A Message from Chief Development Officer
Susan Vanscovich
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Culture of Giving
Creating a culture of philanthropy at a nonprofit organization is critical and it begins with ensuring that there is a solid understanding of why there exists a need to fundraise, what the funding needs are and how those funds that are raised impact the organization's mission and the individuals being served.
The greatest obstacle for The Arc of Chester County remains the single payer system in which it operates. Many of the services and programs offered by The Arc are executed through a state set reimbursement rate determined by state. These rates are not negotiated or adjusted annually and for some of our services, these state set rates have been reduced and none have been adjusted for inflation. Three of our Arc programs are currently operating at a deficit because it requires more money to provide the services to individuals with disabilities than the state is reimbursing. There are also unfunded positions like having a registered nurse onsite to support our medically fragile children.
As a result, there remains a budget gap of approximately $650,000 annually that needs to be raised through grants, annual appeals and events like the Annual Bubble Walk & Fun Day. Thankfully, The Arc has many donors and agency partners who support our mission through philanthropy and we work very hard to attract more and more every day. Those who contribute a gift of at least $25 annually through various ways of giving are Arc of Chester County Members e: Arc of CC Membership.
Another way Arc of Chester County donors and agency partners can help is by supporting our Annual Bubble Walk & Fun Day which will be held this year on Sunday, May 21st at 11 am in West Goshen Community Park. This year, we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of this historically fun and successful event and expect to host 350 participants. Come out and join the fun and help us to raise $125,000 this year! Click for more information: Annual Bubble Walk & Fun Day.
If you are able, please support our philanthropic efforts to ensure that individuals with disabilities and their families are getting what they need to live quality, healthy and fulfilling lives. There are many ways to support The Arc of Chester County.
With gratitude,
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Susan Vanscovich
Chief Development Officer
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The Arc Spotlight
The Arc Preschool...a home away from home.
The Arc of Chester County’s Preschool is one of the only classroom-based inclusive early intervention private programs in Chester County with a nurse on-site ever day serving both children with and without disabilities. Our inclusive and nurturing preschool is part of The Arc’ Children's Early Learning Service Program (CELSP). It was started in 1962 and 60 years later, remains the longest running Arc program helping thousands of children to reach their goals and achieve milestones. We would like to share the O'Leary Family's' story and their experience at The Arc of Chester County Preschool.
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How did you find out about The Arc of Chester County?
We were looking for a place to send the girls for preschool, and we were finding it to be challenging to find a preschool that could accommodate our daughter Paige, who has cerebral palsy. During COVID, Paige went to The Arc for speech, and we were introduced to The Arc's Preschool that is in the same facility.
Why did you choose The Arc of Chester County for Paige and Charlotte?
We had toured several preschools in the area, and when we visited The Arc, it instantly felt like the right place for our children. We brought Charlotte and Paige with us when we visited, and when they met Ms. Tina, they wanted to attend The Arc. We felt that The Arc best emulated the values that we teach in our own home, and also gave them a good foundation to begin their early education.
How has The Arc of Chester County supported your children’s needs as well as your family’s?
COVID-19 has made so many things more difficult. For our family, not being able to walk the girls into school everyday created a bit of anxiety for both us as parents, and our daughters. From their first day, The Arc staff made us feel comfortable leaving the girls in their hands, and included us in as much as possible. Paige has a lot of mobility needs, and The Arc has always been a partner in ensuring that Paige was in an environment that was most conducive to her success. The Arc was effectively able to balance her school day and in-school therapies to ensure she didn't miss out on fun activities. She also was afforded the opportunity to have a Personal Care Assistant (PCA), and she has been wonderful. Tana, Ms. Tina, and Ms. Ellen work in harmony to ensure that Paige has the support she needs; as a parent, that is priceless. It was recommended that we separate the girls this year in different classes, and it was the best recommendation that could have been made. Charlotte was able to flourish and she felt supported to excel in different subjects such as reading and writing. No matter how many children were in each class, the staff at The Arc always made Suzanne and I feel that our children were the only two, always communicating with us, and showing our children love and attention.
Would you recommend The Arc of Chester County to others and why?
We absolutely would, and have recommended The Arc to people who are looking for a place to send their children for early education. Your staff, the personal touch, love, and attention that you pay to each child that attends The Arc provides families with the peace of mind that is necessary when choosing the right preschool for your child or children. The Arc provides each child with a solid early childhood education, tailored to each child's individual need. As a parent, we always felt comfortable that our girls would be well-cared for, and well-educated. We will be forever grateful for the foundation provided to Charlotte and Paige by The Arc of Chester County.
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Urgent: The Governor's Proposed Budget Fails Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Their Families! TAKE ACTION NOW!
On March 7th, our newly elected Governor, Josh Shapiro, released his long-awaited budget proposal. It included $126.6 million to sustain current Community Participation Service (CPS) rates once the FMAP (Federal Medical Assistance Percentage) goes away, $3.4 million to provide day support to Life Share providers who work outside the home, $700K to expand telehealth services, a proposal to increase minimum wage to $15/hour and lastly $17.5 million to reduce the Intellectual and Developmental Disability waiting list with 850 new waiver slots. Sadly, no money was included in the budget to help financially reinforce the existing infrastructure in the system, specifically the Home and Community-Based Services that these individuals rely on to survive.
The current waiting list in Pennsylvania has over 12,000 people waiting for services and while we appreciate the funding support of 850 new individuals, it is likely that those who receive a waiver slot funding will join the hidden waiting list because they will be unable to get services. Our system is in dire need of financial support. Providers united to help the Governor understand how desperate the situation is and asked for $430 million to increase provider payments so they could pay DSP (Direct Support Professional) workers a more competitive wage and attract staff to the field. DSPs help our individuals with disabilities continue to survive whether at home with family or in their community living arrangements. No money was included in the budget to increase payment rates for these valuable home and community based services. Currently in Pennsylvania there is a 35% turnover rate for DSPs and a 20% vacancy rate. It is difficult to attract and keep quality staff working at the low wages that state set rates allow providers to offer and pay.
We need to continue to implore our legislators to support the $430 million dollar ask to be added to the Budget for Home and Community-Based Supports Services rates. This will allow providers to offer an immediate pay increase to the chronically underpaid DSPs. Better DSP starting wages can help providers compete with other job sectors as well as help those languishing without critical and essential services they need.
Please click on the link below and let our legislators know how important these services are to you, your family, your loved ones, and our community. Once again, thank you for your support as we continue to advocate for the necessary supports for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disability.
Look for additional alerts on the budget shortfalls for Early Intervention given the Governor's proposed budget failed to make the needed investments in these essential services and programs as well.
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The Arc of Chester County is thrilled to announce that our very own, Samantha Wolfe, has been chosen to receive the 2023 MAX Service Excellence Award, “Empowerment through Advocacy” presented by The MAX Association (Moving Agencies Towards Excellence).
Sam has worked with The Arc of Chester County for nearly two years as an Employment Training Specialist and knew that she wanted to work directly with individuals to make a difference. Sam assists adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to obtain and maintain competitive integrated employment in the community.
Sam brings a positive and fun energy to everyone she works with, is always offering her help to peers and bringing fun, new ideas to the team. Sam truly embodies what it takes to be honored with the 2023 MAX Service Excellence Award, Empowerment through Advocacy. We are very fortunate to have Sam Wolfe as a member of The Arc of Chester County team. Congratulations, Sam!
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Are you kind, energetic, and caring? Do you enjoy empowering and helping others? The Arc of Chester County is hiring for multiple positions. Full and part-time positions are available. Click the link below for this opportunity and others.
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April is Autism Awareness Month |
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Our Annual Bubble Walk & Fun Day is quickly approaching!
We have a fantastic day planned for the entire family.
Come out and enjoy Music, Dancing, Performances, Games, Bingo, Fire Trucks, Face Painting, BUBBLES and much much more!
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The Arc of Chester County's
Annual Membership Meeting
& Awards Ceremony
Wednesday, June 21,2023
6pm
900 Lawrence Drive, West Chester, PA
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Phone: 610-696-8090 Fax: 610-696-8300
900 Lawrence Drive, West Chester, PA 19380
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