Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.
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NORTHSHOREMAG.COM 76 DECEMBER 2020 Changing buying habits and the ease of online shopping are reshaping malls across America. This transition is driving mall owners and tenants to reimagine these spaces, from strictly retail destinations to vibrant community centers. This evolution is now taking place at the Liberty Tree Mall in Danvers—led by Northeast Arc, which is introducing an innovative new concept that will be a transformational and replicable model for the future of malls. Believing that full inclusion can only LINKING LIVES Parcels at the Liberty Tree Mall offers items made by people with disabilities from all over the world. Jo Ann Simons (center )is the president and CEO of Northeast Arc. PHOTOGRAPHS BY TONY SCARPETTA be attained through partnerships and collaboration, Northeast Arc redeveloped 26,000 square feet of space at the Liberty Tree Mall to create a welcoming environment where individuals with disabilities can reach their full potential. "Since 1954 the Northeast Arc has been creating and implementing dynamic programs and services to support people with disabilities and their families," says Jo Ann Simons, president and CEO of Northeast Arc. "The creation of the Center for Linking Lives at the Liberty Tree Mall is another bold step in helping individuals with disabilities become full participants in their communities. Access to stores, restaurants, services, and potential jobs in the mall will increase opportunities for both real independence and inclusion." In addition to offering enhanced opportunities for individuals served by Northeast Arc, the Center for Linking Lives will make it easier for people with disabilities and their family members to access the range of services offered by the agency. Liberty Tree Mall shoppers can also visit parcels, a retail store offering products created exclusively by people with disabilities from all over the world. Philanthropist Steven P. Rosenthal of Marblehead, chairman of West Shore LLC, is a longtime supporter of Northeast Arc and was instrumental in making parcels a reality. Rosenthal, who previously donated $1 million to Northeast Arc to create the Changing Lives Fund, provided an additional gift, which enabled the agency to purchase the initial inventory for the store. "Highlighting these entrepreneurs and producers is an important way to promote inclusion for individuals with disabilities," says Rosenthal. "I'm proud to once again support another positive disruptive change to how disability services are offered through Northeast Arc." "The Center for Linking Lives promotes community redevelopment and environmental sustainability while serving as a national model for other organizations seeking to enhance inclusion for people with disabilities in underutilized community settings," says Tim Brown, director of innovation and strategy at Northeast Arc. "Rather than purchasing a separate building and perpetuating the physical separation of people with disabilities, our approach seeks to transform an otherwise unused former retail space into a vibrant center that meets the needs of the individuals we serve within an existing community hub." Due to COVID-19 restrictions the Center will limit the number of people initially using the space while social distancing and other safety precautions are maintained. For individuals and families served by Northeast Arc, the new space represents the opportunity for new experiences—and a more convenient model for service delivery. Sam Neisterowich of Danvers, a participant Northeast Arc is creating community at Liberty Tree Mall BY DAVID THOMSON I N - D E P T H