will benefit BCL

• Bookmark distribution
  • Bookmarks will be distributed to every area library with information that supports disabilities awareness and provides a link to Better Community Living’s website