July 6, 2021
Press Release
The Arc Greater Hudson Valley Awarded $150,500.00 in Grants from NYSARC Trust Services
To support guardianship programs and expanded recreational opportunities for people with disabilities in Sullivan, Orange, and Dutchess Counties
Monticello, NY, 7/1/21 -- The Arc Greater Hudson Valley, NY, a not-for-profit organization committed to supporting people with unique abilities to live as valued and contributing members of the community has been awarded $150,500 in combined grants from the Trustee Management Board of NYSARC Trust Services to support Guardianship and recreation programs.
NYSARC Trust Services administers supplemental needs trusts (SNT) that enable dramatic improvements in the lives of people with disabilities while allowing individuals to continue eligibility for public benefits programs, such as Medicaid and Social Security Income (SSI). For 2021, NYSARC Trust Services is proud to fulfill its commitment to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities by awarding a total of $3,080,500 in grants to its 42 chapter organizations statewide.
This year, The Arc Greater Hudson Valley (formerly The Arc Sullivan-Orange Counties and The Arc of Dutchess) received $126,500 to provide guardianship services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who would not otherwise have a legal guardian or advocate. Supported by a robust committee comprised of chapter staff, board members, and community volunteers, the Guardianship program currently provides guardianship supports to 14 individuals and is ready to assist 25 individuals as a Standby or Alternate Standby Guardian. The Guardianship Committee plays a crucial role in 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 for the purchase of birthday and holiday gifts for those in the program, to cover staff travel and training expenses, and off-set staff salaries.
NYSARC Trust Services also awarded The Arc Greater Hudson Valley $18,000.00 to develop new recreational opportunities to enrich the lives of the people supported by the organization. In the past, these funds have been used for individuals to participate in activities including 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. As the pandemic allows for greater community involvement, we expect individuals to take advantage of more of these activities.
About The Arc Greater Hudson Valley
The Arc Greater Hudson Valley, NY was formed in January 2021 after two chapters of The Arc New York – The Arc Sullivan-Orange Counties and The Arc of Dutchess unified into one organization. Under the leadership of Executive Director Ric Schwartz, the organization supports over 2,000 individuals and their families across three counties. With a history of providing supports since 1949, our services include residential supports, day and community habilitation, employment services, clinical therapies, recreation, family support, guardianship, educational services, and more.
To learn more about The Arc Greater Hudson Valley, please visit www.arcghvny.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
About NYSARC Trust Services
NYSARC Trust Services has administered supplemental needs trusts since 1972, helping thousands of people with disabilities protect their eligibility for government benefits and improve their quality of life. Our trust programs give people with disabilities the opportunity to maintain comfort and independence in the community while providing peace of mind to their family and loved ones.
NYSARC Trust Services provides administration of pooled supplemental needs trusts to help families plan for the future of a loved one with a disability, preserve income and assets for Medicaid planning purposes and long-term care needs, and protect unexpected windfalls of money.
For more information, please call (518) 439-8323 or visit us online www.nysarctrustservices.org.
