The Arc of Delaware County's video wins a First Place at Film Festival

The first annual “Art and Soul of the Catskills Film Festival" was held this past Friday and Saturday. Submissions to the film festival were accepted from all levels of filmmakers who were either residents of Delaware, Otsego, Ulster, Green, Chenango, and Schoharie counties or whose films were produced in or made the subject of these Counties. Over 42 films were entered and judged in 5 categories.  The Arc of Delaware County’s video, “Making the Shift to Community Connections” won first place in the short documentary category.

This film tells the story of Delarc and the connections being made by people with disabilities in the communities in which they live.  Sheri Hull, THRIVE Program Director shared “We felt like we needed to do it in a meaningful way (make connections). Doing things that were meaningful for them and that really had to do with their life choices and goals.”  This film consists of a series of vignettes of people with disabilities engaged in their communities with activities such as working at a local auto repair shop and vegetable crop farm, taking classes at SUNY Delhi, taking horseback riding lessons, learning skills and assisting at a day care center. And the ultimate outcome of community connections in which real relationships and friendships are formed is powerfully demonstrated by this video.

George Suess, CEO of The Arc of Delaware County shared “ At the actual showing of the video, Saturday afternoon, the audience was very small but their response when the video ended was over the top. Loud and sustained applause with big smiles all the way around.” You can view this award winning video on our YouTube site or by clicking here: Making the Shift to Community Connections



George Suess, CEO listens as The Arc of Delaware County's video
 "Making the Shift To Community Connections"
wins a first prize at the 1st Annual Art and Soul of the Catskills Film Festival

The ASCFF welcomes submissions from all levels of filmmakers providing they are residents of Delaware, Otsego, Ulster, Green

Jessica Baldi and Janet Stoop Recognized With Blesher Award for Making “Camp Work” a Success

Jessica and Janet were nominated for a Blesher Award by Steve Finkel, Community Program Life Coach. In his nomination he stated,” They both worked as a team to make the recently completed “Camp Work Program” a success for our folks, despite staff shortages and some very hot weather!

They’re the best!” Jessica and Janet supported people from Delarc as they assisted in readying Camp Shankitunk for the summer season and also helped maintain the facilities while the 4 H Camp and Day Camp programs were in session.

In order to qualify for a Blesher award, those nominated must have exemplified the Unifying Principles of The Arc of Delaware County. In using their, talents and abilities, these ladies have gone above and beyond job expectations to provide a wonderful opportunity for those they support.

Steve wrote that Janet and Jessica exemplified the 6 Unifying Principles in the following ways:

Those We Serve Come First-“Regardless of staffing issues, they were there to make this program happen.

Commit To Excellence- “Great Outcomes, great feedback from camp staff.”

Be Dedicated- “They really know how to overcome almost any obstacle or problem.”

Employee Satisfaction- “You can see it in their (Janet and Jessica’s) faces. They are proud to support those we serve to see rewarding outcomes.”

Communicate Effectively-“Despite very busy schedules, you always knew “what’s up” and “what’s happening”.

Be Innovative- “Overcoming schedule changes and other obstacles never were barriers to their achieving success!”

Congratulations Janet and Jessica!