Dear Editor,
On Sunday, Aug. 9, 2015, ARC Rutland Area again held their Annual Janet Wetherby Pampered Chef bingo at the American Legion in Rutland. The event is one of only two fundraisers held by ARC each year. The funds collected go towards the services provided to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, which derive from advocacy, resources and community opportunities.
Special thanks must go to Carol Murphy of Cooking Carol’s Way. Without her support the event wouldn’t have had the materials needed. Not only were there prizes, but there was also a basket raffle. Thank you to staff and board, TD Bank, Harrington Brothers, Noreen’s Floral, Mae’s Place, Delilah’s, Li’s, Vermont Soup and Sandwich, Blue Moon Clothing, Brandon House of Pizza, Carr’s Florist, Book and Leaf, Brandon Inn, and Hannoush Jewelers. To those who attended, ARC hopes you had an evening of fun, caring and community. Every amount helps, there is renewed hope of the services lasting another year!
ARC helps the local chapter of Self Advocates Becoming Empowered-Rutland with their monthly meetings and their goals; one is their abilities awareness training, which they can present upon request. ARC also helps the Rutland Family Support Network with its listserv that gives families the opportunity to connect with each other and organizations.
ARC also provides representative-payee services for around 55 people. When asked why ARC representative payee services are important, people have said, “It helps manage my money… pays my bills and groceries ” and “I feel supported and learn about money issues.”
Of course the better known activities are the five dances provided each year, one of which is being planned for Halloween. ARC knows that people with developmental disabilities don’t have support circles develop naturally, so we promote people to grow their circles of support by encouraging people to meet someone new.
One group, the Aktion Club, a Kiwanis family club for adults living with disabilities, continues with its volunteer advisor, Jane Frank. This club has again planted a garden to donate food to the needy and hold a monthly activity night at the Bardwell House.
ARC also reads material from state and local standing committee meetings on developmental disability services and advocates for changes when necessary.
Lisa S. Lynch, executive director, ARC-Rutland
