February 2021 - The Arc Gloucester Report

VOL. 1, NO. 1

FEBRUARY 2021

The Arc Gloucester Report Bi-Monthly Newsletter of The Arc Gloucester

NEWS & FEATURES A Word from Jake Jones, CEO PAGE 1

COVID-19 Update PAGE 2

Family Supports Update PAGE 3

We're Open!

PAGE 4

HealthMatters to our Individuals!

PAGE 5

Partnership Spotlight: Dr. Michael Bojarski PAGE 6

Connecting with The Arc Gloucester PAGE 7

Staff Updates PAGE 8 & 9

A Word from Jake Jones CEO OF THE ARC GLOUCESTER On my one year anniversary my biggest feeling is… enthusiasm! We did all the work we were supposed to do in 2020 to bring a lot of value into the New Year. We have big goals and can fully expect to yield big wins in 2021! I’m very proud of what we have been able to accomplish together; as a team. Our organizational commitment to working in solidarity and collaboration with a “can do” attitude has changed the unimaginable into our “nu-imaginable”! It is truly an honor and a blessing to be working with such a talented and dedicated group of people… in a fantastic organization; for the benefit of the individuals we serve. We Arc ESSENTIAL!

Sandee's Update SANDEE MILLER, CCO It is with extreme optimism that I write this update on the COVID-19 situation at The Arc Gloucester. Since October 31, 2020, the agency has been highly affected by the second wave of the pandemic. We have had more than 50 staff and served individuals test positive for COVID19, affecting six of our residential programs.

We've had the good fortune to partner with ShopRite of Mullica Hill where, on 1/16/2021, we were able to have 64 of our current Direct Care Staff and administration vaccinated. We were also fortunate to have partnered with Walgreens where we had a clinic at Camp Sun 'N Fun. At this clinic, we vaccinated 180 of our served individuals, staff and caregivers.

Through these clinics we have vaccinated in excess of 250 people and we intend to do more on 3/21/2021. These clinics bring great hope for the future. Hope that we can get back to some sense of normalcy in our lives, hope that our individuals can start seeing their family and friends, and hope that we are not affected by any more tragic illness and death from this pandemic. We want to thank all of our family, friends and supporters for their time and patience that thas assisted us through this terrible situation.

COVID-19 UPDATE | PAGE 2

"Through these clinics we have vaccinated in excess of 250 people and we intend to do more on 3/21/2021 "

Family Supports Update LISA CONLEY, ASSISTANT EXEC. DIR.

Planning an Event?

Sunshine Inn is the perfect space to host your upcoming event. With spacious, private grounds, you can even host your event safely outside!

Call to arrange a tour!

856-848-8648

The past year certainly brought with it a multitude of change but also offered opportunities to learn and stay connected by using technology. During the summer of 2020, Camp Sun ‘N Fun was able to quickly change from our typical in-person camp to offer an amazing virtual camp experience. Thanks in part to a grant received from the United Way of Gloucester County, we were able to provide camp kits to all participants prior to their virtual week of camp. Campers were thrilled to receive “camp in a bag” on their doorsteps, filled with fun and creative materials that helped each person to enjoy arts and crafts, music, nature, cooking, and more! But best of all, virtual camp gave campers the opportunity to be together. The ability to see each other, laugh, and sing camp songs was priceless.

Although Camp Sun ‘N Fun was unable to operate over the past year, a lot has been happening on the camp grounds. We’re so excited that the beautiful property has been made even more beautiful with help from our partner RP Keller Landscaping. The park-like setting will be enjoyed by campers, renters, and the community. Be sure to take a look the next time you pass by!

FAMILY SUPPORTS UPDATE | PAGE 3

We're Open!

SUNSHINE BAKERY AND CAFÉ OPENED ITS DOORS 2/2!

We are so excited to share that

When you enter Sunshine Bakery and Café, you are instantly struck by the warm decor, delicious smells wafting through the air, and the smiles of the staff. Decked out in pink, green and black, this bakery is simply fun to be inside!

Sunshine Bakery and Café has, at

After a feature on 42freeway.com, long last, re-opened its doors! Now, McNulty and staff have been selling in addition to ordering your cakes out of their delicious goodies every online, you can visit our beautifully

day! Starting first thing in the

renovated Bakery at 704 S. Tuckahoe morning, people are safely lining up to Rd, Sewell, NJ 08080.

Dawnmarie McNulty, General

get their hands on coffee, donuts, bubble tea, Stromboli's and more!

Manager of Food Services, has

It is not without extreme gratitude worked tirelessly with our leadership that Dawn reflects on opening week, team to bring a new look to our existing bakery. After two very successful online-only campaigns

saying, "I want to say thank you to all of our patrons and supporters for your

kindness, grace, and enthusiasm as we over the Holidays, she is so excited to opened last week. You have been host customers in the physical building.

wonderful, and we look forward to many more opportunities to serve you!"

Bakery Hours Mon - Call to Order Tues - 7a-2p Weds - 7a-2p Thurs - 7a-2p Fri - Call to Order 704 S. Tuckahoe Rd Sewell, NJ 08080 856-629-6017

HealthMatters to our Individuals!

AGENCY NURSE, ROBYN BLANCHARD, RN I have teamed up with Coach/Heather Ridge Manager Samantha Domeraski & Coach/DSP-Bryan Distler to teach the HealthMatters 12-Week (Exercise & Nutrition) Health Education Curriculum to our HealthMatters Heroes supported by the HealthMatters Grant Project from The University of Chicago at Illinois.

Each of our 5 "HealthMatters Heroes at Heather Ridge" will graduate with an official HealthMatters Certificate of Completion after they have completed 36 interactive health-based lessons.

Our HealthMatters Heroes at Heather Ridge chose their own hero aliases: "Jimmy Jamm," "Speedy," "Catwoman," "Wonder Woman," & "Annie Oakley!" As an Arc Gloucester grant project team, the 3 Coaches engage in low impact aerobics, yoga, chair exercises and use hand weights, stretch bands, medicine balls in their COVID safe indoor home exercise routines.

They also participate in Nutrition-based activities and create deliciously healthy recipes together!

At this point, the team has completed 18 lessons, which means that they are halfway there! The HealthMatters Heroes at Heather Ridge will graduate in April of 2021! Stay tuned for more updates on their Health & Wellness progress!

HEALTH MATTERS | PAGE 5

"At this point, the team has completed 18 lessons, which means they are halfway there!"

"When COVID-19 struck, Dr. Bojarski especially stepped up to the plate."

Partnership Spotlight: Dr. Michael Bojarski, DO THANKING OUR PARTNERS! For many, many years, Dr. Michael Bojarski has served The Arc Gloucester, at his office in Glassboro, NJ. Each employee at The Arc Gloucester has encountered Dr. Bojarski and his staff, as we all must meet him first to be physically cleared to work here!

When COVID-19 struck, Dr. Bojarski especially stepped up to the plate. He and his wonderful staff saw our staff and individuals who needed to be tested for COVID-19 without second thought, making special arrangements for us at a moment's notice.

Without Dr. Bojarski's long-term partnership and service to The Arc Gloucester, we certainly wouldn't be where we are today. His assistance during the last year has helped us immensely in navigating tough times, and we could not be more grateful.

Thank you, Dr. Bojarski and staff! We look forward to many more years of partnership!

PARTNERSHIP SPOTLIGHT | PAGE 6

Don't Forget to Follow Us on Social Media!

FB: The Arc Gloucester NJ

Connecting with The Arc Gloucester

IG: @the_arc_gloucester Twitter: @ArcGloucesterNJ Youtube: The Arc Gloucester

LIZ MOSCA, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS DIRECTOR Since joining The Arc Gloucester team in September, I have had the privilege to meet many talented and enthusiastic individuals, donors, volunteers and employees. During 2020 we met and conquered many unexpected challenges that affected all of us in many ways. As we enter 2021 I am intent on building new relationships, strengthening existing ones and partnering with our fellow community members.

The individuals we serve rely on us for quality services and advocacy. We rely on the generosity of friends and partners for support of our mission driven work. Creating a network of strong relationships with our community and strengthening existing relationships only serves to make us stronger. No donation is too small no amount of volunteering is too little. Please reach out to me, I welcome your involvement.

Lmosca@thearcgloucester.org – 856-200-9382

CONNECTING WITH THE ARC GLOUCESTER | PAGE 7

Mark Your Calendars!

The Arc Gloucester Annual Golf Tournament - 8/23

Want to Join Us? We have tons of great positions open, including but not limited to:

Welcome New Staff!

WE'RE SO EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THE ARRIVAL OF: Sam Dickson - Managing Director of Residential Services Sam, a local father of 2, began his career 15 years ago providing behavioral supports to children in need. As his career progressed, his passion of caring for others lead him into the world of I/DD where he began as an assistant director for 5 years, and then state director for the next 5 years in both NJ and DE. During his time in DE he was able to place many individuals from institutions and families in need into safe & secure residential homes throughout the community. He is especially excited to begin a new chapter in his career at The Arc Gloucester and to provide a great quality of life to the individuals we serve.

Andres Rubio - Director of Talent Acquisition Andres, local resident of Gloucester County, started his career in HR and Talent Acquisition 10 years ago. While he started his career in the hotel and casino industry, he always felt a calling for the healthcare field. For the past 5 years, Andres has been in TA in the healthcare field and does not plan on looking back. He enjoys the everyday challenges recruiting can bring (cont. next page) STAFF UPDATES | PAGE 8

Assistant Dir. Residential Services Food Services Worker PT Employment Specialist Supervisor Adult Acitivities Center Nurse Direct Support Staff Head over to our Employment section on the Website to apply!

Want to Join Us? We have tons of great positions open, including but not limited to:

Welcome New Staff!

WE'RE SO EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THE ARRIVAL OF: Andres Rubio - Talent Acquisition Specialist (cont.) and he also enjoys knowing his recruiting work is making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Andres is excited to begin a new chapter with The Arc Gloucester, and is looking forward to building new relationships that will bring our recruiting strategy and department to a new level!

Kristin Jones - Director of Human Resources Kristin started her career in direct practice as a social worker and advocate. About 10 years ago, she moved over to Human Resources, working with education, tech and healthcare organizations as they went through periods of transition and growth. Originally from NJ, she has had the opportunity to live in several different areas of the country, finally returning home to be closer to family and raise her 2 children.

She is thrilled to have joined The Arc Gloucester and to be part of a team that does such wonderful and important work. She looks forward to working together to overcome any challenges that may come our way!

STAFF UPDATES | PAGE 9

Assistant Dir. Residential Services Food Services Worker PT Employment Specialist Supervisor Adult Acitivities Center Nurse Direct Support Staff Head over to our Employment section on the Website to apply!