Whether a graduating student plans to continue his/her education, join the work force, or pursue some other interest at home or in the community, the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) may be able to offer supports and services to ease the transition.
To help students with developmental disabilities and their families learn more about what supports and services are available following graduation, The Arc of Delaware County is hosting what OPWDD refers to as a Front Door (i.e. front door to services) presentation on September 24, 2014, from 5:00 until 6:30 p.m.
This free presentation will take place at The Arc of Delaware County, 34570 State Highway 10, Walton, NY 13856. To register or for more information contract Kim Shaw at 607/865-7126, ext. 104 or kshaw@delarc.org.
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Community Partners Join Forces in "Before I Die" Wall Project 9/11 through 10/17
“Before I Die” is a global art project that invites people
to reflect on their lives and share their personal aspirations in a public
space. Humbly launched in 2011 by an artist from New Orleans, Candy Chang, the
program has spread to 70 countries, in 34 languages on over 500 “walls”…..crossing
all political, ethnic, religious and geographical boundaries.
The program will be
kicked off on Thursday, September 11 at Noon at the Courthouse Square in Delhi
and is tied in with the anniversary of 9/11 as part of the National Day of Service and
Remembrance. “The program allows people to share their feelings,
ambitions, dreams and goals in a very public, yet anonymous way,” said Sally
Kauffman, a resident of East Branch, who is joining the team on the 11th
for the kickoff. “We hope that the community will join us on the 11th
at noon to launch this community-based program focused on bringing people and
their thoughts together in a creative and inspirational way,” she added.The Before I Die boards will be up in the Square from September 11th through October 17th. Boards have been posted worldwide from Russia, China, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Australia, and Japan to North and South America. “The three boards in the Delhi Square are really shared spaces where people of all ages can write their views on the meaning of life, opportunities yet to be achieved, express sadness, joy, forgiveness…even shame…the range of emotions will match the number of people that will share their aspirations with everyone who views them,” emphasized Becky Townsend from Walton.
Come by Courthouse
Square, Pickup a Piece of Chalk & Share With Us. It Will Feel Great To Do
So!
Photo
caption: Come by Delhi’s Courthouse Square starting at
Noon on September 11th to
share your thoughts and feelings on one of the 3 “Before I Die” boards…it will feel great to do so!
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
The Arc of Delaware County's 2014 Annual Staff Retreat
 |
| The Arc of Delaware County Staff |
During the morning session, employees from all departments and facilities mixed together and had fun getting to know each other during the relay races and variety show skits they performed.
Blue skies prevailed during the afternoon so that everyone could enjoy the water sports, outdoor volleyball and horseshoe courts, golf, and relaxing at the water's edge. Many enjoyed the various workshops presented by staff. A great day was had by all! View photos of the fun had by Staff at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/delarc/sets/72157646170789921/
To learn how you can become a part of our team visit our Career page on our website:
http://delarc.org/~delarc/index.php/careers/
 |
| New Employees Recognized at the Retreat |
Thursday, July 24, 2014
The Love of Working Hard Sustains Long Term “Lucky” Connection
Lucky Dog Farm and Store, was aptly
named by owners Richard and Holly Giles when they saw their shelter rescue dogs
happily bounce around their newly acquired farm in 2000. “What lucky dogs they
are” Holly exclaimed as they watched them appreciate their new
surroundings. And the word “lucky” can
be used to describe the people whose lives have been touched by this business,
from workers, to customers, to community members.
One individual, David Nichols has been with
Lucky Dog almost since its inception. Janet Stoop, employee at The Arc of
Delaware County shared that “David is a person who loves work. He seeks out
work wherever he can and works very hard!”
And Richard Giles shared that it’s been good to see David grow over the
14 years he has worked on Lucky Dog farm.
“He’s good, steady help. He’s taken responsibility and has become
independent in his work. He has a really good ability to switch from job to job
quickly.”
 |
| David Nichols and Kalain Joslin working the fields. |
With over 45 acres dedicated
to crop production David is kept very busy helping to weed, cultivate, stake, and tie the many varieties of organic vegetables
grown on the farm including beans, tomatoes, corn, beets, peas, and leafy
greens. He is involved in the growing process from seedling to harvest and
enjoys seeing the beautiful produce that is sold at farm markets in
Margaretville, Callicoon, and NYC as well as at restaurants and retail
stores. When asked what part of the work he favors
most, David shared, “I like to do the weeding!” With David’s enthusiasm and
enjoyment of the work he accomplishes, it has been a satisfying and mutually
rewarding partnership between Lucky Dog Farm and David.
 |
| Richard Giles, Owner and David Nichols at Lucky Dog Farm greenhouse. |
Monday, July 7, 2014
The Arc of Delaware Helps Students Along Career Path
Several Delaware
County High School graduates have chosen college fields of study that will
prepare them for a career benefiting people with intellectual and developmental
disabilities. Thirteen students (one from
each Delaware County school district) were awarded scholarships from The Arc of
Delaware County. The Schools made selections based not only on each student’s
scholastic abilities, but also on their proven desire to help others as
demonstrated by services they provided to their community or school.
The 2014 recipients
of The Arc Delaware County Scholarship include: Jennifer Andrews, Andes; Brittany Kopp, Charlotte Valley; Tyler Cumpston, Delaware
Academy; Kaitlyn Wingerter,
Deposit; Chyanne Gransbury, Downsville; Lynndon Huyck, Franklin; Caitlyn
Wormuth, Hancock; Kaitlin Short, Margaretville; Ian O’Brien, Roxbury; Josiah
Clarke, Sidney; Kayla Rose Quigley, South Kortright; Ashley Tait, Stamford; and
Sarah Layton, Walton.
For more
information about The Arc of Delaware County and career opportunities, visit
www.delarc.org or call (607) 865-7126.
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Shining Stars- The Arc of Delaware County Celebrates Outstanding Achievements
The Arc of Delaware County held its Annual Membership Meeting and Awards Ceremony on June 13th at SUNY Delhi. Over 30 beautiful orange and yellow flower arrangements adorned the tables and highlighted The Arc of Delaware County’s new logo and brand. Created by people at The Arc’s Resources for Industry facility, they lent an elegant touch to this festive event.
In addition to electing new officers and board members, this annual event celebrates the successes of individuals and contributions of community partners whose actions impact and improve the lives of people with disabilities.
Officers and Directors that were sworn in to office by Wayne Marshfield, Hamden Town Supervisor, for the 2014-2015 terms are: President, Robin Evanitsky; Vice President, Ira McIntosh; Secretary, Sandra Bullis; Treasurer, Lee Marigliano. Directors for the 2014-2016 terms include: Sandra Bullis, Lori Cetta, Robin Evanitsky, Lee Marigliano, Ira McIntosh, Gerda van Leeuwen and Ruth Vitale. They join Thomas Banks, Mary Jane Giarrusso-Wilkin, Bonnie Martin, Robert Rothenberg, Nat Thomas and James Warren whose 2 year terms expire in 2015.
After the business meeting, award winners’ accomplishments were highlighted in speeches by staff, friends, and community members who shared their thoughts and those of the peers who nominated them for Outstanding Achievement awards. This year’s winners received “Shining Star” trophies from The Arc and Certificates of Recognition from Senator John Bonacic, Assemblyman Clifford Crouch, and Congressman Chris Gibson.
Outstanding Achievement Awards were presented to individuals who have been an inspiration to others through their personal perseverance, and individual growth. Award winners included Karlie McCool, Maria Villacorta, Jacob Alvarez III, Marlana Volpe, Rhonda Reynolds, and an individual from Community Living Skills, Walton.
Community recognition awards were presented to three individuals. Bonnie Hamilton, Director of Public Health received Partner of the Year Award which is presented to the community partner that has done the most to enhance opportunities for individuals with disabilities in Delaware County. Beverly Tuthill, Carousel Children’s Services Director shared, “Bonnie has been a devoted advocate for children with disabilities for more than 30 years. She looks for innovative ways of getting a child’s needs met when traditional methods aren’t working or aren’t available.”
The Father Eugene Willis Good Neighbor Award was presented to Chester (Chet) Delameter, Jr. This award celebrates people who embody the spirit of being kind and neighborly and supports the involvement of people with disabilities in their community. Chet, a professional clown was introduced to Henry Kamp who shared his love of performing. Chet shared, “We hit it off right away and now we perform at Senior Meal sites and at the THRIVE program in Hamden. We’ve been performing together for 3 years and I really enjoy it!”
Dr. Amber Tatnall, Assistant Professor of Psychology, SUNY Delhi received the Dr. Gerald Burday Professional Excellence Award, an award that recognizes individuals who encourage growth and help people reach their true potential. In 3 short years, Dr. Tatnall has greatly expanded inclusive learning opportunities for individuals with disabilities including hosting 12 individuals in her psychology classes, developing the “Study Buddy” program where SUNY and Arc students work together on projects outside of class, working with the O’Connor Center to have Arc participants join with SUNY students in community volunteer activities, and creating an “Inclusive Learning” link on the SUNY Delhi website.
Emotions ran high as people reflected on the accomplishments of those recognized at this year’s event. Kathryn Snyder an employee of Kiddee Corner preschool in Stamford where Marlena Volpe volunteers shared “We have a saying at Kiddie Corner and it is Kiddie Corner is not just a preschool it is a family and we are very happy to have Marlana as part of our family.” And Leanne Norwood, sister of Rhonda Reynolds said, “I’ve been very proud of what she (Rhonda) has accomplished because of the programs and services she receives from The Arc.”
To learn more about The Arc of Delaware County and how you can be involved as a member, volunteer or employee, visit our website at: www.delarc.org. And to view more photos of this event visit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/delarc/sets/72157644826288927/
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Consolidated Supports and Services Training Offered
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