1

MARC expands

to serve Sauk County On October 27, MARC staff and board president held an

open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the

launch of MARC’s prevocational and supported employment

services in Sauk County. Baraboo Mayor Mike Palm and

representatives from the state Division of Vocational

Rehabilitation (DVR), the Sauk county ADRC, the Family Care

managed care organization ContinuUs, and Include, Respect,

I Self-Direct (IRIS), the state self-directed supports program,

participated with exhibits and information about the options

to people with developmental disabilities in Sauk County.

MARC is offering pre-vocational education, on-the-job

training, and coaching in a community job of the consumer’s

choosing (where they will earn the same wages as their co-

workers).

“Making a clear choice about their career field and training

path can be a reality just as it is for any other member of the community. With hard work and

dedication, they will achieve their career goals and contribute gifts and talents to their

community,” said MARC Program Director Trish Vandre. “For all of us, our work life

Continued on next page….

The Voice

of Choice

Contents – Autumn 2014

MARC Sauk opens 1

Fall Fund Drive 3

MARC TV 4

Quality initiative 4

MARC East 5

MARC West 6

MARC RAC/RES 7

Mt. Horeb 11

Opinion 12

2

Contact MARC Sauk

You can reach MARC Sauk office

at (608) 355-6272.

Baraboo Civic Center, 124 Second

St., Baraboo, WI 53913-2474

…Continued from page 1

is an important part of our personal

identity and what makes life

meaningful. This is no less true for

the employees working with

MARC.”

MARC vocational specialists and

instructors spend time learning

about each individual’s personality,

likes, dislikes, talents and abilities.

They also assist each person in

determining the type of work they

are interested in doing, what field

they are drawn to and in what type

of setting they prefer to work. Discovery of the areas where additional training needed is then

followed by classroom or hands-on instruction and practice in an actual work environment to

hone their new skills. By the time an employee approaches a potential employer in the

community, they are screened and ready to learn the specifics of their employer’s operations.

Depending upon the individual’s desire and abilities, a coach may continue to provide on-the-

job support even after hiring. This eliminates any need for specialized supervision by the

employer.

“It is an opportunity to do well by doing good,” said MARC Executive Director Russell King.

Employers who partner with MARC benefit from this ready workforce in a number of ways.

King said, “The company’s business image and standing in the community is enhanced. These

business leaders enrich their current staff’s work life, increase employee retention, decrease

hiring and training costs, and perhaps cash in on state and federal tax incentives – any and all

of which could boost the company’s bottom line.

With MARC, what’s good for business is also the

right thing to do.”

MARC services in Sauk County are funded through

the DVR, membership in the Family Care program

(via ContinuUs, Care Wisconsin or IRIS), or both.

Services may also be purchased privately by

individuals or families.

3

Support MARC!

You can send your donation to

either MARC at 901 Post Rd.,

Madison, WI 53719 or donate

online at www.marc-inc.org.

Inviting YOU to support MARC’s vital mission

The MARC 2014 Fall Fund Drive “YES I CAN” is underway! Won’t you help build a better

community for everyone by donating today?

“Yes I can!” We hear that often in our programs. We hear it from our participants with

developmental and intellectual disabilities when experiencing the warmth of friendship, the

empowerment of learning, the joy of having even a modest job, or operating a small micro-

enterprise. “Yes I can,” inspires dreams, transforms lives and deepens our resolve to support

that exclamation.

Such are the miracles that you make happen at MARC. Now in its sixth decade, MARC continues

to expand its programs and services to the community. Without you, we could never have

achieved so much, and your support will write the next

chapter of our amazing story.

MARC relies on the generosity of individuals and

businesses for support, and we need you to join the

hundreds who have sent MARC a donation. You have

the power to help us achieve our shared goals.

It’s not MTV – it’s MARC TV!

In partnership with Channel CW 57, MARC has produced a series of TV commercials featuring

supported employment and the benefits to employers and participants. Each commercial

features a specific benefit including: the high retention rates of people with disabilities in

community jobs; how diversity is enhanced in the workplace by employing a person with a

disability; how our clients are screened, trained, and coached prior to placement in a position in

the community; and how people

with disabilities have a positive

impact on the work environment.

We also shot a fifth commercial

about MARC in general and the

comprehensive services we offer.

Continued on next page…

4

Ryan (l) and Patrice (r) enjoy the MARC East trip to the

Mayer Farm in October. See page 5 for the story.

….Continued from page 3

The commercials are airing up to 50 times a month exclusively on Channel CW 57, but you can

find them on Youtube, the MARC web site (ww.marc-inc.org) and the MARC Facebook page.

The more employers find out about the many benefits of employing people with disabilities the

more likely they are to make inquiries and take action on hiring. They will see how many

success stories there are and how employers can build a better community by employing

people with disabilities. Feel free to share the links as widely as you like:

http://youtu.be/YXSEox7wpnU

http://youtu.be/Cq_a_dvscRM

http://youtu.be/DqE71jIsmYM

http://youtu.be/45XXH4r44Mw

http://youtu.be/EFPbXp9wGPo

MARC joins cutting-edge national quality initiative

As MARC is a cutting edge vocational service agency serving people with disabilities, we have

undertaken a new initiative designed to measure the effectiveness of our work against

published national standards and best practices. The measurement of effectiveness for

agencies like MARC is the first of its kind in the US. The program -- called “Quality Work

Environment” (QWE) -- is directed by the US AbilityOne Commission.

QWE is a goal-setting process aimed at maximizing the potential of employees with disabilities

by focusing attention on four key

areas:

enhancing wages;

providing opportunities for

work of choice;

creating collaborations and

links to community resources;

and maintaining supports

and flexibilities in the work

environment.

Progressive agencies that

participate choose to have a

Continued on next page….

5

The new MARC East’s outdoor space gives us all – including

Larry (l) and Tami (r) -- a chance to make the most of

Wisconsin’s summer.

….Continued from page 4

SourceAmerica consultant facilitate an agency’s self-assessment. The MARC management team

participated in a self-assessment measured against accepted standards and developed a

strategic action plan to improve areas needing further attention or resources. We learned

where we excel, and where we wish to improve.

This year-long process of quality improvement and program participation will result, if

successful, in MARC receiving an AbilityOne/SourceAmerica certificate of achievement that

provides those we serve with added assurance of MARC’s high-quality service.

MARC East

Making the most of a beautiful season!

The summer months were even

more enjoyable this year at MARC

East thanks to the gorgeous outdoor

space we now have to enjoy. Many

clients and staff had the opportunity

to be outside, swinging, playing ball,

riding the three-wheeled bikes, and

going for walks on the paved path.

As the seasons change, we are

enjoying the view of the fall colors

out the windows.

In preparation for a favorite holiday

– Halloween – the MARC East staff

pulled out the decorations,

including the client favorites “Dr.

Shivers” and “Little girl.” Everyone

at East enjoyed a Halloween celebration with pumpkin carving, costumes, and Boo Bingo.

A recent outing to the Mayer Farm was a great success! MARC participants rode the hay rack to

the pumpkin patch, visited animals, slid down the corn chute, and had lunch outside.

6

Richard (above) and Doug (below)

know how to get every last kernel of

fun from an October trip to the farm.

See the story on page 4.

MARC West

MARC staff spreads

the good news MARC West was recently featured on TV Channel CW 57.

The focus was on the importance of employment for

people with disabilities within the Madison area. Agnes

Meier and Randy Klein presented information how

MARC can best be used to help people with significant

disabilities. Channel 57 reaches homes in 11 counties in

south-central and south-west Wisconsin, including Dane

and Sauk counties. The episode of Talk of the Town can

be viewed at the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfpvio4mHW0

MARC West case managers Email is a very effective form of directly communicating.

Here are the email addresses of the case managers for

MARC West:

Yu Cheung Shum -- ycshum@marc-inc.org

Rhiannon Wiegel -- rwiegel@marc-inc.org

Margo Klassy -- mklassy@marc-inc.org

Kim Gobrecht -- kgobrecht@marc-inc.org

Agnes Meier -- ameier@marc-inc.org

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David (r) snaps a happy “selfie” with Gov. Scott Walker (l).

MARC RAC/RES

The governor joins

the Project SEARCH

graduation

Eight Project SEARCH interns

completed a year of internships

within the VA and UW Hospitals in

a ceremony held August 22. Each

intern spoke about his or her

accomplishments over the course

of the year, and was handed their

certificate by keynote speaker,

Gov. Scott Walker. Walker spoke about the success of Project SEARCH and mentioned MARC as

one of the key partners. A favorite picture from the event was David Keller’s “selfie” with the

governor! David is a big fan of the governor and was very excited about the visit.

New volunteers

The Recreation and Arts Center, at the MARC

Post Road location, has a few new volunteers.

Danielle and Justin, from Brightstar, volunteer

their unique talents on a weekly basis.

Danielle assists with bowling at Middleton

Sport Bowl once a week.

Justin volunteers twice a week. Wednesdays,

he takes individuals next door to the Jenny

and Kyle Preserve for some afternoon fishing,

and on Thursdays from 11:45 to 12:45 he can

be found playing his ukulele or banjo and

singing to a mesmerized crowd in the RAC.

At left, Sue and Eric get in the groove to

Justin’s musical talents.

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A day of service

MARC’s Post Road location in Madison was honored to be selected as a location for the High

Point Church’s “Day of Service” on October 18. A group of nine volunteers worked from 10 AM

to 4 PM, staying two hours past their scheduled time! They completed a number of badly

needed projects, including weeding the flower beds, painting the stairs, and painting the MARC

van. The group had a great time, and MARC was blessed by the generosity of their time and

talents.

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The Rhapsodie String Quartet, includes MSO Co-

Concertmaster Suzanne Beia, Principal Viola Christopher

Dozoryst, Principal Cello Karl Lavine and violinist Laura

Burns. These superb musicians make monthly visits to our

community partners, bringing a full season of activities to

residents and caregivers. Participants are engaged in music-

making and movement activities that are grounded in the

principles of music therapy.

HeartsStrings grant brings beautiful music to our lives

MARC Recreation and Arts Center

(RAC) has once again been awarded a

grant from HeartStrings. The grant

enables the Rhapsodie Quartet from

the Madison Symphony Orchestra to

play in the RAC once a month. Not

only is the music beautiful, it also

touches the hearts of the

participants: At the last performance.

in October, one MARC participant was

so deeply moved that tears were

rolling down her checks as she

listened to the music.

The Rhapsodie Quartet brings

together some of the brightest stars

of the Madison Symphony Orchestra.

United in their mission, the members

of the quartet create a fusion of

talent, passion and heart in their

performances.

Yahara Bay Distillery’s “Gallery Night”

puts spotlight on MARC artists

The gallery at Yahara Bay Distillery hosted an October fundraiser for artists of MARC. Open to

the public, as part of the MMoCA art walk, this event highlighted three exceptional artists with

creative abilities ranging from photography, to painting, to jewelry work. With MARC’s help, the

artists are able to own and operate their own business. All proceeds from the sale of artwork

from the gallery went directly to the business owner/artist. Continued on next page…

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…Continued from page 9

At the gallery opening, Yahara Bay Distillery

provided free tours of, and samples from, its

facility, along with appetizers, live music, and a

cash bar for guests, with a percentage of

proceeds going directly to the MARC program.

This was the most successful micro-enterprise event in MARC’s history, with sales for the three

artists topping out at more than $1,000. The Yahara Bay staff members were also pleased and

said they saw a lot of new faces at Gallery Night, so it was very good for their business. Yahara

Bay is committed to having MARC artists back.

MARC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

MARC can accept tax deductible donations. Such donations are typically used

to provide goods or services that would not otherwise be available.

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Muriel and Bill Olson (l) were thanked and honored by the

MARC Mt. Horeb community as the “roots” of the Tree of

Caring. Others who donate will have their names

engraved on the tree’s leaves. Also pictured are Russell

King, MARC executive director, and Trish Vandre, the

MARC Mt. Horeb director.

MARC Mt. Horeb

Celebrating inspirational members of the MARC family!

MARC Mt. Horeb held a Tree of

Caring dedication ceremony, October

14, in honor of two long-time

supporters, Bill and Muriel Olson. The

tree will serve as a way to hold the

Olson’s up as inspirational examples

and recognize donors to MARC Mt.

Horeb for generations to come.

Over several decades of service the

Olsons have provided incalculable

dedication of giving to the MARC Mt.

Horeb center. The Olsons’ financial

and material gifts not only made the

MARC Mt. Horeb building and

additions possible, they also

stimulated a successful hub of activity

for MARC Mt. Horeb’s day and

production services, supported

employment presence in the

community, and micro-enterprise client

ventures. The Olsons have served on

MARC boards and committees over the

years and have guided the organization to the success it has achieved. Both Muriel and Bill have

been outstanding community leaders in Mt. Horeb for generations, serving on numerous civic

and volunteer organizations too numerous to name.

MARC plans to duplicate the donor recognition tree display

at all MARC centers. The display will honor those

contributors who have make an impact on MARC and who

inspire others to help build a better community by

supporting programs and services offered by MARC.

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Cuts to existing consumers

Increases in Living Wage

The view from here

Eventually, this dog won’t hunt

Russell King, MARC executive director

It’s easy to get confused by how government budgets are created, debated and implemented. ,

Mr. X can say “We’ve increased the bottom line budget for DD.” Mr. Y can say “The budget for

DD has been cut by 23% over the past 10 years.” Oddly, both are telling the truth.

Example: New funding is budgeted for people living with developmental disabilities about to

graduate from high school – but not enough new funds are budgeted to cover those services, so

money is shifted from older people already receiving services to the younger folks.

Let’s say the DD budget is $100 this year and 50 people are being served. On average, each

participant has $2 available. The budget is increased to $110 for next year, but 15 new people

are to be served. Now – even though the total budget increased – each has only $1.69

available. Of course, it’s never equally divided. More likely, those 15 new participants will get

$2 each in services, leaving an average of just $1,60 for the rest.

But wait, there’s more! Part of that DD budget increase will pay for new government staff

positions, subsidies for the contract-mandated Living Wage, and other expenditures.

This year, despite a budget increase for DD, agencies like MARC are being told – at this writing -

to cut services to existing participants by almost half a million dollars ($135,000 in local funding,

plus $315,000 in federal matching dollars).

Hold on, there’s still more! The other way

dollars for DD services are “cut” is by diverting

them to the Living Wage, the minimum MARC

can pay. That direct diversion is never enough

to cover the Living Wage increase, and the

difference must be made up “somehow” by

agencies like MARC.

The chart here shows how funding for DD

services to existing participants has been cut by

roughly 23% over the past 10 years, and how

the Living Wage has driven up MARC’s

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2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Minumum wage

Living Wagemandate

Living Wagesubsidy

Hourly cost ofunfunded LivingWage mandate

“minimum wage” by more than 220% (not including benefits). See the widening gap between

the red line (money going out) and the blue line (money coming in)? In a very rough way, that

gap shows us what makes our current system unsustainable.

Think of it like a bathtub: So long as the water coming in via the faucet is equal to the water

going out via the drain, you can take your bath; but if the faucet stream grows weaker by the

minute, and water runs down the drain at a quickening pace, it won’t be long before you’re left

dry and dirty.

In 2014, MARC’s Living Wage earners will work just over 79,000 hours and earn just shy of

$900,000 (not including benefits). The Living Wage subsidy will be $12,900 – about 16 cents

per hour. The chart below compares the minimum wage to the Living Wage and the mandated

cost to MARC. In broad terms, the unfunded portion of the Living Wage mandate costs MARC

an average of $290,000 every year.

The point is not that MARC employees make too much – given the nature of their work, they

should be paid more – but that the DD budget funds used to “pay for” the Living Wage both

fails to pay for the Living Wage and denies services to people who depend on those services.

This dog won’t hunt. The tub is going dry. Choose your metaphor. The county has its own

challenges: Act 10 is a barrier; the county offers many vital services and those costs go up, too;

and serving people with developmental disabilities isn’t high on every politician’s priority list.

Because the people we serve need MARC’s services, and because the people MARC employs

need to make enough to live on, waiting for a political miracle simply isn’t a luxury we can

afford. And because there is no way to budget-cut our way into a more rational future, MARC is

looking to grow and create its way

forward. It’s not an easy task, and

it’s not a task that can be

accomplished by just a few: We

need everyone – MARC peer

organizations, brokers, families,

guardians, consumers, government

officials at all levels, employees,

board members, business partners,

donors and friends – to help us

imagine, analyze, plan and create.

Let’s start today.

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In this, the season of giving, please remember MARC

Gifts of cash

This is the way most donors support MARC. You can send your check to MARC at 901 Post Rd.,

Madison WI 53593 or use our online donation button on the MARC web site: www.marc-inc.org .

Corporate Giving

We are fortunate to have a number of Dane County businesses providing financial and professional

support in the form of underwriting, donation of services, and expertise. We greatly appreciate their

support. As we grow at MARC, our mission will broaden and there will be new opportunities for

businesses and MARC to work together for the community good.

In-Kind Donations

Many individuals and businesses choose to make in-kind gifts or donate professional services. This

enables us to direct more of our resources toward fulfilling our mission.

Gifts by Bequest

A bequest can be made through your will or trust and is the easiest way to make a planned gift. It

can be in the form of a specific amount, percentage, or residue and can be made in honor or memory

of a loved one. Using this method, you keep control of the assets during your lifetime and make the

gift upon death. These gifts will support the future mission of MARC.

Gifts of Stock

By making a gift of stock you can deduct the current fair market value as a charitable gift, avoid the

capital gains tax on the appreciation, and provide support to MARC at the same time. As with a gift

of cash, a gift or stock can be unrestricted or used to establish a life income arrangement such as a

charitable gift annuity or charitable remainder trust.

Charitable Gift Annuities A gift annuity is an agreement whereby the donor transfers assets, such as cash or appreciated

securities, to MARC (via the Madison Community Foundation). In return, the donor receives a

guaranteed payment for the rest of the donor’s life. Gift annuities, which are income-producing gifts,

are popular with donors because they receive a charitable income tax deduction, possible estate tax

savings, a fixed payment for life, some tax-free income for a period of time, and possible capital

gains tax savings. You can also make a gift now and defer having payments made to you until a

future date. This type of gift is called a deferred gift annuity. The rates are generally higher than the

rates on current gift annuities depending upon the annuitant’s age and the length of the deferral.

Retirement Plans and Life Insurance Did you know that you can set aside even a part of your

401(k) or life insurance policy as a gift to the MARC Inc.

or the MARC Foundation? It’s very easy to do.