The Arc, Connecting You With Us

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August 2018

Congrats Kathy, On Your Retirement!

Congratulations to Kathy Gioffre on her upcoming retirement. Kathy has been a valued employee for over 31 years and is currently our Human Resources manager.

Kathy has always has a near-photographic memory which could go back over many years. She has an eye for detail and most importantly, a heart for the people we support.

Kathy we wish you the absolute best. Congratulations on your retirement and thank you for all the years you've dedicated to serving The Arc, the people we support, and our staff!

4th Annual Trick-or-Trot 5K/1K

We will hold our 4 ^th annual Trick-or-Trot 5K and 1K Fun Run/Walk/Roll fundraising event on Sunday, October 28 ^th , 2018. The event will begin at 1PM at Potter Heating & Electric, 6 Irongate Drive in Waldorf. Register now for early bird discounts.

Treats:

Fun for ghosts & goblins of all ages & abilities
Meet & take photos with Pinch, Southern Maryland Blue Crabs mascot
FREE t-shirts for adults
FREE entry for kids 12 & under
Strollers welcome
Games
Scavenger hunt
Proceeds support people with developmental disabilities
Costume contest
& more!

Transportation News

NEW BUS

Thanks to a $100,000 grant from the Maryland Transit Authority (MTA), The Arc Southern Maryland was able to add a new wheelchair-accessible vehicle to our fleet. The bus seats 12 and accommodates two additional passengers with wheelchairs. Additionally, the bus is equipped with an on-board diagnostic reader, back-up and external front and rear cameras, and fully automated tie-downs for securing wheelchairs. The bus has already become an important part of our everyday transportation for the people we support.

WHEELS TO WELLNESS PROGRAM

The Arc, in coordination with The Center for Life Enrichment, have been awarded funds to provide medical appointment transports for people with disabilities and senior citizens within our community. This "Wheels to Wellness" program will become a great resource for people within our community. Since launching on August 1st, we have provided over 92 rides across a total of 1,572 miles for 26 individuals. We already have over 40 rides scheduled for September!

The Maryland Transit Authority (MTA) provided a grant of $100,000 to fund the program and the Tri-County Council of Southern Maryland will provide about $90,000 in additional funding over the course of one year.

Special Thanks

A special thanks to our Board member, Mark Todd. Mark donated tickets for the second time this baseball season for the people we support to attend a game. The guys had a blast with their staff!

Wellness at Work

A group of employees at our Prince Frederick office location have been promoting fitness and wellness at work with a bit of exercise for a few minutes each day. Taking a few minutes to stretch and do a small exercise helps to rejuvenate their minds and keep them moving through the afternoon slump. The activities can be done in nearly any work space. Fun and healthy!

Out and About

More Photos

Camp Out for Calvert

The Arc's self-advocacy group, People On the Go of Calvert, hosted their Camp Out for Calvert event to benefit Project ECHO, a local homeless shelter. This year was their most successful year yet, raising $778 for the shelter. A total of 26 people participated, with 17 campers overnight. The top fundraisers were Andy Musegades with $175, Jeannie Sturgess with $170 and Charles Caplins with $145. Thanks to Crystal Haislip, our Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, who organizes this event annually.

More Photos

Solomons Dragon Boat Festival

We were proud to be a Parade Sponsor at the 2018 Solomons Dragon Boat Festival. Thanks to everyone that came out to our table, greeted us during the parade, or rode with us as we provided shuttle service throughout the event!

More Photos

State Police Visit

Andy, Austin, and George visited the local State Police barracks and got to scope out their helicopter, Trooper 7.

Thanks to their direct support staff, Shalonda (behind the camera), for coordinating this. And thanks to the troopers for being so accommodating! What a fun trip!