The latest news for you

Monthly news & updates

May 2019

Message from the Executive Director

Dear individuals supported, families, caregivers, staff and community members of The Arc of Cape May County:

I have had the pleasure of being Executive Director for just over 4 months and a lot of changes that impact our community have taken place. Some of these changes have provided opportunity to enhance our services, some of the changes were necessary to continue the quality of our services. With our mission “to promote and protect the human rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetime,” as our guide, it is critical to remain diligent and focused on that vision. In order to do that, I am looking for opportunities to provide clear, consistent and transparent communication on multiple platforms. Therefore, in the coming weeks you will see communication in the forms of our monthly newsletter, social media posts on Facebook and updates on our websites promoting new program initiatives, advocacy efforts and highlights of the great work performed by people in the organization. In addition, I look forward to meetings throughout the community to meet and gather information on how to better serve all of our community. Please do not hesitate to e-mail me at leslie.long@arcofcapemay.org if you have any questions, suggestions and/or concerns.

I look forward to our continued partnership on behalf of all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Thank you. Leslie Long, Executive Director

New Director of Vocational

and Day Habilitation

We'd like to welcome to the team, Heather Piekarski. She is a Certified Social Worker (CSW) with an extensive education in the field of Social Work. Her professional career includes experience as an Administrator, Vocational Supervisor, and Activities Director at various centers in the region.

As Director of Vocational and Day Habilitation Services, she will be responsible for the development, administration, and oversight of the employment, vocational, and day services of the agency. When asked about her new role Heather replied, "I am delighted to be part of such an amazing organization. After a week, it is clear to me how truly dedicated everyone is to fulfilling the agency’s mission and I am excited to take on my new role. I would truly like to thank everyone who has been so kind to me during this first week and I look forward to being part of such an amazing group of people".

We look forward to working with her to ensure the maximum level of service to these programs.

All Staff Call

The monthly all staff call will take place on Wednesday, May 15 at 4:00pm. An SCOMM will be sent to all staff detailing the call dialing instructions. The time of the call was changed so that individuals supported will be able to listen in if they choose. Please be sure to let them know about the call and help facilitate the call if they need assistance. This is a great way to hear what's happening at The Arc!

Have you seen us?

Many visitors to the shore are seeing our store ad in their travels. The Arc Thrift Store is included in the 2019 Jersey Cape Calendar of Events glossy brochure. 40,000 copies are distributed throughout the area and beyond. The proceeds from the thrift store help generate funds needed for agency expenses that are not always covered by sources obtained from providing services. Visit and see first hand all the incredible items available for you and your home.

Thank You Ocean First Foundation

The Arc applied for and was awarded a Good Neighbor Grant in the amount of $5,000 to provide a Certified Music Therapy Program. This will give participants of the Day Program an experience with instruments and music via a trained professional. It is used to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals and create avenues for strengthening functional abilities within the music therapy treatment that may be transferred to other areas of their lives. We hope to continue to offer this to others within the organization who might benefit as we hear of any other available funding sources. If you hear of or know of any grant opportunities to provide assistance and supports for our mission, please let us know.

CQL Visits

We are pleased to announce that the agency had our 2nd visit for The Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL) and continued our accreditation. The full report will be arriving in June. Leslie wants to thank the individuals we support, the direct support professionals and all the staff for their time and commitment to ensuring the quality of services we provide.

2019 Annual Meeting and Employee Recognition

Monday, May 13 - 5:00 pm

The Arc Administration Office

Each year we take an opportunity to recognize and honor those around us who help our agency facilitate a full and vibrant life for the people we support. Join us as we take a moment to publicly recognize the positive impact our employees have made by celebrating their 5 year incremental anniversaries. This year will mark our first ever 35 year employee, that's a major milestone! Help us express our gratitude for everyone's exceptional work and stick around after the meeting for a few delicious bites and to share some good company.

A Round of Applause

We are so excited to report that our annual fundraising event at the Cape May Winery on April 13th was a resounding success. With the help and support of so many people and businesses, we were able to raise $33,000! The revenue generated from Sip into Spring will provide some capital to help repair homes and for modifications to enhance independence for the individuals we support. Thank you to everyone who contributed.

Employee of the Month - CONGRATULATIONS!

WHO WILL

BE NEXT?

March - Briana Thompson

February - Makeala Philips

January - Marion Higgins

Know someone who has demonstrated exceptional Arc spirit or gone above and beyond ~ let us all know! Nominations are accepted by HR prior to the 6th of each month. The nomination form can be found on the HR Database under RESOURCES/Resources Employee

Who's Who?

Each month we will highlight a few people you can contact when you have questions or need help. For a full list of key administrative staff who are ready to assist, please check our website at www.arcofcapemay.org or just give a call to 609-861-7100

Robin Watson will provide answers to all matters related to Residential Supports and Services at 609-861-7100 ext. 122

Heather Piekarski can respond to inquiries about Day and Employment Programs at 609-846-3879 (active Monday, May 6)

SPLASH PAGE

Did you know you can find important agency announcements and upcoming event notices through the SPLASH PAGE on Therap? This is the first screen you will see after the HIPAA compliance acknowledgement. Be sure to read and remember so you can stay in the know. Coming soon will be a message about our new

~ HOTLINE ~

Opening Soon

This multi-purpose building, located in South Dennis near the administration office, will house Day and Employment Services, Staff Training and will include a move of some administration from the main office. Each section will be specifically designated for those purposes which will enhance that departments ability to deliver to their target audience. The building is expected to be open in June. Stay tuned for more updates and information about this expansion.