PLAN of MA & RI and Asperger/Autism Network (AANE) Announce Strategic Partnership

Plan of MA & RI shows support of organization with $25,000 donation.

NEEDHAM and WATERTOWN, MA, and PROVIDENCE, RI, ISSUED APRIL 28, 2021… Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Inc. (PLAN of MA & RI; www.planofma-ri.org/), announced today a new strategic partnership with Asperger/Autism Network (AANE)  to bring together their collective resources, knowledge, and expertise to further support autistic individuals with an Asperger’s or similar neurodiverse profiles and their families on their pathway to independence. In support of this partnership, PLAN of MA & RI recently committed $25,000 toward AANE.  This gift was formalized at a check presentation ceremony held last month.

PLAN of MA & RI is a nonprofit organization proudly serving people with disabilities and assisting them with preserving assets, protecting access to public benefits, and living well. The Asperger/Autism Network is a nonprofit organization that helps people with Asperger’s, or similar autism spectrum and neurodiverse profiles, to build meaningful, connected lives by providing individuals, families, and professionals with information, education, community, support and advocacy – all in an inclusive atmosphere of validation and respect. 

Special needs trusts are important financial vehicles for people with disabilities as they can preserve assets and protect eligibility for public benefits. This partnership will help educate individuals and families affiliated with AANE about the critical need for financial security.

“We’re thrilled to partner with AANE and support the important services they provide,” said Joan McGrath, executive director of PLAN of MA & RI.  “Their mission and ours are incredibly complementary, and we’re excited about all the ways we might collaborate together in the future.”

“The individuals we serve have definite needs regarding future financial planning to ensure they continue living their best lives,” said Dania Jekel, MSW, executive director of AANE.  “We’re very excited to work together with PLAN of MA & RI to ensure our individuals and their families understand the many options that exist, and we are very grateful for their support.”

About Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of Massachusetts and Rhode Island (PLAN of MA & RI):

PLAN of MA & RI is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with origins dating back to the 1960s, when a group of parents of children with various physical, mental and behavioral challenges assembled to plan for the future. Incorporated in 1971, PLAN of MA & RI is recognized today as an expert in operating Special Needs Pooled Trusts and have 750 beneficiaries and $60M in assets under management.

PLAN of MA & RI proudly serves people with disabilities – lifelong or related to illness, injury, or age – helping them preserve assets, protect access to public benefits, and live well. PLAN of MA & RI is a professional trustee providing quality trustee/fiduciary services to individuals and their families through sound and thoughtful trust administration and compassionate, caring social service support. Licensed social workers assess the beneficiary’s living situation, needs and current benefits and make recommendations and referrals to services that improve the person’s quality of life. 

PLAN of MA & RI has offices at 50 Cabot Street, Suite 206, Needham, MA 02494 and at 331 Waterman Street, Suite 158E, Providence, RI 02906.  For more information, please call (888) 890-7526 or visit www.planofma-ri.org.

About the Asperger/Autism Network (AANE)

AANE, one of the first Asperger-focused organizations in the United States, was founded in 1996 by a small group of concerned parents and professionals. AANE builds a supportive community by providing education, information, and referrals to autistic individuals with Asperger’s or similar neurodiverse profiles, their families, and the professionals who work with them.  While our primary mission is to assist individuals affected by AS, AANE is an inclusive community that also serves people who have other neurological differences or who feel our services would be helpful. You do not need to have received a professional Asperger/autism diagnosis to make use of AANE’s services. For more information, please visit www.aane.org.