SUMMER Issue

AUGUST 2009

¨      The Impact of Funding Cuts

¨      Day Hab Program Startup!

¨      16^th annual OE+ Charity Golf Tournament

¨      News from the Family to Family Support Center

¨      Calendar of the Family to Family Support Center

¨      Kudos

¨      Membership: Recognizing Our Life Members

¨      Upcoming Events

¨      Supporting our Programs

 

 

 

 

The Impact of Fiscal Year 2010 

State Budget Cuts

by Jay Lynch, Executive Director

 

The Massachusetts State Budget for FY2010 has been decided by our Legislators and Governor Patrick.  As The Arc of Massachusetts reported on July 17:

“The impact on individuals from budget cuts is just now being realized.  Several line items combined for a cut of $45 million in community services.  This does not include Department of Developmental Services (DDS) cuts in administration and state schools which totaled over $20 million.”

The services that are being cut are DDS Day Services, DDS and MRC Employment Services (The MRC Extended Employment Program (EEP) has been eliminated.)  The combined total of these cuts is nearly $15 million.  The Turning 22 appropriation will only reach 25% to 30% of those graduating.  DDS Family Support has been reduced.  However, those reductions are not as severe as originally thought.  $10 million in Family Support funding will be restored.  

Other line items with reductions included, transportation, DDS Autism Services, the DESE-DDS Program, Dental Services, and Early Intervention.  

What do all of these cuts mean to the Brockton Area Arc and those we serve?  BAArc’s share of the DDS Day and Employment Services cuts along with the elimination of EEP funding, and other funding reductions will combine for a 10 percent reduction in funding for FY2010.  We continue to serve the ten people who have lost their EEP funding.  DDS may be able to provide some assistance for 4 of the 10.  To avoid layoffs, all BAArc staff has had their paid hours reduced.  Paid hours for full time employees have been reduced by 2.5 hours per week.  BAArc’s ability to continue to offer five paid holidays to the workers is in jeopardy.  

In the meantime, we have been working diligently on opening our New Day Habilitation Program.  DDS and MRC are seeing Day Habilitation Services as a means to offset the impact of their funding cuts.  The Brockton Area Arc plan to open a Day Habilitation Program by converting those served in the DDS Community Based Day Supports Program to the Day Hab Services is timely.  

As an agency, we will strive to maintain our services by seeking to offset the 10% funding cuts in other ways.  We hope that the expense reductions mentioned previously, along with hoped for increases in commercial services income and fundraising income will get us through these difficult times while allowing time for the new Day Habilitation Program to succeed.  We remain wary of the impact of any additional cuts in FY2010.

Car Donations at The Arc are now accepted.

The Arc of Massachusetts and its chapters are pleased to announce a new Vehicles Donation Program.  All chapters of The Arc of Massachusetts can now accept car donations as another method to increase funds to expand our advocacy and support.  This is being done as a collaborative activity through the state chapter.  The process takes minutes and is completely done through our website.

The benefits of using our car donation center are:

·        Tax deduction in compliance with American Jobs Creation Act of 2004.

·        Allows the donor to complete the entire automobile donation process, (except for mailing the title), over the Internet.

·        We offer free nationwide pick-up for your car donation.

·        The Arc of Massachusetts and chapters will receive the maximum benefit from your car donation.

To find out if your used vehicle qualified, just go to the car donation page at our website, www.arcmass.org.  It will link you to our national partner.   Please remember to designate The Arc of Massachusetts as our selected charity when you are linked.  Over the next two months, all chapters will be adding this link to their site.

Day Habilitation Services

 
On Monday, August 3^rd, the Brockton Area Arc began providing Day Habilitation Services.  The opening is the fulfillment of a longstanding strategic goal for our agency.  It is our pleasure to welcome Faith Pyne as our Day Habilitation Program Director.

“Hello Members and Friends:

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and share with you the vision I have for the Brockton Area Arc Day Habilitation Program. 

My name is Faith Pyne.  I have worked in Human Services for 30 years in many different capacities such as direct care, residential management, as a behavioral consultant on a clinical team, and more recently as the director of a Day Hab in the Plymouth area.

I have to say that the Day Hab model is my favorite.  As a goal oriented therapeutic treatment model, it utilizes physical, occupational and speech therapies to address individual deficits.  I have also incorporated music, and art and movement as part of our program which adds a wonder dynamic and increases participation.  (I think we may actually have our own band starting!)

One of the most exciting aspects to me is the opportunity to structure the Day Hab around the specific interests of the people in the program.  Currently, our weekly schedule includes fine motor, gross motor, social skills, communication, nutrition, cooking, activities of daily living, art, music, exercise, sensory integration, and community participation.

I feel fortunate to be a part of the BAArc organization and look forward to watching the ongoing growth and development of the Day Hab program.

Feel free to drop in to see our new site!

Sincerely,

Faith Pyne”

The 16^th Annual OE+ Charity Golf Tournament

For sixteen years, the Brockton Area Arc has been blessed by the philanthropy of our golf tournament sponsors OE+ (Original Equipment Plus). Special and sincere thanks are extended to Eric Roberts, president of OE+ and Andy Sampson, vice president of OE+.  During the years of this tournament, Eric and Andy have repeatedly proven to be generous and kind friends of the Brockton Area Arc.  We also thank the OE+ employees for their support of this event.

Representing the Brockton Area Arc in the planning and organizing of the tournament is Steve Petluck.  Steven works very closely with Eric and Andy throughout the year.  They are an awesome team!  Again this year, all of their hard work resulted in a very successful tournament, for which we are grateful.

The tournament was held on July 20^th at the Fall River Country Club.  It was a beautiful day!  We expect that $25,000.00 will be raised by this year’s tournament which is a great accomplishment given our down economy.

There are many others to thank for their part in this year’s successful tournament.  Rick Roche and Roche Brothers Supermarkets are acknowledged as tournament co-sponsors.  We are grateful to The Paul and Phyllis Fireman Foundation for their $5,000.00 donation.  We thank Bob Romanow for his generous gift of $1,000.00.

Special thanks go to the thirty-five companies and individuals who donated $200.00 to be Hole Sponsors!  Further thanks are offered to the many companies, organizations, and individuals who donated auction and raffle prizes.  Again, this year, Mike Palladino donated a week at his Chappaquiddick Cottage and Karen Nicolli donated her Loon Mountain condo.  There was a Tim Wakefield autographed baseball from the Red Sox!  The Boston Celtics donated a basketball signed by all the 2008-2009 players!

Additional thanks go to Board Members Hal Gardner and Shaun Fitzgerald for their extra efforts during the tournament.  Lena Balian, Cindy Coughlin, and Karen Niccoli are thanked for their help at the tournament.  We appreciate the support we received from Costco this year.

Prior to dinner, our six minute presentation, “The Faces of BAArc” was meant to show the golfers all the people they help through their generous support of this event.  There would be no tournament without them.  To each and every golfer, we extend heartfelt thanks.

NEWS FROM THE FAMILY TO FAMILY 
SUPPORT CENTER

For more information, call Kathy Kerwin at (508) 583-8030 x224, 
or email: kkerwin_baarc@comcast.net

New Guardianship Statute and Training:  Changes to guardianship took place in Massachusetts when the Uniform Probate Code became effective July 1, 2009.  One of the biggest changes is new reporting requirements applicable to all guardians.  The new code also clarifies competency.  

To assist families that are considering guardianship or less restrictive alternatives for an adult with mental retardation, the Brockton Area Arc is sponsoring an informative meeting from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.,  Monday, Sept. 14, at the Abington Public Library.  One of the speakers will be Attorney J. Michael Roberts.  Pre-registration is required.   

Vacation Camp Was Tons of Fun!  The East Bridgewater YMCA was a great site for the June Vacation Camp sponsored by the Brockton Area Arc, June 25-30.  Twenty-two campers, ages 8 to 21, enjoyed swimming, field trips, games, basketball, jewelry making, cheerleading, art, music and dance.    It was a busy week!  

The Department of Developmental Services has generously funded Vacation Camps statewide for 3 years, making it possible for campers to attend at no charge.  We hope that funding will be available in the coming year, but we have not heard that it will be a priority in a devastated DDS budget.  Stay tuned!  

Sharon Reed, the camp supervisor, had able assistance from the camp staff:  Julia Barretto, Rosa Campos, Nicole Divens, Malia Fitch, Kathy Fralick, Andre Gomes, Jeanne Hand, Cindy Medina, and Sarah Stathis.   Karen Early-Rodriguez, Angela Earle, and Jim Williams made the camp alive with the arts.  We also had help from some terrific volunteers.  

Volunteers Respond:  Nine energetic volunteers joined us for Vacation Camp, contributing their talents and exuberance to a very successful week.  Many thanks to Alexandria Brown, Larissa Burgess, Meghan Dawe, Billy DeCosta, Julie Duhamel, Destiny Fiaschetti, John Hardiman, Lucianna Sarafoglou, and Nick Vassal.  The Vacation Camp would not have been the same without them.  

Prior to the start of Vacation Camp, the volunteers attended an orientation meeting. Two of our campers and their mothers led the discussion, helping us to recognize that we all have strengths, and we all have needs for support.  Thanks to Laurie Yule and her son Michael, and Eunice Rosario and her son Daniel for their valuable and inspiring contributions to the volunteer meeting.  

BSC Buddies:  A group of students at Bridgewater State College are inviting teens and young adults with special needs to join them in the fall for some activities where the focus is on fun and friendship.  This is the second year of our affiliation with this group.  If last year is an indicator of what ‘09-10 will be like, people are going to have a lot fun!  If you or a family member is interested in being part of BSC Buddies activities, please email or phone Kathy Kerwin at BAArc.   

Planned BSC Buddies Events for Fall 2009

(Events and schedule are subject to change)
 

Alzheimer’s Conference – Save the Date!  The 2^nd Annual Alzheimer’s Conference, co-sponsored by the Dept. of Developmental Services (formerly DMR) and the Alzheimer’s Association will take place Friday, Nov. 6, 2009.  The theme of the conference is: “Finding Our Way Together:  Care Coordination for Individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and Alzheimer’s Disease.”  350 family caregivers, direct care staff, and clinical professionals are expected to attend the event in Devens , MA .  Registration details will be available soon.    If you would like to attend, do not let the distance deter you!  Carpooling from Brockton will be arranged. 

Summer Picnic for Families Who Have a Child with Down Syndrome:  Fort Independence Park at Castle Island is the site of this picnic on Saturday, August 22, from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (rain date:  Sunday, August 23).  The hosts are representatives from several organizations that support culturally diverse families.

Families are asked to pack a picnic lunch for themselves.  Desserts, drinks, and paper goods will be provided by the hosts.   

Please RSVP by August 14:  Roxane Hoke-Chandler, Federation for Children with Special Needs – (617) 236-7210, x343 or Sarah Cullen, MDSC Family Support Director – (800) 664-6372  

Sibshops Goes Wild!  The Summer Sibshops was a field trip to the New England Wildlife Center .  Brothers and sisters who have siblings with special needs were introduced to George the raccoon, Rosie the tarantula and Otis the barred owl, educator animals at the center.  Our guide, Safari Steve, led us throughout the beautiful, ecologically-designed building where we saw injured or abandoned wild animals being cared for, rehabilitated, and prepared to return to their natural habitat, if possible.  Along the way, we learned that all creatures have value in the environment and deserve the opportunity to make their unique contributions to our world.  

“Sibshops of Greater Brockton” supports children who have brothers and sisters with special needs.  It is a collaboration of the Brockton Area Arc, Growthways, So. Bay Early Intervention, and Old Colony YMCA – Youth Division.  Programs take place during school vacation weeks in December, February and April, and during the summer.  Teen meetings are also being planned.  

Funds Available to Pay for Training and Conferences:  The Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC) provides funds for individuals who are legal residents of Massachusetts with developmental disabilities and/or a family member or guardian to attend conferences or other events in Massachusetts or another state. Applications must be received and approved before the event. The Council will respond to requests based on set program guidelines.  The goal of the Council Empowerment Funds program is to promote the empowerment of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families by assisting them in their efforts to achieve independence, productivity and inclusion.

How Much Can I Apply For?  In order to extend Council Empowerment Funds to as many people as possible, the following limits apply:

• One event per person/family per year for up to $500.00 maximum.
• The Council will provide a maximum of $2,000 per event regardless of how many people apply.

What Types of Events May I Attend?  Eligible events include:

·         Training in self-advocacy, educating policymakers and citizen leadership skills.

·         Training to obtain access to services, supports and other assistance.

·         Parent training and information under Part D of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and other federally funded projects that assist parents of children with developmental disabilities.

If you would like to receive more information, please call, write or email: 
Harold Lieberman at the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council
Phone: (617) 770-7676 ext. 115                Email: Harold.Lieberman@state.ma.us  

Stoughton SEPAC Plans Parent Meeting on Sibling Issues:  The Special Education Parent Advisory Council meeting on December 2 will focus on sibling issues.  The presenters will be a panel of experts – teenagers and adults who know first-hand the unique opportunities and challenges that come with having a brother or sister with special needs.  The Brockton Area Arc is assisting the Stoughton SEPAC to coordinate this special meeting, and all families, regardless of where they live, may attend.  If you are a brother or sister who has a sibling with special needs, please consider being part of the panel.  We would like it to be as diverse as possible – men, women, older, younger, responsible for sibling or limited involvement – and representative of families that have members with a range of disabilities.   

Funding Available for Individuals with Autism and Their Families:  The Danny Foundation for Autism is pleased to announce the availability of funding to provide
assistance to individuals with autism and their families. Preference will be given to Massachusetts residents and organizations. The foundation will provide funds to organizations and individuals.  The amount available to a single applicant in a given fiscal year is $100 to $500.00; please do not request a grant in excess of $500.00.

Purpose of funds:

1. To assist families in the care of individuals with autism, including respite care
2. To help educate individuals regarding the diagnosis and treatment of autism.
3. To support professionals in furthering their education in the field of treating 
     individuals with autism.
4. To recognize direct care workers nominated by their peers.  

The Danny Foundation is open to innovative projects that will increase independence for people with autism or increase family time.  All grant requests must be received by
October 15, 2009.  To request an application form, please send a note with either your e-mail address or a stamped self addressed envelope to:
Janet Abrahamson, Chairperson  119 Glendale Road,  Sharon, MA 02067-1431  

BAArc Sponsors Trainings:  The Brockton Area Arc is sponsoring two trainings this fall for families who have children with special needs.  Both trainings are presented by the Federation for Children with Special Needs.

• Basic Rights:  Sept. 21, 6:00 p.m. Abington Public Library
• Transition 101 (Planning for students ages 14 to 22):  Oct. 7, 6:30 p.m.  Brocktonian Room, Center for Non-Profit Management at Stonehill College .

We are suggesting a voluntary donation of $5 for the trainings to support the Federation for Children with Special Needs in their important (and generous!) work of supporting children and their families.

KUDOS

*        To our friend, Sandra Bray, at The Boys and Girls Club of Brockton.  Sondra received an “Excellence in Human Services Award” at the Community Services of Greater Brockton Annual Meeting on June 10^th.  Sondra’s efforts to foster inclusion among our Arc-ED participants and the young people at The Boys and Girls Club were acknowledged.

*        To Donna Doten, Kathy Kerwin, Diane Christensen, and Board members, Mary Anne McGonagle and Mike Palladino for their collective efforts in nominating Jay Lynch for the “Excellence in Leadership Award” at the Community Services of Greater Brockton Annual Meeting.  Jay was truly honored. Thank you all.

*        To Dorothy Hunter who coordinated the raffle held at the June 19^th Annual Banquet.  Dorothy procured several very nice prizes, again this year.  And, as has become tradition, one of Dorothy’s beautiful watercolor paintings was the coveted prize.  Well done Dorothy, and sincere thanks.

*        To Mr. and Mrs. Alger for donating a prize to the banquet raffle, and to Donna Doten who donated one of her skillfully handmade afghans.  Many thanks!

*        To Holmes-McDuffy Florists for donating the carnations and greenery used for the banquet centerpieces and to Hutcheson’s Florist for donating a beautiful dish garden.   Your generosity added beauty to our special evening.  Thank you.

*        To Yard Crew members, Ed Dion, Christopher Clos, George Sargood, and Joe Martini who received recognition awards at the banquet for their outstanding yard work.  We are proud you are on our team.  Congratulations!

*        To Donna Doten, Kathy Kerwin, and Diane Christensen for their extra efforts at the banquet.  Your kindness is appreciated.  Thank you very much!

*        To the River Bend Country Club for donating their empty redeemable bottles and cans to the Brockton Area Arc.  Thank you.

*        To Karen Earley-Rodriguez of “Karen’s Joyful Dance” who has hired the best dancer we know, Gabriella Brown, to be her dance assistant during her summer classes.  Well done, to both of our friends.

HOW TO SUPPORT OUR PROGRAMS

Shaw’s “Receipt Rewards” Program Changes

THANK YOU very much to all our members, families, customers, and friends for your participation in the Shaw’s Receipt Rewards program initiated in February 2007.  With your continued support, we have received, to date, $3,806.56 from Shaw’s and have submitted another $1,605.88 worth of receipts for a total of $5,412.44!!  That’s a lot of food.  

“All good things must come to an end.”  Shaw’s has renamed their program to Neighborhood Rewards and with the new name comes a new way of earning money.  Once you have registered your Shaw’s Reward Card and designate the Brockton Area Arc as your charity (instructions follow), Shaw’s will send to the Brockton Area Arc four times a year a check for 1% of your purchase when you shop only on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday and use your Shaw’s Rewards Card.   Your purchases will be automatically tracked.  (Contributions apply to total order purchases after discounts, coupons, and sales tax.)  

How Do Supporters Register?

1. You must have a Shaw’s Rewards Card.

2. Go to www.shaws.com/neighborhoodrewards.

3. Click on: Shoppers login or register with your Rewards Card first. 

4. On the screen, enter your Shaw's Reward Card number and your phone number.  Click on Login.

5.  Enter the Brockton Area Arc’s Community Rewards number:  49001018265

1. Choose just one or up to four schools or organizations to receive the contributions you earn.
2. Split the contributions you earn between your Community Rewards schools or organizations however you choose. The total allocation must equal 100%. Once you set your contribution allocation, click on the "Update Now" link to save your selections.
3. If you do not want your name to show on the contributions report, select anonymous by clicking on the box next to the appropriate school or organization listed below. Only your contribution amounts will be listed.

6.     That’s it.  No more remembering to save and bring in your receipts.  You will be required to register annually.

Friday, August 28, 2009  

Our annual Brockton Rox outing when the Rox will be celebrating all things supernatural on Paranormal Night!  There will be psychics and tarot card readers, spooky story tellers, a post-game ghost hunt with the Bay State Paranormal Society and much, much more!  The first 1,000 fans through the gates to see the Rox take on the Worcester Tornadoes will receive a Psychic Baseball to help them predict the game. And after the ghostly evening, stick around for the Rox’s famous Friday Night Fireworks!   Please, join us for all the fun. (Game included!)

Sunday, September 13, 2009  

The 17^th annual “Walk in the Park for BAARC” fundraiser will take place at D.W. Field’s Park in Brockton.  Registration will begin at 10:30 a.m. with the walk step off at 11 a.m.  Come and walk with us in the fine weather of September.  We hope that many of our loyal walkers can join us on September 13^th.  A separate mailing about the Walk will be sent in July.

 

 

Sunday, September 20, 2009

The next twelve week session of the Sunday Recreation Program will begin.  Again this year, we will use the Easton Y facilities, the gym on Barrows Street and the pool on Elm Street.  The age range for participants is 8 to 20.  Please, call Kathy Kerwin at 508-583-8030 ext 224 to register.  The Sunday Recreation Program is funded, in part, by the proceeds from our annual walk.

 

Thursday, October 1, 2009

The next “100 Friends of BAArc” dinner and drawing will be held at the Thorny Lea Country Club.  Dr. J. Edward Carchidi and Mr. Al Aruda continue as the organizers for this fundraising event.  Each of the $100.00 tickets invites the ticket holder to the dinner, which begins at 6 p.m. with a social hour.  Each ticket holder is eligible to win one of the three monetary prizes; $500.00, $1,000.00, or $2,500.00!  Call Jay Lynch at 508-583-8030 ext 212 for ticket information.  Hurry, as the tickets are limited to 100!!!

Sunday, October 4, 2009

At 1:00 p.m., the 5^th annual South Shore Buddy Walk will step off at Gray’s Beach Park in Kingston, MA.  The proceeds from The Buddy Walk are used to raise awareness for Down Syndrome.   For more information, please visit, www.southshorebuddywalk.org.

   

For more information about these events (unless otherwise noted), contact Kathy Kerwin at (508) 583-8030 or email:  kkerwin_baarc@comcast.net.

Mon. Sept. 14            Brockton Area Arc Guardianship Training for family members.  Presented by Attorney J. Michael Roberts.  6:00 to 8:00 p.m.  Abington Public Library.  

Monday, Sept. 21     BAArc Family Group meeting.  10 am to noon.  Monthly meeting for parents (and other caregivers) who have adult children with disabilities.

Monday, Sept. 21     “Basic Rights.”  Hosted by BAArc, and presented by Melody Stowe, from the Federation for Children with Special Needs.  6:00 to 8:00 p.m.  Abington Public Library.  Pre-registration is required.  Suggested donation: $5, to benefit the Federation.

Wed., Oct. 7              “Transition 101.” A parent workshop hosted by BAArc, presented by Marilyn Weber, from the Federation for Children with Special Needs.  6:30 – 8:30 p.m.  Center for Non-Profit Management.  Pre-registration is required.  Suggested donation: $5, to benefit the Federation.

Monday, Oct.19        BAArc Family Group meeting.  10 am to noon.  Monthly meeting for parents (and other caregivers) who have adult children with disabilities.

Wed., Dec. 2             Stoughton SEPAC meeting.  Adult Sibling Panel will share experiences and insights with parents who have children with different abilities.  All Brockton Area Arc families are welcome.

 MEMBER RECOGNITION

Thank you to our Renewing Members. Our success is due to your continued support!

Why Your Membership is Important!!

1.      Members provide clout!  A large membership base means a louder voice to legislators and national policy makers.

2.      We need many more of the nation’s citizens with intellectual, cognitive, and developmental disabilities to have access to our services, a say in our advocacy efforts, and an awareness of The Arc's presence.

3.      As more volunteers are attracted to The Arc's work, our leadership base for the future can develop and grow.

4.      We need a better informed public. Awareness is an outgrowth of membership and the first step to creating society wide acceptance of people with disabilities.

Brockton Area Association for Retarded Citizens, Inc.

1250 West Chestnut Street, Brockton, Massachusetts 02301
(508) 583-8030        Fax (508) 583-1739
BAARC@comcast.net