State House Visit With Representative Jack Patrick Lewis

In November 2024, Representative Jack Patrick Lewis visited Advocates' Ashland day services location and met with program participants to discuss voting. During Representative Lewis's visit, he admired papier-mâché masks on display and learned that they'd been created by the participants. Impressed to hear that their artwork had previously been on exhibit at local galleries, he suggested the possibility of displaying the masks at the Massachusetts State House, as well.

Thanks to Representative Lewis and his team, that vision became a reality. Last month, participants from Advocates' Community Based Day Services program visited the Massachusetts State House as guests of Representative Lewis, where they were able to see their artwork in a fourth floor exhibit.

In addition to arranging the showing of participant artwork, Representative Lewis provided an in-depth tour of the historic building. Participants were able to view parts of the governor's office, the balcony, and even spend time on the House floor.

“Our day services encourage adults with disabilities on a lifetime path of self-exploration and development,” explains Elizabeth Bardasz, vice president of developmental and brain injury day services. “Opportunities like this—to build a connection with Representative Lewis, to learn about our government, and to share their work with the community—they’re an important part of that growth journey for the individuals we serve.”