today’s arc · stewart jacobson thelma jones jack molho jacqui russell mary stephney quinby...

12
Save the Date! Fish City Grill’s “1st Tuesday” Tuesday, August 4th 15% of food and drink revenue will be donated to The Arc Today’s Arc August 2009 Volume 8, Issue 8 Inside this issue: Mission, Vision, Board Members 2 Chairman’s Corner 3 Special Olympics Volunteer Training 7 Provider Showcase 8 August 2009 Calendar 10 Membership Form 11 The Arc Athletic Banquet Margo Pasko The Arc Athletic banquet for bowling and Special Olympics was held on Saturday, July 18, at the Sugar Land Community Center. Nearly 200 athletes, family members, and volunteers enjoyed delicious barbecue from Demeris Barbecue, rocked to the music of DJ Ben Avery and watched a wonderful slide show (created by Margo Pasko) of athletes and events from the 2008-09 season. Bowling coordinators Avis Goldy and Carolyn Spiceland presented trophies to members of the Saturday bowling league. Terry Moore presented trophies to the Special Olympics athletes and thank you gifts to the many volunteers who make these programs possible. The Arc presented a certificate of appreciation and gift certificate to Terry Moore in recognition of his contribution to the Special Olympics program. Larry Lobue and Debbie Eddlemon will join Terry as additional Heads of Delegation for The Arc’s Special Olympic program. Women’s High Series Men’s High Series

Upload: others

Post on 05-Aug-2020

0 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Today’s Arc · Stewart Jacobson Thelma Jones Jack Molho Jacqui Russell Mary Stephney Quinby Executive Director Laura LaVigne Education Advocate Cheryl Sewell ... available on our

Save the Date!

Fish City Grill’s “1st Tuesday”

Tuesday, August 4th

15% of food and drink revenue will be donated

to The Arc

Today’s ArcAugust 2009

Volume 8, Issue 8

Inside thisissue:

Mission, Vision, Board Members

2

Chairman’s Corner 3

Special Olympics Volunteer Training

7

Provider Showcase 8

August 2009 Calendar

10

Membership Form 11

The Arc Athletic BanquetMargo Pasko

The Arc Athletic banquet for bowling and Special Olympics was held on Saturday, July 18, at the Sugar Land Community Center. Nearly 200 athletes, family members, and volunteers enjoyed delicious barbecue from Demeris Barbecue, rocked to the music of DJ Ben Avery and watched a wonderful slide show (created by Margo Pasko) of athletes and events from the 2008-09 season.

Bowling coordinators Avis Goldy and Carolyn Spiceland presented trophies to members of the Saturday bowling league. Terry Moore presented trophies to the Special Olympics athletes and thank you gifts to the many volunteers who make these programs possible.

The Arc presented a certificate of appreciation and gift certificate to Terry Moore in recognition of his contribution to the Special Olympics program. Larry Lobue and Debbie Eddlemon will join Terry as additional Heads of Delegation for The Arc’s Special Olympic program.

Women’s High Series

Men’s High Series

Page 2: Today’s Arc · Stewart Jacobson Thelma Jones Jack Molho Jacqui Russell Mary Stephney Quinby Executive Director Laura LaVigne Education Advocate Cheryl Sewell ... available on our

Volume 8, Issue 8 Page �

The Arc of Fort Bend County Board of Directors 2009-2010

EXECUTIVE BOARDChairmanBarry Beard

Vice ChairmanGreg Hernandez

TreasurerKaren Daly

SecretarySandra Pierce

Past ChairmanMichael E. Casey

MEMBERS AT LARGE Mike CaseyRick CushenberryBecky GearyAvis GoldyPaul HardingStewart JacobsonThelma JonesJack MolhoJacqui RussellMary Stephney Quinby

Executive DirectorLaura LaVigne

Education AdvocateCheryl Sewell

Employment SpecialistMargo Pasko

Program DirectorNancy Dobert

Administrative AssistantNicole Castagnet Account ManagerJenny Schulte

Committee Assignments and Job Descriptions are available on our website

CORE VALUES1. Awareness: greater awareness about

individuals with disabilities increases understanding about the abilities of individuals with disabilities, and greater understanding increases opportunities for individuals with disabilities, so we work to achieve greater awareness to achieve greater understanding to expand opportunities.

2. Diversity: we must serve all individuals with mental retardation or related developmental disabilities and their families in this county.

3. Respect: we must be understanding of and sensitive to the concerns of individuals with disabilities about their identity and how we describe them.

4. Ownership: it is important to have community members serve on our committees and board, and support our association, but our association should remain an “individuals with disabilities and their families” organization.

5. Advocacy: with limited resources, if we become primarily or solely a provider organization, our association will never do more than make only a limited impact on the quality of life of a few individuals with disabilities.

6. Cooperation: advocacy and programs that benefit individuals with mental retardation and their families in many cases will also benefit individuals with other disabilities.

7. Good Stewardship: as an association, we must be fiduciaries of the talent and resources that our volunteers and community supporters entrust to us.

OUR GOALS

The Arc’s goals were chosen to be directed toward Mission and Vision and build on our strength and success.

I. The Arc will maintain an effective leadership team to insure the accomplishment of The Arc’s vision and mission.

II. The Arc will deploy outreach strategies that will increase community awareness of the needs of all Arc stakeholders.

III. The Arc will collaborate with existing transportation systems in Ft. Bend County to provide transportation that is reliable, safe and affordable.

IV. The Arc will collaborate with providers of job training and placement programs to improve quality and quantity of programs.

V. The Arc will provide programs and services which will directly improve the quality of life for its clients and their families.

VI. The Arc will implement sound fiduciary strategies that will increase financial stability and growth of the organization.

To Send a Special Tributeo In Memory of or o In Honor of

Pay tribute to a friend or family member while also supporting services and programs that benefit the Arc of Fort Bend County with your donation.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Person’s Name Occasion

Send acknowledgement to:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Name

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Address City, State, Zip

Please make checks payable to:The Arc of Fort Bend County

123 Brooks Street, Sugar Land, Texas 77478

OUR MISSIONThe Arc of Fort Bend County ensures opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to maximize their quality of life within our community.

Page 3: Today’s Arc · Stewart Jacobson Thelma Jones Jack Molho Jacqui Russell Mary Stephney Quinby Executive Director Laura LaVigne Education Advocate Cheryl Sewell ... available on our

Volume 8, Issue 8 Page �

Chairman’s CornerBarry Beard

Tuesday night we had a great meeting to kick off The Arc’s Special Olympics program for the coming year. One of the gratifying aspects of this meeting was the size of turn out, and the number of new volunteers. Our Special Olympics delegation has grown considerably over the years, requiring some tweaking of our organizational chart to more effectively accommodate the growth that has occurred and position us for the expected growth in the future. All of this was met with a great deal of enthusiasm, by the athletes and volunteers. There were constructive questions and informative comments that are necessary to improve any organization. One comment stood out to me regarding the budget. When we discussed the Arc’s commitment to a budget amount of approximately $57,000 for Special Olympics, the comment was made “that is not much money”. I knew what the person meant with their comment,

which was, for all the activities that are offered it would seem like it would have to cost more than $57,000. But it did cause me to think about all the hours of hard work from volunteers and staff, it takes to raise that much money. We don’t have access to TARP or bailout money. We have to raise funds the old fashion way; we have to work for it. It also made me think about the generosity of Fort Bend County and how proud I am to live in this wonderful community. Then I thought about all of the committed volunteers that make Special Olympics work; their contribution is priceless. Another word that was used in the presentation is “laugh”, which is something we all could do more, especially as we get bogged down with responsibilities and difficulties we need to find something to laugh about every day.

Warmest Regards,Barry

Executive Director’s MessageLaura LaVigne

Summer is not a time of relaxation for us at The Arc! June was busy with planning our annual Golf Classic; which was a wonderful success – thanks to the sponsors, golfers and faithful volunteers. The Annual Meeting and Awards Program was June 29th at the lovely, new Brazos Building at U of H Sugar Land Campus. Judge Susan Lowery installed our 2009-10 Board of Directors before we recognized numerous businesses, community members and families for their support of The Arc’s mission.

July was eventful with Board Orientation, hosted by Ft. Bend Country Club; the Athletic Banquet, held at Sugar Land Community Center; and our first Special Olympics Volunteer/Athletes meeting held at George Library in Richmond. See pictures of all these events throughout this newsletter.

Tuesday, August 4th is “First Tuesday” at Fish City Grill at Sugar Land Town Square. The Arc will receive 15% of the total day’s sales. Come have lunch or dinner – bring your family or co-workers and enjoy a great meal (while you support The Arc).Amy Mizcles, Director of Governmental Affairs, Arc of Texas, will attend our August 17th Board meeting to present a summary of the 81st Legislative session and how we can continue our legislative advocacy in the upcoming year.

Be on the lookout for our new, improved and easier to navigate web page! We have been working with “Click and Create” to design a user-friendly site, one that can highlight our programs and services while showcasing our accomplishments.

Have a safe Labor Day with friends and family.

Page 4: Today’s Arc · Stewart Jacobson Thelma Jones Jack Molho Jacqui Russell Mary Stephney Quinby Executive Director Laura LaVigne Education Advocate Cheryl Sewell ... available on our

Volume 8, Issue 8 Page �

The Arc’s Code of Ethics PolicyThe following is from the 2003 revisions to the Code of Ethics Policy. Duty to inform volunteers about the policyVolunteers at events or programs (e.g., the Western Dance, Special Olympics, bowling and other recreational activities) would be told about and charged with the duty to follow the policy by The Arc staff and officers who have an affirmative duty to insure that volunteers know about and comply with the policy. If Arc staff is not present at such programs or events but only volunteers, then the “lead” volunteer would have this duty to inform the other volunteers and insure compliance with the policy.

THE ARC OF FORT BEND COUNTY CODE OF ETHICS

I. Purpose of This Code of Ethics The Arc of Fort Bend County’s ability to carry out its mission is dependent in part upon its reputation and credibility, which are based on the good judgment, ethical standards and personal integrity of every individual associated with The Arc. As The Arc continues to serve the community, it is paramount that it conduct its activities in an ethical and responsible manner. We can do no less for the people we are helping in Fort Bend County. II. Scope of This Code of Ethics Limited to Conflicts Adversely Affecting The Arc The board of directors of The Arc recognizes that persons associated with The Arc have outside business, professional, personal and advocacy interests, and may have a wide range of personal beliefs, values and commitments. Such interests, beliefs, values and commitments are a conflict of interest if they prevent individuals associated with The Arc from acting in good faith for the sole benefit of The Arc in matters that may affect The Arc adversely. III. Persons to Whom This Code of Ethics Directly Applies The Arc’s board of directors adopts this Code of Ethics and directly applies it to members of the board of directors and its officers, committee members and chairs, and employees and staff (the “affected parties”). It is the responsibility of the affected parties to act honestly, ethically and in a fiscally responsible manner, and to exercise their best skill, care and judgment for the sole benefit of The Arc of Fort Bend County in matters that may adversely affect The Arc. IV. Notice of and Application of This Code of Ethics to Others Associated with The Arc Periodically but not less than annually, The Arc shall give notice of its policy in this Code of Ethics to other persons associated with The Arc, including volunteers and members of the association who are not “affected parties” as defined above. This notice shall be given by a method reasonably calculated to inform these others of the existence of and general description of this Code of Ethics, and that The Arc expects that persons associated with The Arc will comply with the Code of Ethics. Such notice may be given in the newsletter and may refer to the Code of Ethics that may be inspected at The Arc office, and offer to provide a copy of the Code of Ethics on request. Contractors and consultants who provide goods or services to The Arc shall in any contract or purchase order or similar document agree to comply with The Arc’s Code of Ethics, which either shall be attached to the contract or similar document, or the document or purchase order shall have stamped or typed on it a notice similar to “The Code of Ethics of The Arc of Fort Bend County applies to services provided under this agreement, and a copy will be provided on request.” V. Duty to Inform Volunteers Assisting at Events or Programs Volunteers of The Arc assisting at events or programs at which The Arc is a sponsor or the sole sponsor shall comply with this Code of Ethics, and it is the duty of The Arc’s employees or staff at such events or programs to insure that volunteers understand and comply with this Code of Ethics. In the absence of employees or staff of The Arc at such events or programs, the “lead” volunteer or person who coordinated The Arc’s involvement in or sponsorship of the event or program has this duty. VI. Policy Adopted In adopting this Code of Ethics, it is the established policy of The Arc to prohibit and forbid any unethical behavior or any material conflict of interest by an affected party adversely affecting The Arc. VII. Obligation to Act in Good Faith Affected parties shall exercise the utmost good faith in all matters touching on their association with The Arc of Fort Bend County and its programs, services and properties. In their dealings with and on behalf of The Arc, affected parties are held to a strict rule of honesty and fair dealing between themselves and The Arc, and shall not use their position or knowledge gained because of the position to create or further a conflict of interest which may affect The Arc adversely. VIII. Obligation to Act for the Benefit of The Arc All actions of affected parties shall be for the sole benefit of The Arc of Fort Bend County in any dealings that may affect The Arc adversely. Affected parties shall avoid directly or indirectly participating in any discussion, arrangement, agreement, investment or other activity which could result in a personal benefit, or benefit another organization at the expense of The Arc’s interests. IX. Prohibition on Soliciting or Accepting Benefits Unless Agreed No affected party shall solicit or accept any payments, gifts, loans, services, favors or any other thing of value in the performance or conduct of

Page 5: Today’s Arc · Stewart Jacobson Thelma Jones Jack Molho Jacqui Russell Mary Stephney Quinby Executive Director Laura LaVigne Education Advocate Cheryl Sewell ... available on our

Volume 8, Issue 8 Page �

The Arc’s Code of Ethics Policy Cont’dtheir association with The Arc from any vendor, contractor, consumer, family member, relative, guardian, volunteer, staff member, employee or other person or entity doing business, seeking to do business, associated with or seeking to be associated with The Arc, excepting only the agreed compensation and benefits received by the affected party as part of a contract or employment agreement. X. Required and Prohibited Conduct All affected parties shall: 1. Maintain confidentiality regarding consumer, personal, family, member, volunteer, donor and other private or sensitive information and

records, including The Arc’s business records and information. 2. Refrain from the illegal use of alcohol or use of illegal drugs while on any property or facility of The Arc of Fort Bend County. 3. Refrain from sexual harassment, which includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical

conduct of a sexual nature. 4. Refrain from harassment and/or discrimination against individuals based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual

orientation, marital status, age, veteran status, illnesses or disabilities. 5. Refrain from attempting to influence others with personal or religious beliefs or political advocacy or values unrelated to the mission or

goals of The Arc while engaged in the performance of conduct or activities associated with or on behalf of The Arc of Fort Bend County, except that affected parties may be advocates for and attempt to influence others with beliefs or values that are part of the mission and goals of The Arc of Fort Bend County, The Arc of Texas or The Arc of the United States.

6. Refrain from soliciting business from staff or employees of The Arc of Fort Bend County. 7. Refrain from seeking preferential treatment in the operations or activities of The Arc of Fort Bend County, including in employment,

consumer services or business relationships. 8. Refrain from establishing relationships with The Arc of Fort Bend County’s consumers and their families, and staff and employees, that

are intimate, sexual or personal in nature to an extent that impairs the ability of the affected party to objectively perform the activities or tasks for The Arc, or that gives the appearance of providing preferential treatment.

9. Refrain from any illegal or unethical behavior which diminishes an individual’s or The Arc’s reputation or credibility. 10. Refrain from soliciting, attempting to secure, or securing any compensation or benefit for an immediate family member, other than

reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, and refrain from accepting a position as or serving as an officer, director, employee or staff if an immediate family member holds or accepts any of those positions, and for these purposes an “immediate family member” is a spouse, former spouse, parent, stepparent, sibling, stepsibling, child or stepchild; however, it is not a violation of this specific provision for immediate family members to hold positions as committee members or chairs if the first family member holds a position as an officer, director, employee or staff.

XI. Prohibition Against Participation in Actions or Decisions, and Required Disclosure No affected party shall participate by discussion, voting or any other action taken by the board of directors or any committee of the board in the adoption of or the defeat of a motion or resolution that relates to any matter with a person or entity for whom the affected party is utilized as an employee, volunteer, officer, director, trustee, or receives compensation or benefits, or otherwise has a significant interest. In cases in which any such matter may be discussed at a meeting, the affected party shall disclose any such interest promptly, and shall not participate in any vote on such matter even if the presence of the affected party is necessary to constitute a quorum, and at the discretion of the chair of the meeting the affected party shall leave the meeting during discussion and voting on the matter. XII. Disclosure of Potential Conflicts Before Beginning Association with The Arc All affected parties shall, before beginning or consummating any association or activity or agreement with The Arc of Fort Bend County, make a full disclosure of all facts that may be perceived to violate this Code of Ethics, or may be perceived to be a conflict of interest, to the Audit Committee, a standing committee of the board of directors, so an objective assessment may be made about whether such association or activity violates this Code of Ethics. XIII. Acknowledgement of Receipt of Code of Ethics Each affected party shall, initially upon beginning an association with The Arc of Fort Bend County and then annually, sign an acknowledgment of receipt of a copy of this Code of Ethics with a full disclosure of all facts known to them which may be perceived to be a violation of this Code of Ethics so an objective assessment may be made before beginning the association with The Arc and periodically during the association. XIV. Procedure for Determination of Conflicts and Enforcement of Code of Ethics The Audit Committee of The Arc of Fort Bend County, a standing committee of the board of directors, shall at the first reasonable opportunity following the receipt of information about any perceived violation of this Code of Ethics or any perceived conflict of interest that may adversely affect The Arc, review and investigate that information so an objective assessment may be made as to whether The Arc is adversely affected, and then report its findings and any recommendations to the board of directors of The Arc so that the board may take such action as it may deem appropriate.

This Code of Ethics was adopted by the board of directors of The Arc of Fort Bend County on May 19, 2003.

Page 6: Today’s Arc · Stewart Jacobson Thelma Jones Jack Molho Jacqui Russell Mary Stephney Quinby Executive Director Laura LaVigne Education Advocate Cheryl Sewell ... available on our

Volume 8, Issue 8 Page �

The Arc Receives Donation From Rosenberg Lions Club

On Wednesday, July 15, the Rosenberg Lions Club presented The Arc of Fort Bend County with a check for $500. The Arc was one of many non-profit organizations receiving donations that day. The Lions Club is a service organization dedicated to serving its community by finding people in need, and meeting those needs in an efficient but caring way. The Arc of Fort Bend is grateful to be a recipient of the good works of the Lions Club.

Front L-R: Jill Duban, Common Threads; Jess Stuart, T.W.Davis/YMCA; Manuela Arroyos, Fort Bend Seniors; Rita Sosebee, Rainbow Room Back L-R: Margo Pasko, ARC of Fort Bend Co.; Barbara Stegmann, NAMI-Fort Bend; Nancy Brown, Helping Hands; Mike Geary, Special Olympics; Carol Edwards, Fort Bend Family Health Center; Kathryn Sanders, Fort Bend Co. Womens Center.

More Athletic Banquet Pictures

Women’s High Series Men’s High Series

Rudy Vasquez and Chanta Burton. Aniecia Mouton and Christopher Scott dance the cupid shuffle.

Amy Crane Karen Penrod and friends dance.

Page 7: Today’s Arc · Stewart Jacobson Thelma Jones Jack Molho Jacqui Russell Mary Stephney Quinby Executive Director Laura LaVigne Education Advocate Cheryl Sewell ... available on our

Volume 8, Issue 8 Page �

2009 Annual Meeting & AwardsSpecial Recognition

Minute MaidDemeris BarbecueFive-Star FoodsPaul Detmore

Educator of the YearJonika Sandersen

Vera WehringKathy Goodman Kay Slack Beard

Larry Sharp Service AwardCrain Zamora

Community AwarenessGeoffrey Nesossi

Advocacy AwardDr. John Zerwas

Employee of the YearBridget Stephney

Lyle Woodruff

Employer of the YearQuail Valley Golf Course

Beverly Daigle – Salt Grass Steak HouseKay Hardee – Lil Saints Daycare

HEBWayne Croft – FunTiki

Family of the YearThe Cushenberry Family

James Patterson Volunteer AwardBob & Carol Brown

Chairman’s AwardKevin Barker

Charlie Huber Jr.

Barbara Penrod AwardMilton & Marian Wright

Brad Cain and Mike Casey Charlie Huber and Mike Casey Kay Slack Beard and Laura LaVigne

Marian & Milton Wright with Becky Geary James Patterson with Carol & Bob Brown Jonika Sandersen with Cindy Villareal and her daughter Lexi

Page 8: Today’s Arc · Stewart Jacobson Thelma Jones Jack Molho Jacqui Russell Mary Stephney Quinby Executive Director Laura LaVigne Education Advocate Cheryl Sewell ... available on our

Volume 8, Issue 8 Page 8

Special Olympics Volunteer TrainingLaura LaVigne

On Tuesday, July 21, more than 60 people attended a meeting at the George Memorial Library to learn about the reorganization of The Arc’s Special Olympics program. The audience consisted of athletes, coaches, volunteers, family members, and Arc board members. Board Chair Barry Beard reaffirmed The Arc’s commitment to expand and support a quality Special Olympics program in all respects, including providing additional financial support if needed. Laura LaVigne reviewed the division of responsibilities between three Heads of Delegation and explained how this division will lighten the load of planning and the paperwork required by SOTX. She described the plans for securing local coaches who are available to regularly coach their team players on skill development and then finish the season at State Games.

Larry Lobue, Area 22 Training Director and the new Head of Delegation for aquatics and softball, presented a PowerPoint slide show detailing the mission, philosophy and status of Special Olympics. Debbie Eddlemon, Head of Delegation for bowling and volleyball, and Terry Moore, Head of Delegation for track and basketball, described their future sports schedules.

Additionally, The Arc of Fort Bend County is providing training for all volunteers who will be involved with our Special Olympics delegation during the 2009-10 program year. This mandatory, two-hour training session will cover “Protective Behaviors” and “Positive Behavior Supports”. All volunteers must attend. Participants will meet the SOTX requirements for “Protective Behaviors” training and will learn tools for disciplining with dignity. The training will be offered twice; volunteers may choose which session to attend.

Training Session ISaturday Morning, August 15, 2009 10:00 AM - 12:00 PMRoom 2B of the George Memorial Library, Richmond, TX

Training Session IIThursday Evening, August 27, 2009 7:00 P.M.- 9:00 P.M.Sugar Land Community Center

There is no need to pre-register for the training. If you cannot attend either of these sessions, but would like to volunteer, call Margo Pasko at 281-494-5928.

Special Olympics Magnets

Larryn Lobue and Kyle Eddlemon spent an afternoon making refrigerator magnets advertising the Special Olympics Information Line: 281-494-5941

Page 9: Today’s Arc · Stewart Jacobson Thelma Jones Jack Molho Jacqui Russell Mary Stephney Quinby Executive Director Laura LaVigne Education Advocate Cheryl Sewell ... available on our

Volume 8, Issue 8 Page �

Mosiac HCS ProviderCheryl Sewell

The Arc does not endorse, promote or recommend any particular person, place, therapy, institution, professional system or service. Our desire is to bring together families and those interested in meeting the needs of persons with disabilities. Please call to discuss your issues, concerns, wants and needs and perform “due diligence” when seeking a service provider.

Mosaic ( www.mosaicinfo.org ) was formed July 1, 2003, by the consolidation of two Nebraska-born Lutheran ministries dedicated to the needs of people with disabilities. Bethphage began in 1913 in Axtell, Neb., and Martin Luther Homes began in 1925 in Sterling, Neb. Mosaic now has locations in 14 states, supports more than 3,500 individuals with disabilities and has over 5,000 employees. You would not think Mosaic was that large if you were to visit their workshop in Alvin, Texas – a smallish building which serves only 22 individuals. They accept HCS, contracts with other providers and “private pay.” Of course, as an HCS provider, Mosaic must provide the services that are required by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) such as Case Management, Children’s Services, Day Services, Host Homes/Foster Care, Residential services, Senior Supported Living, Supported/Intermittent support, Supported Employment and Affordable/Accessible Housing.

I spoke with Tracey Tims, Mosaic’s Associate Director. Tracey began working in this field in 1992 in West Columbia in an ICF-MR facility. She has also worked at the Richmond State School and ML Homes. She has worked with seniors and persons with Alzheimer’s, as well. Tracey worked her way up in the ranks - direct care, supervisor of direct care staff, training coordinator and associate director. Her mother and sister work in special education departments and are both foster care parents. Tracey indicated that it is against Mosaic’s policy to hire employees who are also foster care parents, due to possible conflict-of-interest issues.

Mosaic does not have any group homes in Alvin or this area at the present time as the families they serve have elected to become foster care providers. Tracey also indicated that although they previously served a few families in Fort Bend County, they do not currently. This could be due to the 45 minute drive to the workshop in Alvin, However, Tracey indicated the individuals that Mosaic served in Fort Bend did not necessarily have to drive all the way to Alvin daily - that Mosaic works with families to provide the services that the individual needs. For example, one FBC family elected to drive to Alvin once a week and then Mosaic paid for a staff person to go to the family’s home 4 days/week to take the individual on community outings. For another individual living in Fort Bend, Mosaic contracted with another HCS provider to provide day habilitation services to the individual at a location closer to the family.

Mosaic charges only $20 per day for individuals who are paying “privately.” If you do the math, this comes out to a little over $3.33 per hour for 6 hours. Tracey Tims indicated that Mosaic has never shown any profit by providing day activity facilities, but that the individuals’ quality of care has never been compromised and they are proud of the dedication and energy of all of their employees. The individuals enjoy lots of community outings to the movies, shopping, bowling, and the beach to name just a few, and computer/exercise/academic classes in the building. The individuals are involved with Special Olympics and some adult social recreation activities through The Arc of the Gulf Coast. Mosaic sponsors a “family trip” at least once per year. This year 55 people will get to ride on a charted bus to the Casino Coushatta Resort in Louisiana for about $20/person.

Tracey indicated that one or two of the individuals that Mosaic serves are attending college using a “Pell Grant” and with funding assistance from DARS. One individual attends Alvin Community College. ACC has provided a tutor/note taker and “buddy” for the individual, plus an MP3 player so that the lectures can be recorded and played back later. The individual attending ACC has MR and is taking “the basics” such as English, reading and math. Another individual with MR, who apparently has exceptionally good drawing skills, has been accepted into the drafting program at the College of the Mainland in Galveston.

For more information about Mosaic, please contact Tracey Tims at (281) 388-2292 and visit their website at www.mosaicinfo.org.

Page 10: Today’s Arc · Stewart Jacobson Thelma Jones Jack Molho Jacqui Russell Mary Stephney Quinby Executive Director Laura LaVigne Education Advocate Cheryl Sewell ... available on our

Volume 8, Issue 8 Page 10

1SO Coaches Training (AQ, VB, SB, BO)

2 3 4“1st Tuesday”SO - Softball Practice

5SO - Aquatics Practice

6 7Texas Advocates Conference

8Texas Advocates ConferenceSO - Softball Practice

9Texas Advocates Conference

10 11SO - Softball Practice

12SO - Aquatics Practice

13 14 15SO - Volunteer Training

16SR - Burgers and Karaoke

17Arc Board of Directors Meeting

18SO - Softball Practice

19SO - Aquatics Practice

20 21Dance at St. Theresa’sSO - Aquatics Area Swim Meet Entries Due

22SO - Softball Practice

23

30

24

31

25SO - Softball Practice

26SO - Aquatics Practice

27SO - Volunteer Training

28 29SO - Softball Practice

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

August 2009

1 SO Coaches Training (AQ,VB,SB, BO) 10:00a.m. - 1:00p.m. LaPorte, TX4 “1st Tuesday” 11:00 a.m. - 10:00p.m. Fish City Grill SO - Softball Practice 6:00 p.m. - sundown Dulles field5 SO - Aquatics Practice 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Lamar Natatorium7 Texas Advocates Conference Irving8 Texas Advocates Conference Irving SO - Softball Practice 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Location TBD9 Texas Advocates Conference Irving11 SO - Softball Practice 6:00 p.m. - sundown Dulles field12 SO - Aquatics Practice 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Lamar Natatorium15 SO - Volunteer Training 10:00 a.m - 12:00 p.m. George Memorial Library16 SR - Burgers and Karaoke 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Safari Texas 17 Arc Board of Directors Meeting 6:00 p.m. The Arc Office 18 SO - Softball Practice 6:00 p.m. - sundown Dulles field19 SO - Aquatics Practice 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Lamar Natatorium21 SR - Dance at St. Theresa’s 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. St. Theresa’s Catholic Church SO - Aquatics Area Swim Meet Entries due Area 22 Office22 SO - Softball Practice 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Location TBD25 SO - Softball Practice 6:00 p.m. - sundown Dulles field26 SO - Aquatics Practice 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Lamar Natatorium27 SO - Volunteer Training 7:00 p.m. - 9:00p.m. Sugar Land Community Center29 SO - Softball Practice 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Location TBD

Page 11: Today’s Arc · Stewart Jacobson Thelma Jones Jack Molho Jacqui Russell Mary Stephney Quinby Executive Director Laura LaVigne Education Advocate Cheryl Sewell ... available on our

Volume 8, Issue 8 Page 11

Membership Form Date:

Please indicate New Member Renewing Member

Member Name:

Address:

City/State/Zip:

Home Phone: ( ) - Cell Phone: ( ) -

E-mail Address:

I am a: Family Member Person with Disability Interested Citizen Professional who works in the Disability Field

Indicate the age of person with a disability: 0-12 13-22 23-54 55+

Optional:

Preference for Volunteer Opportunities: Committee Member Fund Raising Office Support Special Olympics & Bowling

Membership Levels: Individual with Disability Membership $10.00 Individual Membership $25.00 Family Membership 2nd Member Name $40.00 Corporate Membership $100.00 Additional Tax Deductible Donation $ If you wish, you may donate to a specific program:

Bowling Education/Employment Self-AdvocacySocial Recreation Special Olympics Transportation

Total Amount Enclosed $

Mail form and payment to: The Arc of Fort Bend County 123 Brooks Street OR Join Online at www.arcoffortbend.org.Sugar Land, Texas 77478

The Arc of Fort Bend County is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization.

* Solely to help us know if we are serving our entire community, please check below:

American Indian/ Alaskan Native Asian/ Pacific Islander Black/ African American

Caucasian Hispanic Other

The Arc of Fort Bend County ensures opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to maximize their quality of life within our community.

Page 12: Today’s Arc · Stewart Jacobson Thelma Jones Jack Molho Jacqui Russell Mary Stephney Quinby Executive Director Laura LaVigne Education Advocate Cheryl Sewell ... available on our

Volume 8, Issue 8 Page 1�

The Arc of Fort Bend County123 Brooks StreetSugar Land, Texas 77478Phone: 281-494-5959Fax: 281-494-5960

Non-Profit OrgUS Postage

PAIDSugar Land TX Permit No 19

Calling All TwentySomethings!The Arc is looking for clients and Arc supporters who were born between 1980 through 1988! We would like to introduce you and your families to a new social/recreation age-level group, TwentySomethings. We’re responding to requests from current and potential clients for activities with age-level peers for clients who have recently left the school system. Please e-mail us at [email protected] to get on our mailing list.

Examples of activities that will be coming soon:Burgers and karaoke

Fun-Tiki lunch and gamesIncredible Pizza lunch and games