Additional MCHB funding, both regional and national, brought together family leaders like Betsy Anderson of Massachusetts and others such as Molly Cole, Nancy DiVenere, Donene Feist, Donna Olsen, Gina Pola Money, Martha Jean Madison and many more. This strong group of family advocates would later develop a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that would serve a nationwide network of families. Although the Clinton health care plan was not immediately successful, families’ voices were being heard and respected. Family Voices was formed in 1992 by Polly Arango, Josie Wall, and Julie Beckett, with numerous other family leaders, including Nora. Together, Julie Beckett and Nora made numerous trips to Washington, DC to convey families’ needs. As President Clinton’s health plan was being developed, it became clear that the voices of families needed to be heard and included. Nora’s work with Family Voices began before the organization was formed, when she and others focused on in-home care and community inclusion with the intent to highlight and share more about families’ experiences. Merle McPherson at MCHB became key supports of family initiatives. With this first funding for families, Dr. A significant highlight was a unique collaboration with Deborah Klein Walker and the staff at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and other private providers.
In 1985, with interest from the Federal Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB), Nora co-wrote a proposal to provide information, education, and support for collaboration between families and health professionals. Alongside other Massachusetts families, she worked tirelessly to educate professionals about the needs and experiences of families and to change health care services and policies. In 1981, Nora co-wrote a proposal to address health professionals’ knowledge of special education laws. The Federation for Children with Special Needs, which was formed in 1975, obtained the first funding for family information, training, and support for special education. Like many family leaders, Nora began her career in health advocacy by seeking care and services for her own son, Dan.
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