ARC Life Newsletter: January - April 2021

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Life

ARC

JANUARY – APRIL | 2021 NEWSLETTER

VOLUME 12

ISSUE 1

A SILVER LINING TO THE PANDEMIC As we reflect on the past year and all of the difficulties and challenges we have faced due to Covid-19, we are immensely grateful for the opportunities we were able to capitalize on in the face of such uncertainty. While we quickly prioritized the safety and

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JANUARY – APRIL | 2021 NEWSLETTER

ARCLife

Life

ARC

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Deborah Wilbur Marie O'Horo, Alternate DIRECTORS

Gretchen Daugherty Robert Doeblin Jennie Erdle-Krampen Charles McCausland Kyle Meath Michelle Raeman Deborah Rought

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

After an unprecedented year, it is my hope that this

newsletter finds you and your family healthy, safe and managing to the best of your ability what are truly

extraordinary days for us all. There is no doubt that this year has been remarkable in many ways.

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our staff,

leadership teams and board members, 2020 proved to be Ann Scheetz

a year of adaptation, flexibility, and continued growth.

At Ontario ARC, our main priority has always been the health and safety of the individuals we support. Through our relentless advocacy efforts, we were able to

quickly secure Covid-19 vaccinations for those we support as well as our staff. As we

continue on our slow march towards a return to normalcy, we are grateful for all that

we have accomplished in the face of such uncertainty. We look forward to an exciting new year of endless possibilities here at Ontario ARC.

Spring is a time to celebrate what makes the individuals we support so unique. In

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Ann Scheetz

March, we celebrated National Disability Awareness Month to raise awareness and

PUBLISHING TEAM Design and layout In House Graphic Design, Inc. Photography Various Creative Writing Josh Dubin, Ontario ARC

We also take time each April to observe Autism Acceptance Month, a global

Share your e-mail address with us and receive agency news and information.

Visit ontarioarc.org to sign up today!

If you prefer not to receive agency news and information call 585.394.7500 or email jdubin@ontarioarc.org.

Find us on Facebook! facebook.com/ontarioarc Participate in our blog at ontarioarc.org/blog Follow us on Instagram at instagram.com/ontario_arc Ontario ARC 3071 County Complex Drive Canandaigua, NY 14424 585.394.7500 www.ontarioarc.org

promote inclusion and acceptance for people with disabilities or other challenges.

campaign aimed at increasing understanding and acceptance of the autism spectrum.

In this newsletter, you will read about some of the fun and exciting activities planned to celebrate these important months.

You will also read about our incredible resilience, which has led to historic growth for our social enterprises, including Bad Dog Boutique seeing its largest increase in sales and grooming since we opened the doors in 2019, and Spot On Cleaning’s ability to capitalize and secure a host of new contracts to help keep our community safe. By

utilizing our agency values, we were able to adapt to this ever-changing environment and continue to be the agency of choice for innovative programming and services for people with disabilities or other challenges living in Ontario County.

We are extremely proud of our staff for everything they have been able to accomplish throughout this difficult year, and we are truly grateful for our community partners

who continue to show their unwavering support for our mission to help people with

disabilities or other challenges become one with their communities. You truly make a difference in the lives of so many.

Wishing you a lovely spring and a wonderful year ahead,

On the Cover: Jessica G., Retail Assistant at Bad Dog Boutique, holding Lacey after a grooming session.

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MESSAGE FROM ANN SCHEETZ

Ontario ARC is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to assisting individuals with disabilities or other challenges and their families. We offer personalized services and supports that foster life-long fulfillment through active citizenship and enriched community living.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Lynne Erdle, President Patrick Boyle, Vice President Elizabeth Palmatier, Secretary Kathryn Wegman, Treasurer Barbara Risser, Assistant Treasurer

VOLUME 12 ISSUE 1

Ann Scheetz, Executive Director

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VACCINE ADVOCACY, BOARD ACTION, AND WAYS YOU CAN HELP Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, Ontario ARC has greatly increased our advocacy efforts and taken action to address the growing challenges brought about by this unprecedented year.

In the midst of a pandemic, New York State is also facing the prospect of critical cuts to OPWDD and the disability services sector. We have consistently used our growing voice to oppose these cuts and advocate for increased funding for people with disabilities or other challenges, as well as an increase in wages for direct support professionals across the state.

Through our advocacy efforts, Ontario ARC was able to quickly secure Covid-19 vaccinations for our participants and staff members. The agency began offering vaccines in January, and of the 109 individuals currently supported by Ontario ARC living in 16 residential homes, 98% have been vaccinated to date.

Ontario ARC prioritizes the health and safety of the people we support above all else, and we are thrilled to have received the vaccines so quickly. Many of our staff members have also received vaccinations in recent months. Ontario ARC's Supported Employment Manager, Andy Watson recently received his vaccinations and shared his experience.

“I was never really nervous about getting the shot – I’d say I was more excited,” said Andy. “It kind of felt like a historic moment; like one day in the future we’ll be telling stories about how crazy life was during the pandemic,” he continued. “Getting the shot gave me hope that we will soon be back to our ‘normal’ lives again.

Andy Watson Melissa Delgado, Residence Supervisor at Ontario ARC’s Mulberry Home, also recently

CREATIVE EXPRESSIONS ARTWORK TO HONOR OR REMEMBER A SPECIAL PERSON IN YOUR LIFE Ontario ARC is now offering a creative way to honor or remember someone special in your life. You can purchase an image of artwork created by individuals who participate in Ontario ARC’s Creative Expressions program.

Local resident and Ontario ARC Community Advisory Board member, Karen Springmeier was given an Honorarium in memory of her mother, Marlene Anastasi, a former employee of Ontario ARC. “I am so honored and it looks beautiful,” said Karen. “Ontario ARC was very special to my mother and to me, and I can’t wait to

received her Covid-19 vaccinations and wanted to share her thoughts.

“I got the vaccine to protect myself, the people I work with and my family,“ said Melissa. “I look forward to getting back to normal and being able to safely visit with my family and friends again,” she continued.

Aside from securing vaccines for the agency, Ontario ARC’s Governing Melissa Delgado Board has gone above and beyond to ensure the safety of our staff and the individuals we support. They virtually toured each of our residential homes to make sure that proper practices were in place and guidelines were being followed.

Our Advisory Board has also provided critical support during this unprecedented year, and our Foundation Board has supported new, creative events held in response to the pandemic. Their guidance and support has been second to none. Our boards have displayed their true commitment to Ontario ARC and the individuals and families we support.

“Our Governing Board wanted to make certain that our actions during the pandemic were both ensuring the safety of all individuals we support, and also showing our dedicated employees our appreciation for all they are doing during this unprecedented time,” said Lynne Erdle, President of Ontario ARC’s Board of Directors.

“Our visits to homes and our conversations with the leadership team showed us, without a doubt, that Ontario ARC was doing everything, plus more, that could be done.”

For $10, or any amount you would like to contribute, you can also support our advocacy efforts by becoming a chapter member of Ontario ARC. You can also add family members over the age of 18, living in your household for an additional $5. The more members Ontario ARC recruits means a loud and stronger voice for our policymakers to hear when issues in our field are being addressed.

To become a chapter member, please contact our Development Office at (585) 919-2156.

be able to stop by and see it.

I’m so glad my mother was the first!”

With four artwork options available in three different sizes, the image will be mounted on acrylic and displayed on the walls of Ontario ARC’s Main Facility. For that special person in your life, it is a wonderful way to honor or remember Ontario ARC Honorarium artwork them. Your purchase will options available for purchase. support Ontario ARC’s growing menu of innovative programs and services for people with disabilities or other challenges.

To view available artwork, or to purchase an Ontario ARC Honorarium today, please visit https://www.ontarioarcevents.org/honorarium.

4 A Silver Lining to the Pandemic, continued from cover. wellbeing of the individuals we support, as well as our staff members, we managed to find ways to increase sales at our social enterprises and continue to provide new opportunities to the people we support.

Spot On Cleaning Company was able to purchase and implement new software to help us be more efficient in tracking inventory, staff time, and contracts to position us for growth.

Throughout the pandemic, we have seen an increase in contracts and secured new disinfecting equipment to ensure we are meeting demands and keeping our community safe.

Bad Dog Boutique has also seen tremendous growth in grooming, and although we have had to revise procedures to keep everyone safe, our customers have been incredibly loyal and understanding. We are extremely grateful for their continued support. We have also seen a large percentage of new customers that we hope will become part of our loyal base of followers.

The boutique had to adjust its approach for retail and developed an online store as well as curbside pick-up options. Our retail assistants have all had to learn new and improved cleaning standards, and everyone is adjusting to being back to work and keeping busy with thorough cleaning and sanitation efforts.

North Star Coffee has also had to be nimble and extra diligent with its cleaning procedures, but all of our café attendants have returned to work and adjusted to the new cleaning expectations and social distancing practices. Our loyal customers continue to support us and we have found new ways to bring new people into the coffee shop by offering gift packages and cookie platter sales

that have been a huge hit. We also developed an online store with online ordering so that people have the option to enjoy North Star without getting out of their vehicles, or in some cases without leaving their homes.

“I think the biggest adjustment was for the people we support who work in the businesses,” said Michelle Jungermann, Director of Social Enterprises at Ontario ARC. “At North Star and Bad Dog Boutique, people were laid off for a period of time and then came back to work with new cleaning and operational procedures to learn, but everyone has done a fantastic job. At Spot On Cleaning, we had to be exceptionally diligent with our cleaning efforts and ensure that we are taking extra steps to disinfect and keep everyone safe,” she continued.

We are very grateful for the continued community support for our social enterprises, and we are proud of our staff members and employee participants for rising to the occasion and turning a challenging situation into unique opportunities for our growth and expansion.

Tim L., an employee of Spot On Cleaning, sanitizes a bathroom at Ontario ARC's main facility.

APRIL IS AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH Every April, Autism Acceptance Month is celebrated around the globe to recognize people with autism as family members, friends, classmates and co-workers making valuable contributions to our communities. The campaign aims to promote autism awareness, inclusion and self-determination. This April, Ontario ARC has planned some very exciting activities in celebration.

Fifth grade students at Saint Mary’s school are decorating kites for autism awareness, which will be displayed at participating stores in Downtown Canandaigua that support our autism services. If you see a kite in the window of downtown stores, the business is donating a portion of their proceeds back to our autism programs. The kites will also be placed into a contest on Facebook and people can vote for their favorite one. First, second and third place will receive $25, $15, and $10 gift certificates to Sweet Expressions.

We are also offering a training on autism through the Pioneer Library System hosted by Mike Kephart, Ontario ARC’s Senior Behavior Specialist. The Pioneer Library System is a New York State chartered, cooperative public library system serving the forty-two public libraries in Ontario, Wyoming, Wayne and Livingston counties.

Additionally, Bad Dog Boutique is having an autism themed photo contest for dogs. Owners can dress their dogs in blue and

have a photo taken to show support and help raise awareness. The photos will then be displayed throughout the store, and winners will receive Bad Dog Boutique certificates.

After being unable to celebrate properly last April due to the pandemic, we are thrilled to be able to hold these exciting activities in support of Autism Acceptance Month. For more information about Ontario ARC’s autism services, please contact Aimee Gilbert, Autism Manager, at 585.919.2148 or aimeegilbert@ontarioarc.org.

ARCLife

JANUARY – APRIL | 2021 NEWSLETTER

LIVING OUR AGENCY VALUES Though this year has been a challenge with many new obstacles faced, our staff has shown tremendous support for one another and continues to embody our agency values each and every day. They have exemplified incredible teamwork, commitment, integrity and innovation, and as a result we have been able to continue offering the highest quality of programming and services to the individuals we support.

“Our nursing staff has gone above and beyond to make themselves available and help keep everyone at the agency healthy and safe,” said Katy Sullivan, Manager of Nursing Services at Ontario ARC. “From assisting with direct care and helping to administer medication, to staying up to date with all of the new guidelines and regulations, they have risen to the occasion and proven to be fantastic resources for our staff,” she continued. “We are truly grateful for all that they do.”

Our Residential Program has also shined throughout this past year, with our direct support professionals stepping up to take extra shifts and assist each other in any way possible. This year has been difficult, particularly for the individuals we

VOLUME 12 ISSUE 1

support, but we have met these challenges head-on to smoothly transition to this new environment and maintain a sense of comfort and normalcy for the people we support.

We are fortunate to have such a compassionate and committed staff here at Ontario ARC. Our nursing team and direct support professionals are the heart and soul of everything we do to help people with disabilities or other challenges feel safe and included in their communities. They provide the love and care that the individuals we support need in order to live enriched, meaningful lives.

Back row: (left to right) Lauren Steenburn, Senior Director of Day Services; Laurie Polmanteer, Registered Nurse; Justine Reece, Registered Nurse; Patricia Lovin, Team Leader; Jenn Weigert, Registered Nurse; Michele Pagliano, Registered Nurse.

Front row: (left to right) Katy Sullivan, Manager of Nursing Services; Kathryn Vrabel, Registered Nurse; Jenn Krossber, Registered Nurse.

HICKOX ROAD HOME RECEIVES $10,000 DONATION Ontario ARC’s Hickox Road Residential Home recently received a generous $10,000 donation from local residents, Dean and Aleta Williamson. The home has an enormous basement but it could only be used for storage, as it did not have an emergency exit door in place.

This donation will fund the purchase and installation of a secure, emergency fire exit door from the basement and a walkway that will enable the residents to safely exit in the event of an emergency. The money will enable Ontario ARC to add to the home’s living capacity, allowing for more space for recreational activities for our residents.

“We have had other urgent needs for items in the budget, and have not been

CELEBRATING DISABILITY AWARENESS MONTH Disability Awareness Month is celebrated each March to raise awareness and promote inclusion of people with disabilities or other challenges in all areas of community life. It is a time to raise awareness about the barriers that people with disabilities or other challenges can still face in connecting to the communities in which they live.

Developmental disabilities include disabilities such as cerebral palsy, autism, muscular dystrophy, and Down syndrome, among others, all which affect an individual’s growth and/or cognition.

Figures have shown that about 1 in 6 children are identified to have some type of developmental disability. At Ontario ARC, our goal is to shine a spotlight on the disabled community and demonstrate how people with disabilities or other challenges live normal and productive lives. With your support, it is our mission to help these individuals achieve their dreams and become one with their communities.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to keep up on the success stories and latest happenings occurring every day at Ontario ARC!

“We are so grateful for this donation, which will allow us to provide more space in the home for our residents,” Tammy Erick,

Ontario ARC’s Residential Director.

able to complete this project. This donation allows us to move forward. The residents, their families and the Hickox Road staff are very excited and have begun planning their ideas for the space to be enjoyed by everyone.”

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Aaron M., Café Attendant at North Star Coffee.

Ontario County Chapter of NYSARC, Inc. 3071 County Complex Drive Canandaigua, New York 14424

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Permit No. 780 Rochester, NY

SPRING INTO A NEW CAREER AT ONTARIO ARC! We are now hiring for Direct Support Professionals across Ontario County! With a new starting rate of $13.03, we're also offering a sign-on bonus of up to $500 for positions working 20+ hours per week. You will receive $250 at 30 days, and $250 at 6 months. You will also receive a pay differential for overnight shifts: $1 per hour on weekdays and $2 per hour on weekends, as well as an evening differential of $.50 for weekdays and $1 for weekends.

We would love to meet you and have you join our team! With a variety of shifts available, we are sure to have the right position for you!

To view and apply to current openings, please visit www.ontarioarc.org.