Spring Issue

May 2008

 

¨      Updates and Messages from the Executive Director

¨      $10,000 Drawing Event

¨      Event Related Stories

¨      News from the Family to Family Support Center

¨      Children's Programs Updates:
- Sunday Recreation Program
- Vacation Camp, April 21-25
- Arc-ED After School Programs

¨      Upcoming Events

¨      Membership Updates

¨      Kudos

¨      Support our Program

 

 

 

Updates and Messages from 

Jay Lynch, Executive Director

 

March 20, 2008 was an historic day for the Brockton Area Arc.  “The closing” for the purchase of our building at 1250 West Chestnut Street took place on that day!  Sincere thanks to Dr. J. Edward Carchidi and his Pearl Street Realty partners for making this purchase possible and for making the whole process amicable.

Renovations on the additional space will begin in May.  When completed, in about sixteen weeks, we will have new space suitable for Day Habilitation programming.  The Brockton Area Arc is moving forward in fulfillment of our Strategic Plan goals. 

Soon, we will be soliciting the help of our members and friends in financing this project.  As you  may recall, two anonymous donors are willing to match all of the dollars we raise, up to $475,000.00!! 

QUEST Update 

QUEST is a survey and certification process that is required when a provider, like the Brockton Area Arc, does business through contracts with DMR.  QUEST is an accountability mechanism.  QUEST strives to rate and improve the QUALITY of the services provided to individuals funded by DMR.  Our QUEST survey took place in April, beginning on April 2^nd and ending with an exit conference on April 28^th. 

I am pleased to tell you that we reviewed a very good report on April 28^th.  We received a two-year license and we were certified with six out of six Quality of Life Areas achieved!  The six areas that are reviewed and rated are: Rights and Dignity, Personal Well Being, Individual Control, Community and Social Connections, Personal Growth and Accomplishments, and Organizational Outcomes.  

The report indicates areas needing improvement.  The report also acknowledges the effort and improvements made since their last survey in 2006.  Ultimately, the Brockton Area Arc and QUEST want the same thing.  We want to provide the best quality of service possible to ALL the individuals in our programs. 

Finally, I want to share the following report commendation.  It speaks volumes about our staff and our Program Director, Diane Christensen.  “Many of the people who were supported by the agency had received services for a number of years.  People and their families had long standing relationships with the agency and support staff.  This resulted in staff becoming knowledgeable regarding individuals’ personal histories and backgrounds.  Supporters throughout all levels of the agency were remarkably sensitive to any challenges that individuals were facing not only within the work center, but also outside of work.  They readily provided support beyond what would be typically considered work issues or hours.  Agency personnel are commended for their commitment to compassionately supporting individuals to cope, understand, and grow through life experiences.” 

HOUSE BUDGET 

NEWS ALERT from the Arc of Massachusetts!!

On Tuesday, April 29^th, the State House of Representatives voted on DMR amendments, finalizing several key disability-related line items.  The House budget includes more funding for services for people with disabilities and families than the Governor’s proposed budget. 

The biggest successes were in the funding for the Autism Division, up more than $2 million and Turning-22 services, up $1.6 million from the Governor’s budget. 

There were smaller, but significant increases in Family Support Services, up $250,000 and Community Residential Services, up $373.000. 

The Arc of Massachusetts is extremely grateful to those legislators who took the lead on amendments, Representatives Saunicandro, L’Ltalien, Grant, Peisch, and Speliotis, as well as the dozens of others who co-sponsored those amendments.  Locally, Representatives Canavan, Creedon, and Kennedy were very supportive. 

The budget debate is not over yet.  We are awaiting final news from the House on other key line items, including the DOE/DMR program and the Governor’s Community First Initiative.  Then, once the House wraps up, we will be looking to the Senate to at least match those funding levels. 

You may check the latest information about the budget and how to take action as the budget moves onto the Senate at www.arcmass.org.

$10,000 DRAWING EVENT

“OH, WHAT A NIGHT!”

 The Brockton Area Arc’s first ever, $10,000.00 Drawing Event, on April 25^th, was a big success on many levels.  Only 300 tickets were available for a chance to win $10,000.00.  In our first effort, we were pleased to have sold 223 tickets.  Sincere thanks to those who bought tickets to support this event. 

Each ticket admitted two guests to the Event, held at Lombardo’s in Randolph, featuring the entertainer, Jim Plunkett.  The 225 guests who attended the Event responded enthusiastically to Mr. Plunkett’s raucous and fun performance.  The dance floor was full the entire evening. 

Our many guests generously supported the silent auction of sports memorabilia, the live auction of two Red Sox vs. Yankees tickets, and the Event’s other raffle prizes.  The Brockton Area Arc is grateful to the corporate sponsors of this event.  They are:  Ace Surgical Supply, Pearl Street Realty Trust, W.B. Mason Co., Inc., Benoit and Associates, Easton Lions Club, Anania Plumbing and Heating, Concord Foods, DSA Trading, and Rocco Rose Insurance. 

Special thanks to Pat Ludwig, who coordinated the Event, and the Board of Directors of the Brockton Area Arc for all of their hard work in making this Event a success. 

The Event raised $11,000.00 for the Sunday Recreation Program and the Arc-ED After School programs that the Brockton Area Arc offers to children with special needs. 

The exciting evening culminated with the drawing of the winning number for the $10,000.00 prize.  Number 256 was the winner!!  The prize was won by a long time member of the Brockton Area Arc who has actively and generously supported our association for many years.

“Oh, what a night”…. with a perfect ending!

$10,000 EVENT RELATED STORIES

As part of the Event, there was a raffle with three separate raffle prizes.  The Third Prize was a bundle of gift certificates with a value of more than $325.00!  That prize was won by Tom Brophy.  Tom is a Brockton City Councilor and the Legislative Aid to State Senator Robert Creedon.  We visit Tom whenever we are at the State House, and we call him often.  Tom is a long time supporter of the Brockton Area Arc.  We were pleased to hear his name called. 

The First Prize, a three-day, summer weekend getaway to a Loon Mountain Condominium, was won by Robert Nickerson, Doreen’s father.  Doreen has attended Brockton Area Arc for many years.  It was an enjoyable phone call to make informing our friends, the Nickerson’s, that they had won.  Mrs. Nickerson seemed very pleased when we spoke.  They are making their arrangements with the condo owner, our own Karen Niccoli.  We hope that they have a wonderful getaway with their family. 

The Second Prize, a July 23-25^th stay at a North Conway Condominium with four tickets to the nearby StoryLand attraction, was won by Gary Marrese.  When I called to share the good news, I spoke with Gary’s mother, Mrs. Marrese.  Mrs. Marrese is a long-time Brockton Area Arc member and supporter.  She bought raffle tickets for both of her sons.  She was happy to have won a prize!  The next day, Mrs. Marrese called back to say that her son, Gary, could not make it on those July dates but that her other son, Dennis could.  Dennis has two young children who might enjoy a day at StoryLand. 

When Mrs. Marrese came by to pick up the StoryLand tickets, we met and had a wonderful conversation.  Mrs. Marrese’s first name is Gilda.  Gilda has been a member for many years.  She was thrilled that the Event had gone well. 

Gilda spoke of how she first got involved with the Brockton Area Arc in the 1960’s!  She volunteered as a very active member of the committee that initiated and organized the “Chrysanthemum Balls”.  The “Balls” were annual fundraising events for the Brockton Area Arc.  The “Chrysanthemum Balls” incorporated a great deal of community support.  Gilda recalled that the first “Ball” was held at the Armory on Montauk Road in Brockton.  She mentioned that her son Dennis served as an usher at the “Chrysanthemum Ball” for a number of years. 

Gilda spoke fondly of the people she worked with on these committees;  Barbara and Dr. Carchidi, Betty Sawyer….  The Brockton Area Arc has a rich history.  It is a history full of wonderful people like Gilda.  Thank you Gilda for sharing such great memories.  We are glad you won!!

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.

Children's Programs Updates

 The Sunday Recreation Program 

The Winter/Spring twelve-week session of the Sunday Recreation Program ended on April 20^th.  Each Sunday offered choices of activities to the participants.  The choices included:  dance and movement with Karen Earley-Rodriguez, music with Nancy Gallagher, swimming, gym games and activities, and arts and crafts. 

We thank the Easton branch of the Old Colony YMCA for the use of their facilities.  Their hospitality is appreciated.  We thank our Sunday Recreation Program Coordinator, Diane Pina, and our Sunday Program staff for their good work.  We thank the children who participated.  We thank their parents for entrusting their children with us. 

We repeated our successful formula of combining great kids with caring and capable staff.  We then offered a variety of engaging activities resulting in twelve fun-filled Sunday afternoons. 

We will be contacting families for their feedback in hopes of improving the Sunday Recreation Program when it resumes in September. 

Vacation Camp, April 21 – 25^th

The twenty children who participated in our DMR funded Vacation Camp experienced an action packed week.  We used our “successful formula” in a new setting, the East Bridgewater branch of the Old Colony YMCA.  Their wonderful facility allowed for daily swimming, an aerobics studio that was great for our daily dance and movement lessons, the gym, the multi-purpose game room, and outdoor grounds complete with nature trails.  The campers and staff took full advantage of all that this location offered as well as the wonderful summertime weather we enjoyed that week.

Sharon Reed coordinated the Vacation Camp, as she did for our initial Vacation Camp last June.  She was assisted by a staff of eight, all of whom also work in our Arc-ED programs or the Sunday Recreation Program.  Kudos to the staff and campers on a great week! 

We are receiving the best possible feedback from parents.  They want their child to participate in the next Vacation Camp scheduled from June 24 – 30^th. 

Arc-ED After School Programs 

The Arc-ED programs at the Downey Elementary School, Brockton High School, and South Middle School, which includes students from East Jr. High School, continue to go very well.  The newest Arc-ED program at the Angelo Elementary School is also going very well.  That “formula” of great kids and great staff is working in all of the Arc-ED locations! 

Recently, Jocelyn Meek, Communications Officer for the Brockton Public Schools, visited our Arc-ED program at South Middle School.  Jocelyn took pictures and notes during her visit.  The result was an article entitled, “Brockton Area Arc and Brockton Public Schools Partner to provide Music and Dance programs for Special Education Students.”  The article and pictures can be viewed on the Brockton Public Schools website:  www.brocktonpublicschools.com.  The article, without pictures, was printed in “The Enterprise” on May 5^th.  The article captures the fun and the benefits of what we are offering.  Thank you Jocelyn! 

The Arc-ED programs will end the week of May 19-23^rd.  We have served 56 students this year.  It has been a great year!  Planning for the next school year is underway so stay tuned.

NEWS FROM THE FAMILY TO FAMILY 
SUPPORT CENTER

Contact Kathy Kerwin at (508) 583-8030 or kkerwin_baarc@comcast.net for more information. 

Sibshops:  This fun, recreationally-based support program for school-aged brothers and sisters had a new venue in April.  The North River Collaborative CARES Program invited us to do a program at the North River Conference Center in Rockland.  12 boys and girls, ages 8 to 12, enjoyed a day of games, food, arts and crafts, and peer support.  Many thanks to our volunteers, Marj Duncan and Channon Brown, who helped to make the day a great success.  The next Sibshops program will take place during the summer.  If you know a child who has a sibling with special needs that would enjoy having some fun and making new friends who “get it,” please let the family know about Sibshops.  For more information, contact Kathy Kerwin. 

Vacation Camp:  Thanks to a grant from the Department of Mental Retardation, the Brockton Area Arc will provide a week of fun activities for children who are eligible for DMR or Division of Autism services, and their siblings.  Vacation Camp will start Tuesday, June 24, and end on Monday, June 30.  The camp will take place at the East Bridgewater YMCA.  We are planning a lot of enjoyable activities, such as swimming, dance and music, arts and crafts, nature walks, and games.  Please contact Kathy Kerwin for more information. 

Volunteers Needed!  To make our Vacation Camp even better, we are looking for volunteers to join the fun, from June 24 to June 30.  High school or college students:  this is a great, time-limited opportunity to have fun with some terrific kids who need a little support.  Or perhaps you have a specific skill or interest that you would like to share with other people.  Do you play an instrument?  Sing and dance?  Know how to knit?  Have a talent for making puzzles or models or jewelry?  Enjoy acting or photography?  We would love to hear from you!  Let us know what your interests are and what kind of time you have, and we will be happy to include you in our activities.  Contact Kathy Kerwin for more information. 

“Autism: The Musical”   A.O.K. (Autism and Our Kids) invites interested people to attend a free screening of this award winning documentary on Friday, May 30, from 10:00 am to noon at the Plymouth Public Library, South Street, Plymouth.  Light refreshments will be served, and certificates of attendance will be provided, if needed.  Seating is limited, so please RSVP to Janice Stephen, (508) 747-5389 or email:  aokgroup@yahoo.com

“Using Language to Build Social Skills in the Workplace” This one-day workshop will be presented by Elsa Abele on May 29, 2008.  The program is sponsored by Asperger’s Association of New England.  It will take place at Middlesex Community College in Bedford. 

Adults with Asperger Syndrome, high-functioning autism, non-verbal learning disabilities and language-learning disabilities are often in need of services to increase their skills in social communication or pragmatic language so they can succeed in the workplace setting. Basic social interaction/social skills are essential in a variety of settings, such as employment interviews, day-to-day interaction with colleagues, and interactions with supervisors. This workshop is geared for professionals supporting adults in the workplace and will cover how to explicitly teach adults with AS these skills. This workshop is also appropriate for adults themselves wishing to learn these skills.

Advance registration with payment is required.  Register early...class size is limited!  Call AANE at (617) 393-3824 to register by phone. 

Down Syndrome Support Group:  Parents of children with Down syndrome, their children with Down syndrome, and other children are invited to attend the next meeting of the group on Saturday, June 28, from noon to 1:30 p.m.  The group will meet at South Bay Early Intervention, Early Childhood Learning Center, 1115 West Chestnut St., Brockton.  Snacks and juice will be provided.  Please let Rachel Thomas know if you plan to attend:  (508) 559-0473, X 732. 

Autism Trainings for Parents:  The National Autism Center is sponsoring an 8-week Parent Education Program on Monday evenings, starting June 16.  All sessions will take place at the National Autism Center, 41 Pacella Park Drive, Randolph, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.  The cost of the program is $150 for one or two adults attending together.  Topics include:

·               Autism Spectrum Disorders – what are they and what do I do now that my child has received a diagnosis?

·               Evidence-Based Treatment Options

·               Making Decisions – Evaluating the Effectiveness of Treatment Options

·               Navigating the Service System  - Early Intervention, Public Schools, Community Resources

·               Addressing Problem Behaviors Before They Take Over (2 parts)

·               Strategies at Home – Addressing specific developmental concerns

·               Enhancing Social Development - Parents’ Role in Treatment

To register, contact Jennifer Papagno at (781) 437-1375. 

Guardianship Workshop: Turning 22:  On May 14, a panel of experts met with parents and students to provide information about the Age of Majority and Guardianship.  Attorney Michael Roberts and Dr. Leon Monin discussed the clinical and legal aspects of petitioning for guardianship.  Judy Berry Williams, Area Director of the Dept. of Mental Retardation, provided information about DMR eligibility and resources for adults (18 years and older).   

This meeting was the tenth in a series of Turning 22 programs that the Brockton Area Arc has sponsored in the last 18 months.  We will be making plans for future presentations, if parents let us know what they are interested in.  Please complete the Annual Satisfaction Survey/Needs Assessment to let us know what information you would like covered in the coming year.  Your feedback is important! 

Cape Verdean Outreach:  Our efforts to identify Cape Verdean families who have children or adults with disabilities are bearing fruit.  Since August, Maria DaSilva has been getting information out to people about the help that the Brockton Area Arc can provide.  A number of children and several adults have been able to access needed services, thanks to this effort.  On Sunday, May 18, a program on autism aired on the Cape Verdean cable TV program, Selo Ernestina, BCCATV channel 9.  The presenters were Heather David and Cheryl Gallant from South Bay Early Intervention Program, and Maria DaSilva.  This is the second cable TV program that Maria has arranged for Cape Verdean viewers.  Earlier this year, Maureen Crossey from BAMSI’s Children’s Community Center,  Fernando Tavares from DMR, and Maria presented information on recognizing signs of developmental disabilities and locating community resources.  We are pleased to report that, thanks to funding from the United Way of Greater Plymouth County, the Cape Verdean Outreach Program will continue for another year. 

Dance!  Dance!  Dance!  Karen Earley-Rodriquez has been teaching dance in BAARC’s Arc-ED and Sunday Recreation Programs for several years.  Her classes have been very popular with the children.  We are pleased to announce that Karen will be teaching dance classes for children with special needs through the summer on Sundays.  One class is already filled, but if your child would like to take dance lessons, please contact Kathy Kerwin for more information about future classes.

KUDOS

¶     To Karen Niccoli for donating a three day weekend stay at her New Hampshire Loon Mountain four bedroom condominium as a raffle prize for the $10,000 Drawing Event.  The winners are looking forward to their stay at your place.  Thank you very much!!

¶     To Jay Davis, who donated his North Conway, NH Condominium for us on July 23, 24, and 25 as a prize for the $10,000 Drawing Event.  Jay also donated two Red Sox vs. Yankees tickets for the July 27^th game as a live auction item for the event.  Your very generous support is most appreciated.

¶     To the two United Way Allocation Teams, comprised of volunteers, that visited us in April.  They came to meet with us about the two initiatives we submitted for funding.  The first team learned more about our Arc-ED After School and Sunday Recreation Programs.  The second team learned more about our Family to Family Support Center, including our outreach to the Cape Verdean Community.  Your visits and the interest you took in our programs are most appreciated.

¶     To Sue Brown, Marj Duncan, and Karen Early-Rodriguez, who volunteered their time to join Kathy Kerwin, Maria DaSilva, and Jay Lynch in explaining our programs to the United Way Allocation Teams.  You conveyed a compelling and powerful message; Brockton Area Arc services help children and adults with disabilities and their families. We are grateful for your friendship and support.

¶     To James Graham for donating $750.00, again this year, to the Brockton Area Arc!  Sincere thanks for your continued generosity. Further thanks to James’ employer, Pioneer Investments. Their matching grant program doubles the positive impact of James’ gift.  Lastly, we thank you for placing your trust in us to do good deeds with your gifts.

¶     To the Old Colony YMCA, Frothingham Division in Easton.  Thank you for hosting our Sunday Recreation Program.  Your hospitality and cooperation was great!  You made us feel welcomed and included.

¶     To the Old Colony YMCA, East Bridgewater Division.  Thank you for hosting our April 21-25 Vacation Camp.  Your facilities are fantastic! The children, the families, and our staff had a great week!

¶     To the Brockton High School students, our workers, and the combined Brockton High and Brockton Area Arc staff for the great effort and cooperation being displayed in our work exposure collaboration.  Teamwork is making this collaboration successful.  Congratulations on a terrific job!

HOW TO SUPPORT OUR PROGRAMS

Shaw’s Supermarket “Receipt Rewards” Program

With your help, we have received $300.00 from Shaw’s and have submitted another $150.00 worth of receipts.  

We continue to ask you, our members, friends, neighbors, and supporters to save your Shaw’s and Star Market receipts to help us turn this opportunity into another ongoing fundraiser.   Send them in with someone who works here,  drop them off with your redeemable cans, or mail them to us.  ANYONE can donate.  The Brockton Area Arc collects your receipts and sends them to Shaw’s who makes a donation of 1 percent of the total of eligible register receipts received.

Food shopping is something we all must do.  With everything costing more, the Brockton Area Arc needs to be really creative to raise money.  Every receipt helps, no matter how small.  ONLY ORIGINAL RECEIPTS ARE ACCEPTED BY SHAW’S as an eligible receipt. 

This fundraising costs you nothing as you’ve already spent the money.  How many fundraisers can claim that??

Upcoming Events    

Friday, June 6, 2008

The 53^rd Annual Meeting and Banquet for the Brockton Area Arc will be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Abington.  The Knights of Columbus are allowing us to use their facility at no cost, again this year.  The festivities begin at 6 p.m., with dinner at 7 p.m.  Please, plan on joining us.

Monday, July 21, 2008 

Golfers, SAVE THE DATE!!  The 15^th Annual OE+ Charity Golf Tournament to benefit the Brockton Area Arc will be held at the beautiful Fall River Country Club.  Registration is from 12 to 1 p.m. with a shotgun start at 1:15 p.m.  The $150 entry fee includes 18 holes of golf, golf cart, the post-golf buffet dinner, and a contribution to the Brockton Area Arc.  For all the details and the chance to participate in our largest fundraising event, call  508-583-8030.  We will send you a tournament brochure immediately upon request.    

Friday, August 15, 2008

Arrangements are being made for our annual Brockton Rox outing.  That night the Rox are scheduled to play the Worcester Tornadoes.  Our reserved tickets are $6.00 each which includes a donation to the Brockton Area Arc.  Please, join us for the fun, the game, and the Fireworks!  Respond by August 8, 2008 to get your ticket(s).

Sunday, September 14, 2008  

The 16^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.  We changed the month of the Walk from May to September due to the scheduling of the $10,000 Drawing Event on April 25.  Come and walk with us in the fine weather of September. 

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