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Working toward Supported Employment, One Individual at a Time
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Charles (Chaz) Johnson came to The Arc of Delaware through the state’s Pathways to Employment Program last year. Chaz completed his schooling at the High Road School in Wilmington, DE. During his school years, Chaz struggled with behavioral and social issues but, with the intensive support of his teachers, he was able to gain
better control over his responses to stress. He also developed additional skills at interacting with others on a social level. However, as Chaz transitioned from school to adult services, many of the skills he had gained in school began to erode.
Fortunately, Chaz was referred to Pathways to Employment, a new program from the Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS), that helps prepare teens and young adults with disabilities for employment. A team of professionals, including a DDDS Pathways Navigator, a Transition Counselor from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and an Employment Specialist from The Arc of Delaware, are now working together to put Chaz on a clear path toward Supported Employment.
Chaz has volunteered at multiple organizations, including the Newark Senior Center, the Food Bank of Delaware and the Delaware SPCA until its recent close. Recognizing Chaz’s love for animals, his Employment Specialist from The Arc found a new volunteer opportunity at The Delaware Humane Association. There, Chaz's assignments will include helping with laundry, cleaning, and socializing the cats at the shelter.
In addition to specific job skills, these volunteer efforts help Chaz improve soft skills needed for the work force. For example, in collaboration with his team, he has developed a check list of daily tasks that help him prepare for his work day, arriving on time and ready to work. He is also learning how to arrange for his own transportation and other associated needs.
“There would be times when I would get in trouble at school, but I fixed my behavior," said Chaz. "Because of that, I graduated from school, and I am very proud of myself. Now I volunteer. I like helping others and animals. I am also looking for a job!”
According to Susannah Eaton-Ryan, director of employment and outreach programs for The Arc of Delaware, “With these routines in place, and his willingness to work, we believe Chaz will be ready to broaden his efforts into supported employment very soon.”
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24th Annual Golf Tournament & Silent Auction
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The Arc of Delaware will hold its 24th Annual Golf Tournament and Silent Auction on Monday, August 8th, at the Deerfield Golf Club, 507 Thompson Station Road, Newark, Delaware. This picturesque course with its meticulously landscaped layout is sure to offer golfers a sensational day.
Our Golf Committee, led by Chairman Doug Johnston is working on finalizing all of the details for this year’s event. This year we will welcome back returning speaker and featured guest, Brad Hennefer. Brad, who was born with Down syndrome, is the inspiration behind the Brad Hennefer Golf for Life Foundation, which provides golf athletic opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
There is still time to register for this event and sponsorships opportunities are still available.
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McCafé Coffee with a Cause
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April 2016 marked the start of a wonderful program offered by Delaware McDonald’s Owner/Operators called McCafé Coffee with a Cause. Every Monday, McDonald’s will be donating 50% of every hot or iced coffee sold at participating restaurants. There are twenty six restaurants participating
throughout the state.
The Arc of Delaware is honored to be one of six selected charities in Delaware, chosen to be recipients of this initiative. All selected charities will be the recipients for proceeds from two months throughout the year. The Arc’s first designated month was moved up and is now August 2016.
Show your support and start your week off the right way by stopping by McDonald’s every Monday for coffee!
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The Arc of Delaware Reaches
Fair Housing Settlement
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The Arc of Delaware and its counsel Relman, Dane & Colfax, The Arc of the United States, and Delaware Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. are pleased to announce the recent settlement of The Arc of Delaware’s disability discrimination complaint against the Property Owners’ Association (POA) of a housing development in Milford, DE. That complaint, filed in March 2015 with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Delaware Division of Human Relations (DHR), sought a declaration that the POA violated the Fair Housing Act when it refused to approve The Arc of Delaware’s acquisition of property meant to house four individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in a single family home integrated within the community. The complaint sought damages to compensate for the loss of housing opportunities and for violations of the federal and Delaware Fair Housing Acts due to disability discrimination. After DHR issued a finding of discrimination in March 2016, the POA agreed to settle the case and has entered into a Conciliation Agreement with DHR, HUD, and The Arc of Delaware as of May 26, 2016.
The Arc of Delaware’s Executive Director Terry Olson, remarked: “To meet the growing housing and service needs for persons with I/DD and their families, The Arc has partnered with the Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS) since 1993 to provide over 80 homes for individuals to live in our Delaware communities. With the aging of baby boomer parents, the demand for housing and services will continue to grow in our state. The Arc of Delaware is committed to ensuring that discrimination does not exacerbate this rapidly increasing need for housing services. This legal victory will help ensure that individuals with disabilities in Delaware have the same civil rights as other citizens to live in the community of their choice.”
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"
Gals That Give" Benefit Event
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“Gals that Give” is a local philanthropic group that helps raise funds, in partnership will local charities, by holding monthly dinner and auction benefits. This year The Arc of Delaware was chosen to be a partner organization on September 15th, at Dover Downs. At this event, gift baskets or grouped items will be auctioned through a “Chinese” style auction. Sorry guys, this event is for ladies only!
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The Arc of Delaware promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and actively supports full inclusion and participation in the community through advocacy and services to individuals and their families.
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