The Arc of Delaware County was delighted to receive two
grants from NYSARC’s Trust Remainder Funds for the purpose of supporting
guardianship services and to provide recreation opportunities for people they
support.
With the receipt of $12,500 in recreation grant funds, individuals
from The Arc of Delaware County have been able to enjoy an array of person
centered recreational activities they may not otherwise have had an opportunity
to enjoy this year. For instance, Gary
Grossman recently traveled to Florida to visit his parents, Henry and Kay, whom
he hadn’t seen in a year. Gary talks
with his family regularly on the phone and keeps in contact through social
media, but this personal visit was a rare treat. This trip was made even more special with a
day spent at Universal Studios with friend and traveling companion, Sean Henry. Gary has vacationed in the past with a well
known travel company that provides guided tours and personal assistance, however,
with the availability of the recreation grant funds Gary was able to plan his own
personalized trip and bring a travel companion whom he has known for years and
enjoys spending time with. In addition
to spending time with his family, some of Gary’s favorite memories from his
Florida vacation were having lunch at the Hard Rock Café, talking with the
Disney characters, and meeting people from all over the world, such as
California and Mexico.
The funds received for guardianship services will assist
with ongoing expenses of operating the Guardianship program and for life
enhancing activities for people receiving guardianship services. As the Guardianship Committee often fills the
void of family, guardianship funds are often used to provide for birthdays,
holidays, vacations and special events. The
Arc of Delaware County’s Guardianship Committee, comprised of dedicated members from the community, currently
provides guardianship services to two people for whom NYSARC, Inc. serves as
Legal Guardian. The committee ensures
all decisions made are in the best interest of the individual and are in
harmony with the individual’s personal values and preferences, just as a
concerned family member would do.
A total of $2,795,500 in remainder grants was awarded in 2016
to support recreation and guardianship to NYSARC Chapters statewide. NYSARC Trust Services administers
supplemental needs trusts that enable people with disabilities to remain in
their home and community while retaining Medicaid services and other government
benefits. Information is available on
how NYSARC Trust Services may benefit you at www.nysarctrustservices.org. To learn more about Services available
through The Arc of Delaware County, click on the services link at www.delarc.org or call (607)865-7126.
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| Jennifer Gugliotti with NYSARC Board President Laura J. Kennedy |
Jennifer Gugliotti, was honored as NYSARC, Inc’s. 2016 Self
Advocate of the Year at their Fall meeting October 21st in Albany NY. Jennifer
was selected from the many nominations of outstanding individuals submitted
from Arc Chapters across the state. To
be considered for this award, an individual must demonstrate leadership and
also by their actions, help to shape services in a way that benefits others.
Jennifer is a strong leader and has always had a natural inclination
toward helping others. Her personal goal
of becoming a teacher’s aide has led her down many paths to hone the skills needed
to achieve this. She felt it was
important to gain public speaking experience and enhance her writing skills so she
campaigned and was elected to several positions of the THRIVE Self Advocacy
group including that of President and Secretary. Wanting to help others,
Jennifer viewed her officer roles as an opportunity to share information that
she felt would help others including healthy eating habits, maintaining a
healthy weight, and making people aware of ways to protect against sun damage.
Jennifer’s encouraging
nature and desire to see others succeed has earned her the respect and
admiration of her peers. She openly discusses her past challenges and how
overcoming they helped her to achieve her dreams and goals. In 2015 they selected Jennifer to receive the
THRIVE program’s Outstanding Achievement Award. She was also previously selected
to represent the THRIVE Self Advocate group at The Arc’s National Convention in
2010 and 2012.
And her advocacy doesn’t stop at the program level. Jennifer
is a member of the Special Review Committee at The Arc of Delaware County and she
provides presentations to local schools, Rotary clubs, Senior Citizen and
church groups educating the community about the potential and capabilities of
individuals with disabilities. As part of a state wide campaign she
participated in a videotaped message to legislators advocating for employment
services.
Jennifer is always looking for ways to expand her knowledge
and has enrolled in several inclusive SUNY Delhi classes including Psychology
and Early Childhood and Development. She volunteers at Sidney Central School
where she reads stories to the children and assists the teacher with crafts. “I
have learned that it is so important to always believe in yourself and to be
strong”, shared Jennifer Gugliotti during her acceptance speech at the NYSARC
meeting. “I would also like to thank everyone at The Arc of Delaware County for
helping me become the confident person I am today, and for supporting me as I
follow my dreams.”
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| L to R: Sheri Hull (THRIVE Program Director), Molly Little (CEO), Jennifer, Nate Thomas (Board Member - The Arc of Delaware County) and Jessica Baldi (Life Coach). |
The Blesher recognition program was put into place to help
recognize individuals who go “Above and beyond”. Because any employee can
complete a Blesher Nomination form and identify the exceptional deeds they see
their peers accomplishing, it is a wonderful way for employees to look for the positives
and show what they respect and admire in their co workers. We thought you
would like to read a few recent examples which may also spark ideas of other
deeds and events that reflect the core values on which our agency is based, our
Unifying Principles.
During the month of October Joan Dewing, Darius Newbold and
Denise Jackson received Blesher awards.
Joan Dewing, a Residential
Housing Profession in our Residential program was instrumental in the creation
of the agency quilt that was a retirement gift to CEO George Suess. Through Joan’s coordination,
instruction, sewing and communication, staff and people supported by The Arc of
Delaware County had the opportunity to express their sentiments to George in a
beautiful way.
Joan volunteered many, many hours of her personal
time building the quilt, making it easy for people unfamiliar with the quilting
process to participate. She was creative in problem solving as the quilt
progressed resulting in a truly beautiful and meaningful gift. Joan was
presented with her Blesher award on October 7th.
Darius Newbold, Assistant Director of Finance was
nominated for a Blesher award for providing assistance to the Residential team on
topics that extended well beyond his financial responsibilities such as
Medisked and E-MARS programs. He attended many house and leader meetings to
explain and expand their knowledge. In the nomination Darius was described as “professionalism
personified” They said that If Darius doesn’t know an answer he finds out! Darius
received his Blesher award on October 19th.
Denise
Jackson, Administrative Assistant at THRIVE learned of an individual’s desire
to volunteer in her local community. Denise was instrumental in helping Lanora Nash-Steinbacher achieve a dream by making her aware of an opportunity. She then made the
necessary connections with family and staff to allow the individual to fulfill
her desire. She went above and beyond in supporting the individual to prepare
for and participate at the event. Denise received her Blesher award on October
19th.
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| Denise Jackson (Left) with Lanora Nash-Steinbacher (Right) |
There are so many outstanding acts of kindness, professionalism,
creativity, ingenuity that make our agency great. Congratulations to these
three recent Blesher Award recipients!
Blesher recognized Becky Townsend for taking great care of
RFI’s car fleet on September 19th.
Becky was nominated by Mary Cullen who wrote, “Becky has
gone to many lengths to make sure cars are in good working order… She makes
sure cars carry an up to date emergency first aid kit, have current
registrations and inspections, and checks to make sure oil changes are
completed timely.”
Because of Becky’s commitment to excellence, dedication,
communication, and caring for those who use the vehicles; employees can use the
cars with confidence knowing that they are well equipped, maintained, and safe.
Thank you for your hard work and dedication which helps to
keep both staff and those we support safe Becky!
On
August 10th, The Arc of Delaware County's Board of Directors received a Blesher
Award. Molly Little, CEO nominated the entire board for "Selfless dedication
of time and talents while serving on the board." Through their hard work,
support, and dedication they help to assure people with disabilities live
personally fulfilling lives.
Congratulations and thank you to each board member for helping The
Arc of Delaware County fulfill its Unifying Principals: Those we serve come
first, commit to excellence, be dedicated, employee satisfaction, communicate
effectively, and be innovative.
Pictured
Front Row L to R: Gerda van Leeuwen, Bonnie Martin, James Warren, Blesher Lil
Heart, Johna Peachin, Kathleen Green, Ira McIntosh, Vice President.
Back
Row L to R: Amy Beveridge, Lori Cetta, Nat Thomas, Treasurer, Robert
Rothenberg, Robin Evanitsky, President, and Thomas Banks
Not
present were Directors: Mary Jane Giarrusso- Wilkin and Sandra Bullis,
Secretary.
Joining the picture with the Board of Directors are: Molly Little, CEO (back row, second from right), Barbara Rothenberg, COO (first row, second from right) and Teresa Skinner, CFO (back row, second from left).
"Voice!" is a juried art exhibition celebrating the creative voices of artists from New York State. Hosted by The Arc Otsego for the 12th year, this exhibition reminds us of the power of art to transcend disability and stereotypes and reveals our common ground, celebrating everyone's unique abilities.
Two Delaware County residents, Thomas Ferrante and Lewis Pepper were invited artists who displayed their textile and acrylic painting works in this year's exhibit held at the Martin Mullen Art Gallery, SUNY Oneonta.
Thomas Ferrante lives in Margaretville, NY and began taking weaving classes at The Artisan's Guild four years ago. He discovered that he enjoyed working on a loom and has woven several rugs using a variety of yarns and patterns. He has exhibited his works at Delaware County Fair, winning several ribbons. His submission to the "Voice!" exhibition was a southwestern themed woven rug wall hanging.
Lewis Pepper, a resident of Sidney, NY has been interested in drawing from an early age. His work has been displayed at SUNY Delhi, the Delaware County Fair, and various other venues including The Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. He has attended art classes at SUNY Delhi and Harpursville Senior Center where he has mastered several paint mediums including watercolors, acrylic, and oil paints. His favorite art subjects are wildlife and country landscapes.
His submission to "Voice12" was an original acrylic painting of a chipmunk that he was able to study up close as he fed him out of his hand.
Bill Field, Director of Facilities and Corporate Compliance Officer at The Arc of Delaware County
was recognized for “going above and beyond” his duties by THRIVE staff and
participants on July 27th when they presented him with a Blesher
Award.
During a recent air conditioning system malfunction that
lasted several days Bill once again showed his genuine caring for people. As described
in the Blesher nomination, Bill immediately jumped into action checking with
program staff to assure there were no heat safety concerns for individuals, he used
his ingenuity to secure and strategically place large barn fans throughout the
building to keep air as cool as possible, and arrived at the building early
each morning to open windows and cool down the building. Bill constantly checked
on the status and comfort of everyone in the building throughout the day. by
THRIVE staff and participants.
Bill’s actions and caring were greatly appreciated by
everyone!
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