4th Quarter (Opens in a new window)

2015 Volume IV
The Arc Advocate
For people with intellectual and
developmental disabilities
Information for Members & Friends of The Arc of Macomb County
Guys in Ties, Girls in Pearls
Special Points of
Interest:
Awards Gala……..….1
Work Center
Changes……………...3
Pooled Amenities
Trust…………...……..4
Kroger Community
Rewards ...…..……...5
An Awards Gala
Our first annual Guys in Ties, Girls in Pearls award gala took place on October 16,
2015, at Lakeland Manor in St. Clair Shores. The event recognized Macomb County
citizens who have meaningfully impacted the lives of individuals with disabilities.
Over 170 supporters of The Arc came out to recognize the award recipients and enjoy dinner, dancing, and a silent auction. The Arc extends our heartfelt gratitude to
all of the people who helped make this evening a success.
Sincerely,
Lisa Lepine
Executive Director
Inside Every Issue:
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Do You Know
About...
Spotlight on
Associates
Special Thanks
Upcoming Events
Advocacy Avenue
Keynote Speaker Macomb County Sheriff
Anthony Wickersham
Like Us on Facebook!
Click “Like” on The Arc of
Macomb County’s
Facebook page to stay
apprised of important
information affecting your
loved ones in Macomb
County and throughout
Michigan, as well as the
nation. Our page contains
links to helpful and
informative websites and
Facebook pages, and
pertinent information on
legislation and advocacy
on the national, state,
and county levels. Our
Facebook page also
contains the most up-todate information about
upcoming events, as well
as volunteer and
fundraising opportunities.
Award Recipient Judge Carl Marlinga with
The Arc’s Executive Director Lisa Lepine
Award Recipient Ronald Kimball
Judge Carl Marlinga, Karla Chambers for Independent
Opportunities of Michigan, Ronald Kimball, Audra
MacDonald, Donna Torrice, and Mickey Switalski
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Arc Advocate
A Tribute to Michael Marchand
He loved to go for a long car ride,
Always the first to hop inside,
Awkward of gait and powerless to speak,
Along with the car he broke free to seek,
Momentum, grace, power and direction,
Some thought him luckless in the game of life,
Denied a vocation, children and wife,
Still his very being bore a special purpose,
Though not apparent at the surface,
Like all good and worthy souls,
Michael had much to teach us.
Michael Marchand received services through The Arc of Macomb County. His family tirelessly advocated for him,
ensuring he received the support he needed to live a full, happy, and safe life. The poem is an original
poem written by staff, in Michael’s memory, after his passing in July of this year.
Spotlight on the Community Employment Team
Our job placement specialists and job coaches
work side by side with our customers, preparing
them for work before helping them find jobs
within the community. This dedicated crew work
hard to ensure our customers receive the best
service possible.
Recently they, along with other hard-working
Arc employees, enjoyed an annual staff appreciation day hosted by The Macomb County Provider Alliance, of which The Arc is a member.
They enjoyed lunch, raffle prizes, chair massages, and more. Thanks guys, you are the best!
Left to right
Rene Meldrum, Dan Shirkey, Thomas Neil, Carol Wilson, Thalia Schaffer, Janet Maracle, Sara
Kennedy, Tammy Buhler, and Jamie Pickard
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Did You Know...Big Changes are Coming to the Work
Center!
The Arc has a long history of giving people the opportunity to choose and realize their goals and dreams regarding where and how they live, learn, play, and work in their communities. Many of our customers have chosen
employment here in our Work Center, learning work and life skills, earning a paycheck, and developing lifelong
friendships.
That’s not changing.
What is changing is the way that those important things happen at The Arc. We have made the commitment to
address compensation standards and to dramatically expand the services offered outside of our Work Center
building.
Do I still have a job?
Yes, as has always been the case—our customers are in charge of their goals. Time spent at The Arc can involve
work, as well as community-based learning activities. Also, customers may choose to work outside of the Work
Center, returning a few days a week to reconnect with their friends while enjoying community-based activities.
It is completely person-centered.
This is very exciting!
Yes, it is! Renee Polio, Non-vocational Community Living Supports Advocate, has the responsibility of ensuring
each customer has access to community-based activities that appeal to them and meet their person-centered
goals. Activities include nutrition, fitness, budgeting, safety, cooking, and crafting—just to name a few!
What will my day look like?
A weekly calendar will be available, detailing free or low-cost instructional learning opportunities in the community. Nothing beats real-world experience! Each day, a few different options will be available. Customers will
attend activities of their choosing in small groups, with Arc staff providing transportation.
What about “Fun Friday”?
Monday through Thursday activities focus on learning skills to help our customers live more independently, but
Fridays will continue to be “Fun Fridays” at The Arc!
This is a big adjustment!
We understand that change can be hard to embrace, when we have been doing the same things in the same ways
for so long. Please know that the people who come to us for services are our customers and the reason for The
Arc’s existence. We have that firmly in mind as we make changes to improve our services, as well as meet
changing expectations from the community and funders at the local, state and federal level.
Look for updates on our website and on social media!
We are always happy to get calls from everyone involved here. Please tell us what you think and how we can
meet your needs!
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Q & A with Renee Polio—Non-Vocational Community Living Advocate...
As told to AnnMarie Ottoy – Community Relations Specialist
AnnMarie: First off, tell us a little bit about yourself.
Renee: Well, I’ve been with The Arc for about a year now. I started as floor staff in the Work Center. Before I worked
at The Arc, I worked in a home setting. I provided support for people with traumatic brain injury.
AnnMarie: How did you come in to your current role as Non-vocational Community Living Advocate?
Renee: I wanted to do more for our customers, so I approached Matt (Peters) and asked him what I could do to help
our customers be more active and involved in the community.
AnnMarie: What was Matt’s response?
Renee: He was very enthusiastic. He explained that the Work Center would be going through some changes and he
thought I could really help with that.
AnnMarie: What kind of changes?
Renee: Well, we will still be operating our Work Center, but The Arc would really like to see the majority of our customers learning and competitively working in the community. That’s part of The Arc’s mission statement and something we feel strongly about. I’m so glad I’m here at this time and involved in the expansion of The Arc’s communitybased activities. I have a lot of compassion for our customers and I’m very interested in their personal growth and
well-being.
AnnMarie: What do you mean by community-based activities? Doesn’t The Arc already do that with the “Fun Fridays”
program?
Renee: The “Fun Fridays” is a great program and we will still be doing it, but we really want to expand it, make it bigger and better. My vision is to have our customers out in the community, learning and having fun every day – not just
on Fridays!
AnnMarie: When will this start and what do you have planned?
Renee: Well, we’ve already started! We’ve had some great outings to the Selfridge Air Museum, The Detroit Zoo, a fire
safety training class at Clinton Township’s Station 5 Training Center, and the Lake St. Clair Metropark Nature Center.
We have more community-based activities planned for a physical fitness day, a computer class at the Clinton-Macomb
Public Library, and Frankenmuth.
AnnMarie: Does every customer go to every outing?
Renee: No, this is all about choices and a person-centered plan. As the program continues to grow we will be building
a weekly calendar with multiple community-based activities offered each day. Our customers will be able to choose
the activities that they are interested in, as well as ones that meet their goals. Right now, it’s just a few days a week.
By January we will have a full weekly calendar of activities to choose from. I’m very excited about that.
AnnMarie: Does this mean the Work Center will be closing?
Renee: No, our Work Center will not be closing. However, federal and state government has enacted legislation affecting work centers as they currently exist. It will no longer be acceptable for individuals with disabilities to earn less
money than a non-disabled person doing the same job. This means that we need to change, to meet the new guidelines.
For our customers, this means they will have more options as to how they spend their days. Choices will include community-based activities, supported employment in the community, supported self-employment or a blend of employment and community-based activities. Some customers who are able to meet certain competitive production standards
may also have a choice to spend part of their day employed in the Work Center. However, the focus will be on community involvement. That’s a good thing! We know that our customers will love the opportunity to learn new things,
while still spending time with their friends. I’m so excited to be able to develop this program for our customers!
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MORC CEO Gerald Provencal to Retire in March
Gerald Provencal, longtime president and CEO of one of the region’s largest human services agencies, MacombOakland Regional Center, plans to step down at the end of March. During his 37-year tenure leading the agency,
Provencal, 74, and MORC have become internationally known as advocates for people with disabilities in Michigan and around the world.
The Clinton Township-based mental health agency, which provides services for those with developmental disabilities in Macomb, Oakland, Wayne and nine other counties, has topped Crain’s list of the largest nonprofits for
well over a decade. It reported gross receipts of $207.3 million in 2013, the year of its latest tax return, and projected revenue of $206.5 million, according to its 2014 annual report posted on its website. The organization’s
board has launched a search for Provencal’s successor.
* as reported in The Arc Oakland County Profiles
For over 50 years The Arc
has been upholding its mission of ensuring that people
with disabilities are valued
and that they and their families can participate fully in,
and contribute to, the life of
their communities.
We do this in a number of ways through our administrative team, from advocacy work, to legal services, to our representative payee program.
We also do it through direct care work, as well as vocational and non-vocational community employment teams.
Right now, we need more people to join our team and carry out our mission. If you’ve ever wondered how you can
make a difference in this world, please visit our website at www.arcservices.org and download an application today.
Gift-Wrap Volunteers Needed
Each holiday season The Arc of Macomb County holds a gift-wrap fundraiser
at Macomb Mall, on Gratiot in Roseville. Our amazing administrative staff,
board members, and some reliable friends tirelessly volunteer their time,
right up until Christmas Eve, wrapping everything from socks to sewing machines! The event is well received by grateful shoppers, weary from the
hustle and bustle of the season. This year we invite you to experience the
gratitude and goodwill of the public, wrapping presents and accepting donations to The Arc. Won’t you consider a few hours of your time, spent in good
company, for a great cause? Morning, noon, or night, we have some time set
aside just for you. Oh, and we won’t complain if you bring cookies. See how
pleasant this will be? The festivities commence November 30, 2015, through
Christmas Eve. RSVP to Laurie O’Meara here at The Arc—586-469-1600.
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Look for more
information on our
Facebook page or
visit our website at
arcservices.org
Gift Wrap: November 30th - December 24th, Macomb Mall
The Arc Holiday Hours:
Administrative Office - Closed 12/24, 12/25, 1/1
Work Center - Closed 12/24 - 1/3/2016 Reopening 1/4/2016
Special Thanks...to the generous individuals for their 3rd quarter contributions, which are essential
to the success of The Arc’s mission.
James Trentacosta and Thomas E. Marchand
The Arc of Macomb County Presents the 2015/2016 Dance Season
FRIENDS / FUN / GREAT MUSIC FOR DANCING BY DJ OR LIVE BAND!!
7pm—9:30pm, $3 admission
WARREN WOODS MIDDLE SCHOOL CAFETERIA
13400 Twelve Mile Road – Warren
*** PLEASE USE DOOR BY FAR WEST PARKING LOT ONLY!***
November 20, 2015 / December 18, 2015 / January 15, 2016
Look for additional dates in the next edition of The Arc Advocate
Informational Presentations
Saturday Series
The Arc offers a series of presentations on various issues relevant to individuals and families affected by disabilities.
The presentations will be at The Arc. The cost is $2 for Arc members, $5 for nonmembers, payable at the door.
RSVP’s are REQUIRED one week prior to the event. Presentations may be cancelled for less than 5 participants. All
RSVP’s should go to [email protected].
Topics, in no special order, include:
November 14, 2015 10:00 am-12:00 pm
January 16, 2016 10:00 am - 12:00pm
January 30,. 2016 10:00 am - 12:00pm
February 6, 2016 10:00 am - 12:00pm
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Special Education and the IEP
High School Transition Services
Social Security Benefits
Medicaid and Housing
Special Needs Trust / Estate Planning
Parent Advocacy
May 14, 2016 10:00 am - 12:00pm
A detailed flyer for each topic will be posted to our website: www.arcservices.org, as well as our Facebook page.
Local Resources
Freedom Road Transportation is a nonprofit volunteer driver program that exists to empower people in need of
transportation options.
The organization provides monetary incentive for volunteer drivers to assist
eligible persons in receiving needed transportation, when they do not have any
other form of transportation available or are unable to use other forms of
transportation. For more information visit: www.freedomroadtransportation.org
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Board of Directors
The Arc would like to extend a sincere “Thank You” and
a big shout out to JB’s Garage in Clinton Township. JB’s
has taken very good care of our transport vehicles, helping to insure our clients travel safely in and around the
community. We truly appreciate the personal attention
and excellent service given to us!
Officers:
President:
Shari Fitzpatrick
1st Vice President:
Gloria deBeauclair
2nd Vice President:
Joseph Tinson
Arc Apparel
Secretary:
Maria Messina
Treasurer:
Bruce Manning
Board Members:
Tom Beardslee
Michael Kolb
Theresa Chapman
Emmanuel Boykin
The Arc of Macomb County offers apparel for sale with our logo embroidered onto items
such as long/short-sleeved t-shirts, hoodies (both pullover and zip styles), polo shirts,
and fleece jackets. Orders are placed quarterly. The deadline for this quarter’s order is
November 15, 2015. The order form can be found at arcservices.org, and can be
phoned in with a credit card or mailed in with a check/credit card. Fax # 586-111-2222
or 44050 N. Gratiot Avenue, Clinton Township, MI 48036.
Kroger Community Rewards Program
Administrative Staff
Executive Director
Lisa Lepine
[email protected]
Corporate Compliance
Director
Luanne DeGueisippe
[email protected]
Community Support
Services Director
Kelly Harrington
[email protected]
Advocacy Director
Mary Scarsella
[email protected]
Employment Services
Director - MRS
Wm. C. Range
[email protected]
Employment Services
Director - CMH
Matt Peters
[email protected]
Representative Payee
Director
Shelly Taras
[email protected]
Financial Director
Stephen Tunney
[email protected]
Grocery shoppers unite - for a good cause!
The Arc of Macomb County enrolled in Kroger’s Community Rewards program, and we
think it would be swell if you did too. Each time you swipe your rewards card, Kroger
makes a donation to The Arc. You don’t lose any of your rewards points. It’s easy peasy,
just follow these steps to sign up:
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Be sure to have your Kroger Plus card handy.
If you don’t have a Plus card, stop by the customer service desk – they’re happy to
help!
Register online at krogercommunityrewards.com.
Click on “Sign In/Register”.
If you are new to the online portal click on SIGN UP TODAY in the “New Customer”
box.
Sign up for a Kroger Rewards Account by entering your zip code, clicking on your
favorite store, entering your email address, and creating a password (you must agree
to the terms and conditions).
You will then see a message asking you to check your email inbox and click on the
link provided within the email.
Click on “My Account” and use your email address and password to proceed to the
next step.
Click on “Edit Kroger Community Rewards” and input your Kroger Plus card number.
Update or confirm your information.
Enter the number 88852, select The Arc of Macomb County, and click on confirm.
To verify you are enrolled correctly, find our name and click on confirm.
If you are already registered, but you use your phone number, not your card - call
877-576-7587 to obtain your Kroger Plus card number and register it online.
The Arc of Macomb County
44050 N. Gratiot Avenue
Clinton Township, MI 48036-1308
CURRENT RESIDENT
Weekly Activities
Phone: 586-469-1600
Fax: 586-569-4338
www.arcservices.org
Dance Exercise Class
ARC Raiders Bowling
Where:
CC Plus (300 N. Groesbeck
Hwy, Mt. Clemens)
Where:
Sterling Lanes Bowling Center (14
Mile and Schoenherr)
When:
Wednesdays
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
When:
Saturdays at 9:00 a.m.
Cost:
$28 (prepaid) for 4 sessions, or
drop-in for $8 per session.
All fitness levels welcome!
Cost:
$5 per Week
Contact Information - Betty
(586) 575-9798 or Barb (586)
790-9813
facebook.com/ARCServicesofMacomb
@ARCSvcsmacomb
About The Arc of Macomb County
The Arc of Macomb County is a CARF accredited, 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership association
composed of people with disabilities, parents, friends and professionals involved with supporting people
with disabilities in Macomb County, Michigan. The Arc exists to assure that people with disabilities are
valued and that they and their families can participate fully in, and contribute to, the life of their
communities. We are committed to securing, for all people with disabilities, the opportunities to choose
and realize their goals and dreams regarding where and how they learn, live, play, and work.
Vision
For people with intellectual and
developmental disabilities
The Arc of Macomb County will be a culture of excellence in the provision of support for anyone
associated with The Arc. We will work until we achieve a society where every person is able to sustain
their own experience of companionship, connectedness and community. We envision that, one day, every
person is valued and treated with dignity and respect in their environment and their community. We will
engender a sense of safety for all persons with disabilities by increasing daily positive interactions and
decreasing unnecessary demands.