A Marblehead philanthropist and real estate investor Steven P. Rosenthal, Chairman of West Shore, has pledged $1 million to Northeast Arc in support of its Changing Lives Fund.
This is Rosenthal’s second million-dollar gift to the Northeast Arc, which at that point was the organization’s largest single gift. He hopes the new gift will continue to encourage others to support Northeast Arc as well. Rosenthal’s initial $1 million gift to Northeast Arc in 2017 established the Changing Lives Fund, which provided the vehicle for Northeast Arc to expand services in creative and innovative ways that traditional funding has not allowed. It also helped the organization to raise additional visibility, supporters, and funds.
“When Steve made his initial $1 million donation it was a real game-changer for us,” said Jo Ann Simons, President and CEO of Northeast Arc. “Since that time Steve has been actively engaged with the Northeast Arc and has challenged us to look beyond what we are currently doing and find new and exciting opportunities. This second $1 million gift solidifies his belief in what we are doing to change lives for people with disabilities and their families every day.”
The organization plans to use Rosenthal’s generous donation in three primary areas. The money will allow the group to focus on workforce investment though its new Pathways to Opportunities program, continue to execute on bold ideas such as the Arc Tank, a funding competition that rewards innovative new approaches to serving the disabled population. The funds will also allow Northeast Arc to replicate successful programs and services into a wider geographical area while also expanding the use of technology for people the agency serves.
“I do not have a personal connection to disability, but I firmly believe that a community that provides for people with disabilities is a community where everyone can grow and flourish. I have been incredibly impressed with the work that Jo Ann and her team have done with my initial donation, and I am confident Northeast Arc will continue to be innovative with these additional funds,” said Rosenthal. “I urge others who are looking to have a tangible impact on real people who need to support the work of Northeast Arc. I know they will be equally impressed and want to be part of the bold initiatives being implemented by Northeast Arc.”
“In addition to his professional successes, Steve also has a heart of gold, and his loyalty, commitment and desire to see Northeast Arc become better and better is unwavering. On behalf of our team at the Northeast Arc, I am sincerely grateful to Steve for his transformational generosity,” said Northeast Arc Board Chair and RSM Partner, Michael Foraste.
A Marblehead resident, Rosenthal earned his bachelor’s degree at Harvard College and a law degree at Boston University. He practiced corporate law for 25 years and served as co-managing director at Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky and Popeo. Prior to forming West Shore, he served as president and CEO at Northland Investment Corporation. He served many years as a volunteer including as Trustee of The Loomis Chaffee School and the Ruderman Family Foundation and National Board of Directors of AIPAC and at the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority.
About the Changing Lives Fund
The Changing Lives Fund™ at Northeast Arc was established by Steven P. Rosenthal’s generous donation of $1,000,000 to support innovation, positive disruption and workforce solutions. Learn more at www.ne-arc.org/changing-lives-fund.
About The Northeast Arc
Northeast Arc (NeArc) changes lives for people with disabilities — and children at risk of developing them — and their families. The agency, which opened the Center for Linking Lives at Liberty Tree Mall in Danvers in 2020, serves thousands of people in nearly 200 Massachusetts cities and towns each year. NeArc is the largest Arc in the state of Massachusetts and one of the largest in the country. Services include: Adult Family Care, the ArcWorks Community Art Center, Autism Services, Black Box Theater, Breaking Grounds Café, Continuous Care Nursing Services, Day Habilitation, Deaf Services, Early Intervention, Employment Services, Family Support, The Learning Center Childcare and Preschool, parcels retail store, Personal Care Assistance, Recreation, Residential, Shared Living and Transition, and Skilled Intermittent Home Health Care. Learn more at www.ne-arc.org.