A Magical Night to Remember: My Experience at the Changing Lives Gala By Keisha Greaves
There are some nights that just stay with you. Where everything feels aligned, good energy, great people,powerful purpose, and pure joy. That’s exactly how I felt
attending the Changing Lives Gala hosted by NortheastArc. And let me tell you, it really was a night that changed lives, including mine.
If you know me, you know how passionate I am about disability advocacy, inclusion, and building communities
that truly embrace everyone, regardless of ability. So when I heard about this gala, I knew I had to be there. Not
just to support the cause, but to celebrate the incredible work being done for individuals with disabilities and
autism. And I couldn’t have picked better company than my two caregivers, Wanzar and Tajaé, who are not just my support system but my heart.
From the moment we arrived, the energy was electric. The venue was stunning, elegant but warm, with a real sense
of community in the air. You could feel the love and support in every corner of the room. It wasn’t just a formal gala, it was a celebration of people, progress, and
possibilities.One of the things that really moved me was seeing just how many lives Northeast Arc has impacted, and
continues to impact every single day. Whether it’s helping
someone find employment, access housing, or live more
independently, they’re doing the work that truly changes
the trajectory of people’s lives. And that night, they raised
over $500,000 to keep that mission going strong. That’s
half a million dollars that will go directly into making sure
more people get the support they need. Incredible, right?
But it wasn’t just about the numbers. It was the stories.
The speakers. The families who shared how Northeast Arc
helped their loved ones thrive. There were a few times I
caught myself getting emotional just hearing the real-life
impact of what this organization does. It reminded me of
why I do the work I do with Girls Chronically Rock and
GCR Adaptive Solutions, to empower, uplift, and remind
people that disability doesn’t mean inability.
And then there was the fun! Let me tell you, Wanzar,
Tajaé, and I had a blast. We got glammed up (yes, fashion
always matters!), enjoyed delicious food, danced a little,
laughed a lot, and met so many amazing people. I don’t
take moments like that for granted. When you live with a
disability, attending events can sometimes feel overwhelming or inaccessible, but Northeast Arc made sure everyone felt welcome and celebrated. That’s true
inclusion. What made it even more special was just being present, with my caregivers, with other advocates, and with a community that gets it. Wanzar and Tajaé were soaking it all in, too, and we kept looking at each other like, Wow,
this is really something special. I felt proud. Proud to be there, proud to be part of a larger movement, and proud
of every single person in that room working toward a better, more inclusive future.
So to Northeast Arc: thank you. Thank you for your heart, your vision, and your unwavering commitment to the
disability community. This gala was more than just a fundraiser, it was a reminder of what we can achieve when we come together with purpose and passion.
If you haven’t already, I encourage you to read more about the amazing work Northeast Arc is doing here, and
consider getting involved, donating, or just spreading the word. Every bit of support helps continue their mission of
inclusion and empowerment. And as for me, I’ll be holding on to the magic of that night for a long time. Because real change? It starts in rooms
like that. With people like us.
With gratitude,
Keisha G