Welcome to Our Northeast Recovery Learning Center.
NILP will be sponsoring our 20th annual NO SURRENDER conference Wednesday, June 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel in Lowell. NO SURRENDER is organized for and by persons with psychiatric disabilities, and has been described by the Department of Mental Health as "one of the most anticipated events" of the year for mental health consumers. It is a day free of stigma, where persons with psychiatric disabilities can come together to celebrate as a community and to learn from each other both one on one and in workshops and rap groups. NO SURRENDER is held free of charge to those who attend. Registration filled up quickly this year, and is currently closed. It is usually held the second or third Wednesday in June.
NILP is pleased to announce our newest initiative! The North East Recovery Learning Community (RLC) is a peer-to-peer recovery oriented program funded by The Department of Mental Health. Our RLC opened its doors on March 26, 2008 at NILP. Join us on creating and developing our RLC. For more information on the Recovery Learning Community, please call us at: 978-687-4288. Stay tuned for more about the RLC.
Celebrating over 25 Years of Advocacy and Independent Living Services
The Northeast Independent Living Program, Inc. is a consumer controlled Independent Living Center providing Advocacy and Services to people with all disabilities in the greater Merrimack Valley who wish to live independently in the community.
News
NILP Joins a Statewide Effort to Support Senate Bill 65
Did you know that there are over 185,000 people in Massachusetts work every day to provide services to residents who are among the most vulnerable including- people with disabilities, people with low incomes, seniors, and others. Massachusetts is home to about 1 million residents who need our various forms of social-service assistance, including Independent Living. Our families and the state also benefit from these services because it allows caregivers to go to work and pay taxes. Without human-service providers, many of us would have to remain home to provide care. Unfortunately, a lack of adequate funding has imperiled the operations of many community-based providers and, subsequently, the quality of care delivered. Fifty-six percent of provider agencies report deficits each year because the state has not changed the rates it pays human service providers since 1987.
A bill currently in the Senate (S65) would create a more realistic rate-setting structure for non-profits, ensuring the system is fair, transparent and provides adequate rates of compensation. There is no additional funding in this bill; it merely creates a rational system so money will not be wasted. Currently we are educating members of the Senate to approve Bill 65. Governor Deval Patrick has already promised to sign the measure should legislators make certain it reaches his desk. On June 10th, we invite you to join NILP, in partnership with The Providers Collaborative for a rally at the State House to support Senate Bill 65, legislation that would fix the state's purchase-of-service system! Please contact Jim Lyons at NILP for more information.
NILP is pleased to announce: TEENFEST 2008
TEENFEST is a two-week theater summer program for at risk youth and youth with disabilities.
It will be held on July 14th to July 25th, from 10:30AM - 2:30 PM at the Parthum Middle School located on 255 East Haverhill Street in Lawrence. TEENFEST is provided by Northeast Independent Living Program Staff in collaboration with Epic Theater. NILP has formed a strong bond with Epic Theatre. This is an excellent opportunity for youths to learn how the performing arts are another form of communication. It promises to be a very creative and artistic summer for both youth and staff. For more Information contact Lisa or Tim at- (978) 687-4288 X 27 or X 29.
The Disability Resources page has added new Massachusetts resources including our Aging and Disability Resource Consortium partner Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley.
In accordance with new HIPPA legislation, please read NILP's Notice of Privacy on how your health information may be used and disclosed.
