The Istook Family Shares the Joy of Racing

 

Don and Laurie Istook, owners of a professional race car team, wanted people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to share in the joy of racing. For a second year in a row they have invited members of The Arc to be honorary crew members and follow with them on a circuit of 9 races across the country in the Pirelli World Challenge Series.  In the attached video, Laurie shared,"I want people to see our crew members with intellectual disabilities out here and realize they have so much potential if they're given the opportunity." Click on this link to read the full story, view the video, and watch the races live online. The Arc Audi Racing Program.

Making Her World a Better Place

Jan Sturdevant used her love of animals as a springboard for ideas to contribute to her community.  She wanted to sponsor a project that would benefit and improve the lives of animals. After much consideration she chose the Peace Plantation Animal Sanctuary in Walton as the focal point of her project.

The Peace Plantation does not receive financial assistance from local, state, or federal governments and relies solely on charitable contributions.  Presently there are over 300 cats and a variety of other animals that call Peace Plantation home. And when Jan learned that sometimes animals are never adopted but live out the rest of their lives at the Peace Plantation she wanted to find ways to help these animals. 

Throughout the month of February Jan developed a list of items needed, decorated, and delivered several large donation boxes with a Valentine theme to Community Living Skills and Resources for Industry in Walton, The Arc of Delaware County’s “THRIVE” center in Hamden, and the Delaware Regional Center in Masonville.  The donation boxes were beautiful and caught the attention of those that passed through these facilities. Many of the people knew Jan and about her project. They gave generously resulting in a large cache of toys, treats, blankets, laundry soap, paper towels, cleaning solution, bleach, kitty litter, and many other items.

Michael Reed, Director of Facilities at the Peace Plantation was on hand when Jan delivered the items February 26th. With a big smile he thanked Jan. “We really appreciate what you have done. We rely on donations such as this.”

To see photos of Jan delivering items to the Peace Plantation visit our Flickr site at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/delarc/sets/72157632884484918/

Each person can make a difference. As Margaret Mead said: “Never believe that a few caring people can't change the world. For, indeed, that's all who ever have.”

'Seeds' Exhibit Takes Root

Congratulations to James Mould and fellow artists Wendy Stanton and Maria Brockman for their new exhibit at the Roxbury Art Center.  The following article appeared in the Catskill Mountain News on February 5th:

Roxbury — Seeds, a new exhibit at the Roxbury Arts Group’s Walt Meade Gallery, explores the blossoming nature that art has on individuals and the communities in which they live.
The exhibit features the artwork of three artists, Wendy Stanton and Maria Brockman of Oneonta, and James Mould of Stamford. Wendy, Maria, and James have been working with their mentors, Zena Gurbo and Nat Thomas, who are curating this exhibition which celebrates the creative and transforming power of the artistic process.
Saturday opening
The exhibit opened on Saturday, Feb. 2 and the public is invited to attend an artist reception on Saturday, Feb. 9 at 4 p.m. at the Walt Meade Gallery, located in the Roxbury Arts Center at 5025 Vega Mountain Road.
Wendy Stanton is a founding member of The Center for Self Expression/Main View Gallery & Studio in Oneonta, which is a program of the Arc Otsego. An avid lover of nature, Wendy enjoys combining the natural world and the super natural in her art. She works swiftly and with great confidence, barely stopping to look at what she has done before she is off onto the next project.
Maria Brockmann has been involved with The Center for Self Expression/Main View Gallery & Studio for three years. She had little previous instruction but possesses strong innate talents and love of drawing and painting. Within months she absorbed and learned everything Artists Instructors and staff had to offer. She continues to be inspired by other artists and creates work that incorporates new and old skills, often using nature as her diving board into a world governed by beauty and detail.
Stamford artist
James Mould, also a lover of nature, discovered his artistic talent three years ago when he retired from farm work and moved to Stamford. He was soon recognized for his artistic talent in the pen doodles he would make on his note papers. Since this time, James has created a series of tree drawings that are both of this world and not. James finds he is inspired by nature and finds his artwork not only continues provide him with endless satisfaction but has connected him with others in a way he had not experience before.
All three artists, as well as exhibit curators, Nat Thomas and Zena Gurbo, will be in attendance at the artist reception.
The exhibit runs through April 13 and the Walt Meade Gallery is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information about this event, please contact the Roxbury Arts Group at 607 326-7908.

“Cooking Up Opportunity”

Left to Right: Brenda Scott, Steve Finkel, Tom Slavinski, Blesher, and Pam Walker

Steve Finkel, Life Coach 7 was presented with a Blesher award on February 5th for his efforts that resulted in expanded career opportunities in the Food Service Program for 2 individuals. He pioneered new educational experiences in collaboration with the SUNY Culinary Program that will enrich the quality of the lives of these individuals. Steve was nominated for this award by the entire THRIVE team at The Arc of Delaware County (Delarc) in Hamden. 

Steve has demonstrated Delarc’s 6 Unifying Principals as follows:

1.       Those we Serve Come First

Steve discovered opportunities for those we support to participate in this experience that will help them achieve their dreams.

2.       Commit To Excellence

Steve sought out an educational experience that will have a great impact on their future.

3.       Be Dedicated

Steve worked hard to keep the process moving so these individuals could experience this educational opportunity during the Spring semester rather than the Fall semester.

4.       Employee Satisfaction Steve sought input from program staff regarding strengths, capabilities, potential of the individuals to help assure their success in the program.

 

5.     Communicate Effectively

Steve pursued this activity with  the SUNY Culinary Department in a professional manner, making this a positive experience for all.

 

6.       Be Innovative

Steve made this opportunity for these individuals happen by thinking outside the box, yet focusing on the valued outcomes desired for them.

 

Sharing the Love

 

Jan Sturdevant loves animals! She is putting that love into action by starting a drive to help the Peace Plantation in Walton. She has decorated several collection boxes and prepared a list of items needed by The Peace Plantation to care for the cats, dogs, and other animals they are sheltering until they find their forever homes. 

These Valentine Themed boxes are located at Community Living Skills- Walton, The Arc of Delaware County, Hamden, Resources For Industry and Delaware Regional Center, Jasonville.  Some of the many items needed by the Peace Plantation include dish detergent, laundry detergent, dryer sheets, sponges, cat and dog brushes, and toys.

Jan plans to collect the boxes on February 13th so that she can deliver the items on Valentine’s Day. Help Jan to show the love by donating what you can to help care for these animals. If you would like to find out more about the Peace Plantation visit their website at www.nhes.org

Or click here: http://www.nhes.org/sections/view/59

View more photos on our Flickr site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/organize/

Cathy Morenus Receives Blesher for Assisting Another Delarc Facility

 

On January 31st Cathy Morenus, Administrative Assistant/ Life Coach 10 at Community Living Skills- Walton received a Blesher Award.  Cathy is a person known for her willingness to help whenever and wherever she can.  She was nominated by Mary Cullen, Administrative Assistant at Resources For Industry (RFI) for “helping in so many ways”.   Mary stated, “Cathy always comes with a smile to help with typing, filing and any interview we ask her to.” 

Blesher nominations are based on the 6 Unifying Principles of The Arc of Delaware County:

1.     Those We Serve Come First

2.     Commit To Excellence

3.     Be Dedicated

4.     Employee Satisfaction

5.     Communicate Effectively

6.     Be Innovative

 Cathy has exemplified them all with her willingness, enthusiasm, and dedication in helping at another facility during a time of staffing shortages while maintaining her own workload.   She has been dedicated by arriving on time, completing all assignments, and always asking what else she can do to help. She is an effective communicator with her positive attitude and follow-up on questions or issues.  She has proved that she is innovative, committed to excellence, and puts those we serve first. Initially unfamiliar with RFI’s Medicaid spreadsheets, she eagerly learned how to utilize them and was instrumental in ensuring they were updated, correct, and filed accurately.  She is always willing to assist in the interview process which enables the hiring process to run smoothly.

Congratulations Cathy!

LOCAL CEO BRINGS MESSAGE AGAINST VIOLENCE TO GLOBAL AUDIENCE

Recently, George Suess, CEO of The Arc of Delaware County (Delarc) spoke at the Third International Conference on Violence in the Health Sector, which was held in Vancouver, British Columbia.  Work related aggression and violence within the health and social services sector are major problems which threatens worker’s health, compromise organizational effectiveness, diminish the quality of working life for staff and impact negatively on the provision and quality of care.

The conference was organized, sponsored and attended by individual professionals and organizations from around the world. Forty five countries were represented at the conference, including the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Ireland, the U.K., India, South Korea, and several other countries from Asia, Africa and South America.

In addition to examining the human, professional and economic impact of violence in the health care sector, the specific aim of the conference was to promote effective and sustainable initiatives and strategies to create safe environments. It also intended to present initiatives which respond to the problem, and are transferable to broader service and geographic contexts. Mr. Suess’ presentation, Shift Happens, Making the Shift to a Proactive Philosophy and Positive Approach, addressed both of these priorities. Based on his best-selling book, Shift Happens, Making the Shift to Proactive Behavior Management, he shared how effective the Shift Happens model has been in virtually eliminating violence and abuse at Delarc, and how organizations across the country are transferring these key concepts to their operations to similarly reduce violence and improve quality of care.

 “Delarc has become a leader in the rehabilitation community as a direct result of our Shift Happens approach.  We have witnessed similar organizations from across the country make significant improvements in their operations based on our consulting and trainings services”, Suess said. “This Conference was an opportunity to determine if the lessons we have learned and the systems we have designed have relevance for those in other work places. The response of the audience was distinctly affirmative. Whether it was about the importance of building a powerfully positive work place culture, selective hiring practices, innovations in orientation and training, or progressive supervision the audience response couldn’t have been better.” he added.

To learn more about the results Delarc produces and positive implications for organizations in Delaware County, go to www.delarc.org. To schedule a visit or consultation, call 607-865-7126.