Arc GLOW

Genesee ARC hosted a dance recital today at John Kennedy School for its Challenger program participants. The show was created around a Disney theme. We mistakenly missed the show, but some of the participants posed for us after it was over. Pictured are Cassidy, Mosha, Benny, Aries, Christy and Max.

Press release:

Combine artistic talent, enthusiastic individuals and the desire to help others and the results can be amazing. Genesee ARC’s Friends for the Future self-advocacy group took the lead in a “Pay it Forward” quilt project. The concept of pay it forward is when someone does a good deed, instead of paying it back, the recipient “pays it forward” by doing a good deed for someone else. 

Genesee ARC Intake/QI Specialist Kim Owens came up with the idea of making quilts for those in need. When she presented it to Friends for the Future, they loved it!  Kim’s mother Mabel Buchina, of Yorkshire, agreed it was a phenomenal project and offered to help by donating quilt squares and sewing the finished pieces together.

The quilt squares were used as part of a presentation at the Finger Lakes Collaborative Self-Advocacy Conference this past fall in Geneva, Kim explained.

“The advocates presented on what 'Pay it Forward' means and enlisted the help of conference attendees to design the quilt squares with meaningful and inspirational messages or images,” she added.

One-of-a-kind creations include rainbows and flowers and words of comfort like “You are Loved” and “Stay Strong.” A shining sun, footballs and the Buffalo Bills logo also adorn the squares. The six finished quilts will be donated to local organizations helping people who are struggling with illnesses such as cancer. 

During the March observance of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, Genesee ARC is celebrating the accomplishments of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and working to increase the public's awareness and understanding.

Althea Penepent (right) with her daughter-in-law Jeanne and daughter Valerie. Mrs. Penepent is speaking out on the need for expanded services for people with developmental disabilities in New York State for her daughter and thousands of others on a waiting list for residential services.

Press release:

BYRON – Althea Penepent often wonders (and worries) what will become of her daughter Valerie after she’s gone. So, Althea has joined a growing number of families across New York State advocating for expanded services for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. The “Families Cannot Be Caregivers Forever Campaign” calls current funding in the New York State Budget completely inadequate to meet the needs of these New Yorkers, many living at home with aging parents.

Valerie is the seventh and youngest child of Althea and Richard Penepent, born Feb. 2, 1977. Althea shares that her pregnancy and delivery with Valerie were the same as her first six children. She was blindsided when her doctor came into her hospital room after Valerie was born and coldly stated, “Women over 40 shouldn’t have a child because she’s mongoloid,” then turned on his heel and left. A nurse’s aide called Richard Penepent, plowing snow in the aftermath of the Blizzard of ’77, to come talk to his wife.

When Althea told Richard their baby girl had Down syndrome, he calmly and confidently said, “Althea, we’ll handle it.” Those words from her husband were all Althea needed to hear to reassure her that her new baby would have every opportunity to thrive and learn in a home filled with love.

Today, Richard Penepent, 88, has dementia and has been in the Le Roy Village Green Nursing Home for 13 months. In looking back on this last year, Althea reflects, “He doesn’t recognize very many people any more – but he always knows Valerie, no matter what, and calls her by name.”

Genesee ARC Medicaid Service coordinator Roxanne Monteleone has worked with the Penepent family for the last ten years.

“Valerie’s future weighs heavily on Althea. Valerie is on a waiting list for residential placement, but with no funding in the State Budget, every agency’s hands are tied,” Monteleone said. “It’s a very real concern for many families we serve."

Valerie has had an amazing 38 years, and she will proudly share her many accomplishments.

“I graduated from Batavia High School in 1998 and then began working at the workshop (ARC Sheltered Work Center), Valerie said. "I like to cook, dance, do laundry, crafts, go shopping and do jigsaw puzzles.”

According to her sister-in-law Jeanne Penepent, “Valerie loves to gives birthday cards and is always sharing little gifts for special occasions.”

The recent death of Althea’s sister and sister-in-law combined with her husband’s health and her own glaucoma has Althea even more concerned for Valerie’s future.

“She has come a long way,” Althea said.

Besides regular and special education schooling, the family paid for private math and reading classes for Valerie for 20 years in a program that originally began at the Rochester Institute of Technology.

Valerie has been attending the Genesee ARC Sheltered Work Center day program since she turned 21. She has learned a lot of new skills and tackles every job with great pride. When asked her favorite job, her immediate response is, “cheese boxes,” a longtime Work Center contract for Yancey’s Fancy.

“What concerns me is where she will live, who will care for her after I’m gone,” Althea said, “Valerie is a blessing, but my other children have families and concerns of their own. I feel a residential placement is the best for Valerie’s future.”

According to the most recent data provided by Genesee ARC’s state association, NYSARC, Inc., 12,000 people in New York are on a waiting list for residential options, while 4,000 people are in critical need.

The last time there was any major residential development in New York State was in 1998 with the announcement of the NYS CARES (New York State Creating Alternatives in Residential Environments and Services) program by then Governor George Pataki. NYS CARES was pegged as a five-year plan to virtually eliminate the waiting list for out-of-home residential services for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.

“While NYS CARES resulted in meeting the needs of thousands of New Yorkers, at the time, development has been at a standstill for years,” Genesee ARC Executive Director Donna Saskowski said. “New York needs to step up and provide the necessary funding, to help the thousands more families like the Penepents."

While facing so many life changes, Althea Penepent wondered aloud how different life might be if Governor Cuomo was in her shoes.

“If he had a handicapped child, maybe then he would understand,” the mother said. “Valerie votes --- 'people with disabilities have rights, too.' "

NYSARC statistics estimate nearly 200,000 people with developmental disabilities in New York State live with family caregivers; more than 50,000 live with family caregivers over 60 years of age.

Families across New York are urging their state legislators to advocate on their behalf to include funds in the upcoming budget to provide critical residential services, at last giving families peace of mind, knowing when they’re gone their child with a disability will be cared for.

A link to the Families Cannot Be Caregivers Forever Action center is on the Genesee ARC Web site, www.geneseearc.org.

Collin Wickings gets a helmet adjusted before taking a snowmobile ride in Oakfield this morning.

Genesee Sno Packers hosted their annual ride for clients of Genesee ARC, an event that had to be cancelled last year because there wasn't enough snow on the ground. This year, plenty of snow.

Colleen Fisher getting ready for her ride.

Press release:

Thanks to two Rochester area donors, 20 children with disabilities served by Genesee ARC recently received new bicycles! 

The Park Avenue Bicycle Shop made the delivery to Genesee ARC’s Community Relations office in mid-December, giving staff just enough time to match bikes to recipients and deliver them in time for Christmas.

Howard and Michael Ouriel are the generous brothers behind the donation and said, “We just wanted to do something for the kids.”

ARC Director of Development Shelley Falitico, who helped deliver some of the bicycles, said all of the families are appreciative of the Ouriels’ generosity.

“We are so honored that Howard and Michael thought of Genesee ARC for this special holiday act of kindness,” Falitico said.

The Ouriel brothers’ support of Genesee ARC is unique in that they reside outside of Genesee County and do not have a family member served by the local nonprofit organization. 

“That’s what makes this so extraordinary,” Falitico said. “It’s a story we are so happy to share.”   

Press release:

More than 140 baskets are featured at the fourth Annual Genesee ARC Chili & Chowder Fest and Basket Raffle on Saturday (Nov. 15) at the Genesee ARC Community Center. 

The event begins at 10 a.m. and winners will be drawn starting at 1:30 p.m. Community members who already have Saturday plans, can get in on the fun because for a second year in a row the Center at 38 Woodrow Road will be open from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.  Friday for ticket-only sales. 

Event Chair Shelley Falitico said this was wildly popular last year.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for people to stop by after work and take a chance on some great baskets donated by ARC Staff, families and local businesses.” 

There is no separate admission charge. Ticket chances for regular baskets are $10 for 25 chances or $25 for 75 chances. Specialty baskets, valued at $50 or more, cost $10 for 15 chances. This year’s grand prize is a spectacular cleaning package, valued at $475, featuring a vacuum cleaner and a wheeled trash tote filled with of every type of cleaning supply imaginable. 

Tickets for the grand prize are $2 each; 3 for $5 or 8 chances for $10.

During the event on Saturday, there will be a variety of chili (red, white and vegetarian), Manhattan clam chowder and chicken noodle soup for sale along with grilled cheese sandwiches. A bake sale is also featured.

Kids participating in the city's summer program at Lambert Park toured the recycling center at Genesee ARC this morning.

The Genesee ARC today held its 38th annual golf tournament at Stafford Country Club, which also included tournaments in bocce ball and tennis.

Above, Steve Pies watches a put just barely slide by the cup during his tournament round.

Ken Barrett hitting a tee shot.

Ray Shirtz playing tennis.

Krysia Mager, Lisa Dechau, Bob Bennett and Marth Bailey, the champion bocce ball team.

Representatives from Alpina yogurt at the bocce ball tournament. Alpina was a silver-tier sponsor this year.

Press release:

Genesee ARC honored supporters, volunteers, community members, individuals served and staff during its 48^th Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony Friday night at the Clarion Hotel. Assemblyman Steve Hawley was the 2014 master of ceremonies.

During opening remarks, ARC Executive Director Donna Saskowski shared that the field of developmental disabilities is in a state of transformation.

“Choice is not as primary as it once was," Saskowski said. "We continue to be the focus of the Governor who believes that New York State is spending too much money on Medicaid, the primary funding source for the people we support."

The executive director challenged everyone at the banquet to go out and this story to someone who doesn’t know about Genesee ARC.

“We need to advocate, talk to our government representatives, and help educate our community about those we support and their real impact and value to our community,” she said. “If each one of us talked to just one more person about the skills of our workers and their dedication to their employers I think new community based jobs would quickly develop, there would be more volunteer opportunities and ARC would develop an even larger base of supporters."

The 2014 Spirit of ARC Award was presented to the Rotary Club of Batavia. This award was established nine years ago to recognize an organization, business, family, or individual who exemplifies the mission of ARC. The Rotary Club is always reaching out to Genesee ARC and individuals served, welcoming and including people of all abilities in their community events.

Saskowski, herself a Rotarian, said “This is a dedicated group of local men and women who actually possess a laser focus on community improvement, youth development and social responsibility.“The Rotary Club’s financial contributions have spearheaded major capital improvements at UMMC, the YMCA, GO-ART! and Genesee Community College. At Genesee ARC, the Rotary Club made a significant pledge to the agency’s People Realizing Potential campaign to help fund renovations at the Community Center resulting in a culinary arts training center for people with disabilities. Several Rotarians attended the presentation and the award was accepted by Club President Hollis Upson."

Bergen residents Carl and Candie Pocock were presented with Volunteer of the Year honors. Saskowski said the award is in recognition of the Pococks’ commitment to Genesee ARC and our mission. Candie is involved with the Byron Kiwanis recreation program for children with disabilities and the area summer reading program. She was also a former leader in the County 4-H program. The couple also participates in various committees of the United Methodist Church.

Carl and Candie’s work with Genesee ARC started in 1996 when their daughter Michelle began to receive services from the agency.

“They are tireless advocates for all people with disabilities and help insure that everyone we serve, receive the services they need,” Saskowski said. "Two years ago Candie stepped up to take on the lead role as president of the Genesee ARC Board of Directors and both she and Carl volunteer at Genesee ARC fund raisers.

The Business Partner of the Year award was presented to Applied Business Systems, Inc. Steve Samis, ABS vice president of Production was on hand to accept the honor. Genesee ARC has had a longtime partnership with Applied Business Systems through the ARC Work Center and last year they provided the opportunity to run two temporary work enclaves at their site on Harvester Avenue in Batavia.

According to Scott Jones, director of Vocational Services, ABS believes in the value of the Genesee ARC workforce.

“ABS has shown a commitment to providing employment to people with developmental disabilities by consistently returning to us with new work projects and ideas for future projects,” Jones said “...Thanks to the work opportunities ABS has provided they have helped to benefit the individuals served by our agency by helping them to develop crucial job skills and opportunities to become more independent as contributing members of their community.”

A surprise Lifetime Membership Award was presented to Thelma C. Montreal, of Batavia.  Genesee ARC has always been near and dear to Mrs. Montreal as she is a parent and grandparent of children with developmental disabilities. Thelma is a member and past president of the Genesee ARC Board of Directors, and served several years on the NYSARC Board of Governors. The award is in recognition of her many years of service to Genesee ARC and individuals served by the agency.

Friend of ARC Awards were presented to:

CP Rochester Dental Clinic -- Charles O. Kolthoff, DDS and the Staff of CP Rochester Dental Clinic were presented an award in recognition of their exceptional talents and compassion in providing dental care for individuals with disabilities. 

Anne Marie Starowitz -- A retired teacher, Anne Marie was recognized for the difference she has made in the life of an individual at ARC as a reading tutor. Anne Marie is helping this individual gain more independence.

Howard and Michael Ouriel -- The Ouriel brothers offer quiet, behind-the-scenes support to Genesee ARC. Their many acts of kindness include donating funds to purchase special wish list items, enhancing the lives of individuals served. They also support recreation and sports opportunities for children with disabilities.

The following received Genesee ARC Achievement awards: Gabe Norton, Jacob Klotzbach, Dolores Wanser, James Grudzien, Janette Vick, Mael, Joan Pietyzkowski, Jonathan Hedrick, and Dan Ware.

Genesee Staff Shining Star honorees for 2014 are: Linda Conroy, Medicaid Service coordinator; Darla Jaszko, coordinator of Administrative Services; Richard Majors, residential assistant; James Owens, mechanic; and Michelle Wheatley, Day Hab specialist.

Longevity awards went to the following individuals: Lucy Brown and Patty Sheedy, 40 years; Bob Adam, Alan Birge, Steve Jenney and Tom Dissette, 35 years; Paul Johnson, David Miner, Tom Montreal and John Wiggins, 30 years; John Brown, Alvin Stewart and Ken Sheehan, 25 years; Phyllis Riley, Mary Welsh, Elizabeth, David, Joseph Duganier, Marjorie Keppler, Hayley Brandes, and Robert Cummings, 20 years.

Staff Longevity award recipients were: Donna Saskowski, 25 Years; Elizabeth Hopkins, James Owens, Reneé Potter, Carolyn Cauthen and Shelley Kropelin, 20 Years; Debra Worthington, Lauraine Cornell, Carolyn Griffin, Darla Jaszko, Scott Lang, Angela Spikes and Marla Snyder, 15 Years; Roxanne Monteleone, June Lawrence, Debra LaDue, Sue Given, and Catherine Pangrazio, 10 Years.

More than 325 guests were in attendance at the banquet ,which also serves as Genesee ARC’s official annual meeting. Board officers for the upcoming year are: Candie Pocock, president; Debrah Fischer, vice president; Jane Scott, treasurer, and Deborah Riggi, secretary.

Children with disabilities can benefit from hippotherapy. What's that? It's providing speech therapy and physical therapy using the movement of a horse.

From 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 31, there will be an open house and fundraiser to benefit ARC of Genesee County for hippotherapy. It will take place at Conrad Country Stables at 2638 Pearl St. (Route 33) just outside of Batavia.

There will be a Chinese auction, 50/50 raffle, children's games and refreshments.

Valerie Edwards is the director of the program, which is relatively new to Genesee County. It is called Equine Assisted Therapeutic Services LLC, located at 3389 Dodgeson Road, Alexander. Phone is 585-815-0327.

Press release:

This is “Gives Back Week” at Genesee ARC, an opportunity to highlight ways individuals served by the local nonprofit help make a difference to other community organizations.  Each ARC Chapter shared a success story for the 2014 Statewide Gives Back publication and Genesee ARC chose to feature Marty, a longtime volunteer at the New York State Veterans Home.

Since 1999 Marty has logged nearly 1,400 hours as a Physical Therapy volunteer at the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia. Each Thursday, he and his Mom, Joan, visit the home to honor and give back to the men and women who so proudly served the United States of America. Marty helps by transporting residents to and from their therapy appointments and both he and Joan assist with housekeeping and clerical duties. They are accompanied by their dog Gator who is known and loved by all of the residents. Marty looks forward to the weekly visits and feels good about helping others.

“I like helping out, I have a lot of friends here,” Marty said.

He greets staff and residents by name, sharing a hello and his heart-warming laughter.   Marty is a valued member of the volunteer team, and considers the Veterans Home his "second family." When asked what kind of impact Marty has on the residents, NYS Veterans Home Volunteer Director Connie Caselli said, “The residents look forward to seeing Marty. He’s a real pleasure and so passionate about volunteering.”

In addition to Marty’s volunteer work at the New York State Veterans Home, individuals at Genesee ARC participate in a variety of other community volunteer placements including:  Assisting with table set-up at the Office for the Aging; Meals on Wheels delivery; Salvation Army Toy Drive collection and bell ringing; Cafeteria aide at a local elementary school; Organizing, sorting and washing books in the children’s room at Richmond Memorial Library; Visiting and interacting with the Human Services Class at Genesee Valley Educational Partnership; Helping to fill 100 backpacks weekly for the United Way Backpack (food) program; Making and delivering homemade cat and dog treats for the Genesee County Animal Shelter and cleaning the cat cages, interacting and playing with the Shelter animals; Adaptive bowling and visiting residents at the Genesee County Nursing Home;  Daycare Childcare Aide; Serving and cleaning at Stephen’s Table Soup Kitchen; Making and delivering coloring books for local pediatricians’ waiting rooms; Collecting needed items for Eagle Star Housing; Straightening clothes and organizing racks at the WYCA's My Sister’s Closet; assistance with cleaning at the Elba Fire Department, Northgate Church and the Bergen First Presbyterian Church.

Genesee ARC is always looking for meaningful volunteer placements or projects for individuals, giving them an opportunity to make a difference and “give back” to the community. If you have a volunteer placement or project idea, please send it to Genesee ARC Director of Development Shelley Falitico at sfalitico@geneseearc.org.

Genesee ARC’s parent organization, NYSARC, Inc. and CP of New York State, the leaders of the two largest statewide family founded groups supporting people with disabilities, are calling on Governor Cuomo to make good on commitments by previous administrations to support people with disabilities and their families.

"There is a need for funding programs for people with intellectual disabilities in New York State," Genesee ARC Community Relations Coordinator Sandy Konfederath said. "Our ARC is one of 54 Chapters overseen by NYSARC. We serve 500 people in Genesee County with intellectual and or other developmental disabilities, along with their families. We currently have 280 employees, a majority of which are Direct Support Professionals."

NYSARC and CP of NYS urge the Governor to demonstrate his commitment to the thousands of people with developmental disabilities in New York by investing in services which are critical to the well-being of these vulnerable citizens.

"The supports and services for people with developmental disabilities have been cut by almost $400 million over the past four years," Susan Constantino, President & CEO of CP of NYS said. "These cuts have come at a time when we are seeking to find new ways to truly integrate people in communities statewide – taking money away from needed supports and services goes against the longer term goals of person-centered planning and community integration. This is why we have asked the legislature to add an additional $11.25 million into this year's budget for the development of new supports and services for more than 300 individuals with high priority needs who reside at home with their families."

The need for this funding has been exacerbated by the Governor's 2014-15 budget proposal, which eliminates year-projected investments. These proposed reductions come on the heels of cuts over the past four years and lowers the State's investment in services for people with developmental disabilities for years to come.

"Our request for additional funding is both reasonable and responsible, striking a balance between the State's priority to be fiscally prudent and our mutual obligation to serve families who are becoming more desperate," NYSARC Executive Director Marc Brandt said. "Without essential supports, both in and out of home, families and their loved ones are finding the promise of being included in society to the fullest extent possible beyond their grasp. That promise was enunciated in the Olmstead Supreme Court Decision and embraced by this Administration."

While some reports contend that New York State ranks first in Medicaid spending for people with disabilities, prior to these cuts, and when compared nationally, New York State spending on not-for-profit supports and services for individuals with developmental disabilities ranks 36th among all states (2010 University of Minnesota study).

"Not-for-profits have been working hard to make ours a highly efficient system of care and the numbers show it," Brandt said. "But too many families are at or beyond the breaking point."

The need for services, such as meaningful day activities, at home support, out of home residential services, as well as other services, surpasses any funding amounts that have been suggested, particularly for those who can no longer live safely with their families.

According to The Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), as of April 2013, over 12,000 people statewide were waiting for residential services and approximately 4,200 of those people stated that the need was immediate. Additionally, more than 14,000 people were waiting for a day service.

"Our request for funds would go a small way toward helping provide these acutely needed services and the demand for services will continue to grow as nearly 3,000 individuals with severe cognitive disabilities will be aging out of New York's educational system as of June 2014," Constantino said.

NYSARC, Inc. is the largest not-for-profit organization in the United States. They support people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, as well as their families.

CP of NYS is a statewide organization with affiliates across the state. They employ 18,000 individuals to support people with developmental disabilities, as well as their families.

Press release:

Community members, area businesses, ARC families and staff have donated more than 100 baskets for Genesee ARC’s 3rd Annual Chili & Chowder Fest and theme basket raffle.  The event is scheduled for Saturday, November 16 at the Genesee ARC Community Center, 38 Woodrow Road, and runs from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

“We have a wide range of themes this year ranging from movies and tools, to candles and restaurants and everything in between,” said Shelley Falitico, ARC Development Director and event chair.

With every $10 ticket, participants will have 25 chances to win, along with a chance to win one of two door prizes. There is a group of specialty baskets, valued at $50 or more with 10 tickets at $15. Featured specialty items include Sabres baskets with tickets and parking passes and a wheeled trash can full of cleaning supplies.

This year’s grand prize is a chest freezer that comes with gift cards to area grocers and meat markets, so the winner can fill the freezer. Grand prize chances are $2 each, 3 chances/$5.00 and 8 chances/$10.

A baked goods sale is also planned along with chili and chowder in bowls, to eat in or quarts to take home.

Winners need not be present. The drawings will begin promptly at 1:30 p.m. Funds raised will benefit disability services in our community.

New this year is a ticket-only sale on Friday, November 15 from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.

“We know this is a busy time of year with a lot of weekend events,” Falitico said. “The Committee wanted to offer everyone a chance to win, even if they cannot attend the actual event."

Community members with questions may call Shelley Falitico at the Genesee ARC Community Relations office at (585) 343-4203, ext. 222.

Press release:

Genesee Lightning, Genesee ARC’s softball team, recently competed in the Special Olympics regionals competition in Victor and the Special Olympics Fall Classic in Pittsford.  In Victor, the team earned a bronze medal and the skills team brought home two gold, three silver and two bronze medals. At the Fall Classic, the team earned another bronze and the skills team came home with three gold and three bronze medals.

Athletes on the 2013 softball team and skills team were: James Grudzien, Erik Goodrich, Wesley Munt, Chris Jakubowski, Angie Maniaci, Juan Baez, Josh Derrick, Josh Jones, Jason Stimson, Jackie Jones, Chris Hartgrove, Josh Tiede, Shawn Bennett, Tim Markek, Jacob Klotzbach, Brandon Oun, Sara Dieck and Shannon Nigh.

Pictured with the team is Certified Coach, Reneé Potter, Genesee ARC Family Support Services manager (far right) and Team Assistant Coach Eileen Corcoran, Genesee ARC prevocational specialist (far left).

Up next are the Special Olympics winter games. As soon as weather permits Genesee ARC’s Special Olympics snowshoeing team will begin practicing.

While rain seemed to encourage a few of the ARC 5K walkers to shorten the course today, it didn't slow down Michael Richenberg (second picture), who won the race in Elba for the fifth straight year.

A slow drizzle turned into a bit of a downpour about a minute into the race, but hundreds of runners still completed the course.

Race results are not yet available.

UPDATE: Here's a link to the full race results.