What Are You Thankful For?

Arlene Goedel shared her feelings about working at Delarc with The Daily Star for their "What Are You Thankful For?" story.

Arlene wrote, "I have said this before, but believe me, I will say it again! Words cannot express how thankful I am to have found the Arc of Delaware County. To be among staff that care so much for people with disabilities is certainly something to be thankful for! To help those people acquire their hopes and dreams is truly a blessing. Every day is Thanksgiving at the Arc of Delaware County!"

When asked if her quote could be posted online and shared, Arlene responded, "Yes! Sometimes I just get so overwhelmed by what I feel working for the Arc, I just have to spread the word!!!"

Visit The Daily Star's website to view Arlene's quote by clicking the link below:

http://www.thedailystar.com/archivesearch/local_story_325043008.html

Check out new Youtube Videos featuring Delarc Staff!

Several staff members recently shared what brought them to Delarc and what inspires them to continue working here. To see their stories, visit our YouTube site at http://www.youtube.com/user/ArcDelaware

These videos are being done as part of a major Employment Recruitment effort - please share them with others and help us to expand our Delarc Family. For info on current career opportunties with Delarc or a job application, visit our website careers page at http://www.delarc.org/careers.htm

Staff stories will continue to be captured and shared, so stay tuned for more!

SUNY Delhi & Delarc Join Together

Seventeen students from Dr. Amber Tatnall's Psychology Courses will be participating in individualized Service Learning Projects at Delarc. For example, Kristen Guerriero, (pictured below, left, with Cheyenne) is studying to become a Speech Pathologist and will be working with Delarc Speech Pathologist and staff. You can follow the activities of the SUNY students on our Delarc Community Forum.

Delarc Fishing Trip

Folks served by Delarc were treated to fishing and friendship thanks to some great volunteers and neighbors. Those served by Delarc, along with Jim and Jeremiah Warren and the members of Trout Unlimited, joined at the Watkins Family Pond for an afternoon of fishing.

John Rucky proudly displaying his first catch of the day with volunteer Jeremiah Warren.

David Greenwood and volunteer Jim Warren check out David's big catch of the day.

Delarc Celebrates National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week

There aren’t many people who can say their job gives them an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. But at The Arc of Delaware County (Delarc), it is a daily occurrence.

Every day, Direct Support Professionals at Delarc work to enrich the quality of life of the people they serve and their families. They work to reach dreams, achieve independence, and create opportunities for people to become contributing members of their communities.

In recognition of the invaluable role of Direct Support Professionals (DSP) in enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities, the U.S. Senate unanimously voted to designate the week beginning September 14 as “National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week.” Sponsored by Senator Ben Nelson, this week honors these employees and the tremendous differences they make in other’s lives each day. It also provides a special opportunity to celebrate and recognize the direct support workforce for their dedication, hard work and commitment to serve those with disabilities.

Pam Walker, who provides food service training in Delarc’s cafeteria, shares, “All I’ve ever been was just a cook… and now I’m so much more. If you’re having a bad day and you come here, it’s not a bad day anymore. I’m thankful I got this job so I can help others do what I do. It’s a great joy.” Jerry D’Alto, a DSP at Delarc, added, “Helping people with disabilities achieve meaningful and fulfilling lives is the most rewarding work I can think of.”

Another DSP at Delarc, Lyndsay Young, explains, “For me, it’s all about making a difference in someone’s life. I get to watch their dreams come true and experience it with them. To help someone become successful is empowering in itself.”

New Website Launched!

The Arc of Delaware County is pleased to announce the launching of its new website http://www.delarc.org/ The new site features a variety of videos, as well as links to a several tools you can use to stay connected and up to date on what is happening at Delarc, including joining Delarc's new Community Forum which offers a place to post questions, have discussions and network with others. You can also sign up to receive Delarc's new e-newsletter simply by entering your e-mail address in the space provided on the homepage. Visit our new website today and find out how you can stay connected!

Shout It From The Rooftops!

The Arc of Delaware County is totally committed to a positive, proactive approach in our care and treatment of people with disabilties. Unfortunately there are many agencies across the country that don't share our beliefs; please take a moment to check out the link below and you will see just one more example of such. We frequently hear of physical abuses and even deaths of people with disabilites because of the care and treatment they receive by the people whose care they are entrusted to. Though the information in the link is very troubling to hear, it's important for us to keep this in front of people - it's time for America to get their heads out of the sand and really know what is happening in this country to people with disabilities.

Our agency spends a great deal of time and engergy trying to spread the word that there is a better way; our CEO does trainings for any agency in the country who is willing to listen. We need your help though - together we can raise awareness and help people know there really is a better way. I encourage you to help us spread the word - share this information with everyone you know. I'll leave you with one thought:

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the
world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." ~ Margaret Mead

Link: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=101937985

Thank you,
Catherine Tweedie,
Director of Community Relations, Delarc