Metro Region

Family Leadership Series

MassFamilies has a significant history in relation to family support in Massachusetts. For over 35 years, MassFamilies has offered a Family Leadership Series for caregivers with loved ones served by the Department of Developmental Services.

The Family Leadership Series invites caregivers to “Imagine Better” so they can create the possibilities towards a Good Life!

The Metro region is announcing our 2026 Family Leadership Series for caregivers in the Metro region who have loved ones served by DDS (or may be eligible).

About The Series:

The Series covers three pivotal components:

Learning the History of the Disability and Family Support movements.
Family Leadership is at the core of the disability support movement here in Massachusetts. We will learn about the
history of family leadership, advocacy, self-advocacy, where we are now and where we want to go.
Creating A Vision
Families will learn how to create a vision with and for their loved one with a disability, towards an enviable life.
Policy-Making
Legislative Policy Making and the Critical Role of the Family Voice is very important! We will learn about accessing and
influencing, policies and funding streams that work for all.

The Family Leadership Series and materials are free. The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) funds this extraordinary opportunity. However, you must attend all sessions to participate.

Series Format

The Family Leadership Series is a combination of virtual and in-person trainings for family caregivers of people who are eligible for Massachusetts DDS Services. Families attend and participate in all sessions.

Location

The Charles River Center – Needham, MA

Session Dates

Saturday, 1/24/26 – 9-11am: Online Meet and Greet
Saturday & Sunday, 2/28-2/29/26 – 9am-4pm: In-Person, Needham
Saturday, 3/14/26 – 9-11am: Online
Saturday & Sunday, 3/28-3/29/26 – 9am-4pm: In-Person, Needham
Saturday, 4/11/26 – 9-11am: Online
Friday and Saturday, 4/17-4/18/26 – 9am-4pm: In-Person, Waltham**

**Our Final Gathering will be in person on Friday-Saturday, April 17-April 18, 2026 @ Hyatt House Hotel in Waltham, MA. This weekend will include a trip to the Statehouse on Friday, a night at Hyatt House Hotel in Waltham, and a final day together at the hotel.

The Metro region includes:

Allston
Ashland
Beacon Hill
Belmont
Boston
Brighton
Brookline
Cambridge
Canton
Charlestown
Hyde Park
Chelsea
Chinatown
Dedham
Dorchester
Dover
Downtown
Crossing
North End
East Boston

Foxboro
Framingham
Holliston
Hopkinton
Hudson
Jamaica Plain
Marlboro
Mattapan
Medfield
Millis
Natick
Needham
Newton
Norfolk
North Dorchester
South End
Northborough
Norwood
Plainville
Revere

Roslindale
Roxbury
Sharon
Sherborn
Somerville
South Boston
Southborough
Sudbury
Walpole
Waltham
Watertown
Wayland
Wellesley
West Roxbury
Westborough
Weston
Westwood
Winthrop
Wrentham

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Questions?

For more information, please get in touch with MassFamilies Metro Family Leadership Coordinator,
Lauri Medeiros
781-807-1072 or 339-224-8866
Lauri@MassFamiles.org

“The Leadership Series not only educated me, it made me think differently. It was great to leave with our visions – I am convinced that there will be a better future!”
-FLS Graduate

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