When The Arc of Delaware County (Delarc) learned that they would be receiving a $5,000 grant to provide new recreational opportunities to people they support from The Trustees of the NYSARC Trusts, staff brainstormed ideas and looked over ‘wish lists’ of people they support to determine how best to use this grant money. They soon discovered they were able to fulfill dreams for 5 people who have long desired such things as a vacation away from home, to sleep overnight in a hotel, a go to Washington DC, and to attend The Arc’s National Convention and meet self advocates from across the country and the world. Planning began for a vacation to Washington, D.C. during the week of The Arc’s National Convention (also in D.C.) at the end of October.
Brenda Scott, Kelly Piskacek, Kevin Allen, Matt Wilson, Tina Cawley, and their support staff couldn’t have been more excited as they loaded their suitcases in the mini-vans and set out on their journey. The drive from Delaware County to D.C. took a full day, but everyone was so thrilled this day had finally arrived (after months of careful planning) that time passed in the blink of an eye. The next few days were packed with many new experiences – riding the Metro, touring our Nation’s Capital, seeing the White House, visiting the Capitol Building, Lincoln Memorial, the National Zoo, and Natural History and Air and Space Museums, dining in various restaurants, meeting interesting people, and much, much more. There was never a dull moment.
There couldn’t have been a more perfect wrap up for the trip than spending the last couple days at The Arc’s National Convention and International Forum. Some of the highlights were sessions lead by self advocates and leaders from across world, walking the red carpet at the Gala Film Festival, and learning about what life was like for people outside of Delaware County, New York. Everyone returned home exhausted, exhilarated, and grateful for the opportunity the NYSARC Trusts grant provided them.
The NYSARC Trusts administer supplemental needs trusts that enable people with disabilities to remain in their home and community and retain their Medicaid eligible services. The Trustees utilize remainder funds to benefit other persons with disabilities including unfunded Chapter guardianship as provided by statute. During the last 12 months the Trusts have provided $750,000 to support Chapter Guardianship and over $50,000 in direct grants to needy individuals supported by Chapters. Information on how you may benefit from a NYSARC Trust is available by calling 518-439-8323 or 1-800-735-8924 or at www.nysarctrustservices.org. To learn more about The Arc of Delaware County, visit www.delarc.org; to view pictures of the trip, click the Flickr link.
Photo Below: In front of the Capitol Building, left to right: Barbara Rothenberg, Heidi Friedman, Matt Wilson, Kelly Piskacek, Kevin Allen, David Niermeyer, Brenda Scott, Jessica Baldi, and Tina Cawley (not pictured, Catherine Tweedie).
