ARC Newsletter

Nonprofit Org. US Postage PAID Permit #264 Pawtucket, RI

115 Manton Street Pawtucket, RI 02861 www.bvcriarc.org contact@bvcriarc.org

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SAVE THE DATE Annual Friends & Family Discount St. Patrick’s Day Sale Wednesday, March 17, 2010 New To You & New To You Too The Arc of Blackstone Valley 29th Annual Golf Outing and Auction

Employment program paves path to human services sector

Monday, June 14, 2010

More and more people are learning that there are rewarding career opportunities in the human services sector as the result of a training program recently launched by our agency.

Pawtucket Country Club

Called Pathways to Employment, the program runs for 10 weeks.

Besides learning that there is a wide spectrum of jobs in the field, students are taught resume writing and interviewing skills. Pathways is under the direction of longtime Arc executive Barbara Lindsay, and it is being funded by a $310,000 grant awarded to our agency by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Barbara Lindsay, an Arc of

Holiday party brings joy to all Joy and good tidings were plentiful during the annual holiday party in the Independence Square gymnasium, which was transformed into a holiday village thanks in large part to decorations made by our consumers.

Blackstone Valley executive, leads a class during the first

“They did some fabulous stuff,” said Linda Dvelis, an associate director. She explained that consumers constructed and decorated several cardboard trees, and that Brenda Wilkinson of the Flying Shuttles Weaving and Art Studio painted an elaborate mural of a town common adorned for the holidays.

phase of the Pathways to Employment program. Barbara heads up the program funded by a federal grant.

Consumer Julia Lottinville said she had a wonderful time at the holiday party because of the beautiful decorations and great music.

Lino Corvelho said he loved dancing and socializing with friends and also gave high praise to the decorations, especially the holiday lights.

“Wonderful and beautiful” is how Kevin Monaghan described the festivities that he helped make special by performing with an Arc choral group. He enjoyed seeing so many attendees smiling and “looking lovely.” Kevin handed out kudos to the party planners for having a photographer available for portraits, adding that the event “is a nice formal event to come to.”

The Arc is operating the program in collaboration with the Pawtucket School Department and NetWorkRI, and Diane Sanford, our director of human resources, helped to develop the curriculum.

The first Pathways’ graduating class consisted of 13 members, who finished the program on Dec. 4. The Arc hired five of the graduates as direct support professionals and another three people to serve as substitutes. In addition, another graduate was hired by a hospital and yet another person who completed the program is training for a position outside of the human services’ sector. However, Barbara knows the individual benefited from the Pathways’ instruction on resume writing and interviewing. The students included several unemployed and underemployed people who lost jobs in factories, and some of the participants also simultaneously took English as a Second Language or general educational development (GED) courses.

The second round of the Pathways’ program is under way with high school seniors in the Ready to Work Program attending the course.

All of the students are interested in medical-related professions, which makes exploration of human services and The Arc a perfect fit.

“The more they know about people with disabilities the more successful they will be in jobs in the medical field,” Barbara said.

“We will present them with many of the situations they will face in the real world.”

According to Barbara, people who complete the Pathways’ program will learn that working for agencies such as The Arc is very fulfilling because of the job satisfaction people realize by helping others.

“Every day is different, and it’s like a family,” Barbara said. “Many members of The Arc’s staff celebrate the birthdays of consumers or bring them home to observe holidays. This is a great atmosphere to work in, A choir consisting of Arc consumers entertained attendees at the annual Christmas party held at Independence Square in Pawtucket.

Thanks to Linda and her volunteers – Claire Flynn, Janet Rossi, Julio Tavares, Michael Tavares, Virginia Platt and Bertha Madden – for all of the hard work it took to throw such a wonderful party attended by about 300 people.

For more information about our programs, call (401) 727-0150, go to our Web site at www.bvcriarc.org or e-mail contact@bvcriarc.org.

and you can make a difference in someone’s life.”

The plan is to operate six sessions of the Pathways program. The Arc is recruiting people who would be interested in completing the course. If you or someone you know wants more information, call (401) 727-0150 and ask for Barbara.

The Arc of Blackstone Valley is committed to supporting people with developmental disabilities secure the opportunity to choose and realize their goals of where and how they live, learn, work and play.

New cheerleading squad nets high praise

Letter from the CEO While stormy aptly describes the recent weather throughout the Northeast, the word is also applicable to the federal and state budgets that agencies such as ours depend on for a significant portion of our funding. We will be tracking the budgets, strategically lobbying for our interests and ensuring we are prepared for any cutbacks. The impact of tumultuous economic conditions on revenue sources makes contributions from efforts such as The Arc’s membership drive even more critical.

We have kicked off the campaign, and I urge everyone to donate whatever they can to help us sustain programs and services that assist adults with cognitive, intellectual and developmental disabilities. Donations of all amounts are essential to The Arc’s operating budget, and we will be extremely grateful for each and every dollar we receive. Please return your donation in the enclosed membership envelope.

Exactly how the state budget will affect our agency will be apparent in the spring, and as soon as we know, we will inform you of the anticipated consequences. Please call your legislators and emphasize how important it is to fund human services, especially during times when needs are more acute.

I am happy to report that renovations at Pidge Manor in Pawtucket are almost complete. Crews worked on the roof and drainage system of the building at 110-112 Pidge Ave. and have been upgrading the fire alarm system, replacing fixtures and painting.

Of the 12 apartments, 10 are ready for occupancy, and the other two should be good to go in May. They will house Arc consumers and the general public.

In another exciting development, The Arc has purchased the building we rent for our administrative offices and the surrounding property at 115 Manton St. in Pawtucket from the state. Our applications are in to HUD for the development of housing for the elderly and handicapped at this location. We will keep you posted on our progress.

While there’s a few more months to slosh through before we start hitting the links again on a regular basis, it’s never too early to think about the Arc of Blackstone Valley golf tournament and silent auction that we hold every year at the Pawtucket Country Club.

This year’s event is teed up for June 14. If you or your company is interested in being a sponsor for the fund-raiser, call us at (401) 727-0150.

In addition, we need people to donate items for the silent auction.

We always have a variety of offerings, including sports memorabilia, plane tickets, weekend getaways, passes to sporting events, food baskets and gift certificates to spas and restaurants. Don’t hesitate to let us know what you want to donate.

Congratulations to everyone involved with our new Pathways to Employment program. Under the direction of longtime Arc executive Barbara Lindsay, the initiative to teach participants about the field of human services and resume writing and interviewing skills is a resounding success. Besides Barbara and other Arc employees, thanks go out to U.S. Sen. Jack Reed. The senator threw his support behind our application for a $310,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to fund the program, which we hope to continue.

Santa’s Helpers

John J. Padien III Chief Executive Officer

Arc of Blackstone Valley consumers in the Resource Center and CARE programs, right photo, demonstrated they have an extensive amount of holiday spirit and affection for Pawtucket by decorating all of the Christmas trees for Winter Wonderland, which is conducted in the city’s Slater Memorial Park. A consumer is holding a sign that reads, “The Arc of Blackstone Valley CARES about you.” In the other photo, Angela Pappas Avery, left, a consumer in the Resource Center program, works with Page Sherlock, an ARC staff person, putting lights on one of the many trees in the park.

The Arc of Blackstone Valley Bullets received a boost this past season thanks to a newly-formed cheerleading squad. Organized by Linda Dvelis, an associate director at our Independence Square facility, and coached by support staff members Tia Waters and Desserie Rouse, the cheerleaders practiced several hours.

“We did this very professionally,” Linda said while showing off the squad’s blue and yellow uniform of sweatpants and a jersey. “They (the cheerleaders) were perfect. They were in sync and really got behind the teams.”

Cheerleader Angela Avery said being on the squad was a “wonderful experience,” and her colleague Paula Hallal said cheering for the Bullets’ teams was great. “It was good exercise,” Angela said. “We

cheered a lot and moved a lot,” Paula added.

Because they had so much fun, both women plan on returning to the squad next season. Other members of the 2009 cheerleading squad were Terri Hogan, Paula Lukin, Jeanne Ferreira and Penny Quicksall.

Angela had the added benefit of rooting on her husband, a player on the B Team, which finished fourth in the most recent Special Olympics competition. The A Team took a silver medal.

Michael Tavares, an Arc program director, has coached the B Team for four years and loves seeing his players work together and the joy in their faces when they make a shot or come up big on defense.

The medal winning A Team is coached by Jesse Jones.

Linda said having cheerleaders also expanded the Bullets’ fan base. We hope to see you all in the stands next season.

The Arc of Blackstone Valley’s cheerleading squad and basketball teams had a rousing season. The team was coached by Michael Tavares, who is on the floor. Members of the cheerleading squad are, from left, Angela Pappas Avery, Penny Quicksall, Paula Lukin, Terri Hogan, Jeanne Ferriera and coaches Desserie Rouse and Tia Waters. Players in second row are, from left, John Kennedy, David Seales, Tommy Hetu, Mary Person, Carlos Ferriera, John Machado and John Avery. In back, are Kevin D’Angelo, left, and Eric Barbrie.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Arc’s resale stores Unless you are looking to buy a rump roast or a video display terminal, you should check out one of our resale shops before searching for your next jacket, coat, toaster or other small appliance.

There is an abundance of books at New To You, according to Laurie, and customers can scoop up a bag of tomes for a mere $2. Many of the books, she pointed out, are for children.

The Arc’s stores are New To You at 541 Armistice Blvd. in Pawtucket and New To You Too, at 534 Dexter St. in Central Falls. They are stocked with just about anything you can think of except for food and computer components, according to Elaine Scott, associate director, who oversees the operation of the outlets.

Lisa Brien, the program director who manages the Central Falls location, stressed the shops have brands of clothing such as L.L. Bean and Old Navy.

In the spring, her store is packed with quality furniture that is perfect for people with summer homes or a college student’s apartment. Such dwellings can also be stocked with glassware and the small appliances sold at the New To You stores.

Although prices are already incredibly low, Elaine has scheduled an open house for Friends and Family Shopping Day at the stores on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, when coupons for even deeper discounts will be available at the registers. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., which are the normal hours of operation at the shops.

Laurie McKenna, a program director who supervises New To You, said consumers can purchase 10 gently or never-before-worn clothing items for as little as $12.95 when selecting apparel marked with colored dots, and that wedding dresses are available at a fraction of what they would normally cost in bridal shops.

Besides selling merchandise, the stores accept items, which you should keep in mind when you are moving or are cleaning out a closet, drawer or basement. Even clothing that is in questionable condition can be donated. Arc consumers remove buttons from such items, which are then recycled in exchange for cash.

The stores employ about 40 consumers who also remove stains from clothing, inspect and price items, stock racks and shelves provide customer service and assist with keeping the locations clean and tidy.

Everyone should visit the stores, according to Lisa.

“They are fun little places.”

The following are those that donated items or made generous financial contributions of $100.00 or more between November 1, 2009 and January 31, 2010: Mr. Shola Adebayo The Philip & Betty Ayoub Foundation Mr. Charles Bagley Best Impressions Ms. Debra-Lynn Bouffard Mrs. Sherry Buckless Ms. Kimberley Callahan Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Cherry Crown Collision Mr. Gerald Condon Ms. Georgia DeResta Ms. Jodi DeResta Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Echeverria Mrs. Louise Erikson Ms. Catherine Gilligan Mr. Amos Goodridge II Mrs. Jennifer Hennigan Mr. Thomas Hodge Dr. and Mrs. John Hogan Mrs. Elaine Hoyceanyls-Scott Mrs. Katherine S. Hunt Insurance Professionals of New England JLS Business Solutions Mr. Dale Kennedy Mrs. Suzanne Kolc Mrs. Barbara Lindsay Mrs. Claudette Lineberger Ms. Bertha Madden Mr. and Mrs. Michel Manosh Mr. Frank McCabe Ms. Maureen McElroy Mrs. Laurie McKenna Mrs. Anna McLaughlin Mr. and Mrs. Steven Metzger Ms. Heather Miguel Mrs. Dale Newton P&G Bowling Inc. Mr. William O’Gara Mr. and Mrs. Alphonse Orlowski Mr. Jack Padien Mr. James Plante Mrs. Deborah Pratas Mrs. Michelle Rattray Mrs. Heather Rocha Ms. Diane Sanford Mr. and Mrs. Paul Sorensen Mr. Michael Tavares Ms. Philomena Teixeira Ms. Ruth Wernig Mr. Charles Wrobleski Mrs. Stasia Zawacki Grants Received this Quarter: Emma C. Harris Foundation Harry Yaghjian Trust Fund Donations received in memory of: Dennis Rondeau Janice Wartell