NYSARC Trust Services 2018 Guardianship Grant News Release

The Arc of Dutchess was Awarded $60,500.00 in Grants from NYSARC Trust Services  to support guardianship and new recreational opportunities for people with disabilities in Dutchess County

 

 The Arc of Dutchess, a not-for-profit organization supporting people with disabilities in Dutchess County, has been awarded $60,500.00 in combined grants from the Trustee Management Board of NYSARC Trust Services to support The Arc of Dutchess’ Guardianship and recreation programs.

NYSARC Trust Services administers supplemental needs trusts (SNT) that can make dramatic improvements to the lives of people with disabilities while enabling individuals to maintain eligibility for public benefits programs, such as Medicaid and SSI.  For 2018, NYSARC Trust Services is proud to fulfill its commitment to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities by awarding a total of $2,778,500 in grants to The Arc New York Chapters statewide.

This year The Arc of Dutchess received $45,500.00 to provide guardianship services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who would not otherwise have a legal guardian or advocate. Supported by chapter staff and community volunteers, the Arc of Dutchess Guardianship program currently provides guardianship supports to 7 people and is ready to assist 9 more as a Standby or Alternate Standby Guardian.  The Guardianship Committee plays a crucial role in life changing decision-making, including assisting individuals as they navigate complicated medical diagnoses and recommended treatment.  In previous years the Chapter received similar grants from NYSARC Trust Services which allowed the Chapter’s Guardianship Committee to host two socials a year, purchase birthday and holiday gifts for those in the program, cover staff travel and training expenses and off-set staff salaries.

NYSARC Trust Services also awarded The Arc of Dutchess $15,000 to develop new recreational opportunities to enrich the lives of the people supported by the organization. As with prior grants, the funds will be used to provide opportunities and support to individuals who expressed the desire to attend various activities. In the past, these activities have included community events such as the Think Differently Dash, Broadway plays, concerts at Carnegie Hall,  WWE wrestling matches, major league baseball games, various day trips and vacations, attendance at holiday formals and participation in music classes. People in our residential program also continue to enjoy several purchases made, including bicycles, board games, craft supplies and musical instruments.

The mission of The Arc of Dutchess is respecting and supporting what matters to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and promoting their right to achieve full inclusion and participation in the community. Our organization has been supporting people with disabilities and their families since 1971, we currently have a membership of 552 and support over 900 people with disabilities in the Dutchess County area. Our services include residential supports, day habilitation, employment services, clinical therapies, recreation, family support, guardianship and service coordination. The Arc of Dutchess is accredited by the Council on Quality and Leadership. For more information, call 845-635-8084 or visit our website at www.arcdutchess.org.

About NYSARC Trust Services

NYSARC Trust Services has administered supplemental needs trusts since 1972, helping more than 16,000 people with disabilities protect their eligibility for government benefits and improve their quality of life. The trust programs give people with disabilities the opportunity to remain in their communities with greater comfort and independence while providing peace of mind to their family and loved ones.

NYSARC Trust Services administers first- and third-party supplemental needs trusts, pooled trusts for income and resource (asset) protection, and individual trusts. When protecting settlement proceeds with a NYSARC Community Trust, we can also administer Medicare Set-Aside (MSA) accounts. For more information, please call (518) 439-8323 or visit us online www.nysarctrustservices.org.