Road to Responsibility and PLAN of MA and RI Renew Partnership with Doubled Funding

Road to Responsibility, one of the region's largest nonprofit organizations supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, has renewed its partnership with PLAN of MA and RI for a third consecutive year. The collaboration, originally established in October 2023, focuses on educating individuals, families, staff, and community members about the benefits of special needs trusts.

In a significant show of support for the continued partnership, PLAN of MA and RI has granted $50,000 to Road to Responsibility, doubling its contribution from 2024. This increased funding will enhance the educational programs that have already provided many individuals and families served by RTR with deeper understanding of available government assistance programs and the merits of special needs trusts.

Christopher T. White, Ed.D., president and CEO of Road to Responsibility, expressed enthusiasm about the renewed collaboration. "We're delighted to once again partner with PLAN of MA and RI, and deeply grateful for this generous grant in support of our programs," White stated. "This collaboration has provided many individuals and families served by RTR with a deeper understanding of available government assistance programs and the merits of special needs trusts."

Road to Responsibility, celebrating more than 37 years of service since its establishment in 1988, operates with the core belief that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities deserve full, rich, and rewarding lives in the community. The organization provides residential, work/employment, day habilitation and other day supports to individuals with diverse needs, including those with significant challenges who might otherwise go unserved.

The organization's integrated clinical behavioral approach has proven successful where other organizations often fail, yielding positive results for both the organization and the individuals served. Road to Responsibility offers services throughout the South Shore and South Coast of Massachusetts, operating 49 residences as well as co-operative and supportive living apartments, and managing nine day-service locations focusing on education, employment, and community enrichment. More information about their work can be found at https://www.roadtoresponsibility.org.

PLAN of MA and RI, incorporated in 1971 with origins dating back to the 1960s, is recognized as an expert in operating Special Needs Pooled Trusts. The organization serves people with disabilities - whether lifelong or related to illness, injury, or age - helping them preserve assets, protect access to public benefits, and live well. As a professional trustee, PLAN of MA and RI provides quality trustee/fiduciary services through sound trust administration and compassionate social service support. Their licensed social workers assess beneficiaries' living situations, needs, and current benefits, making recommendations and referrals to services that improve quality of life. Additional details about their services are available at https://www.planofma-ri.org.

The partnership renewal and increased funding demonstrate the growing importance of collaborative approaches in supporting individuals with disabilities. The doubled financial commitment reflects confidence in the partnership's effectiveness and the critical need for continued education about financial planning tools like special needs trusts, which can significantly impact the long-term security and quality of life for vulnerable populations.