POUGHKEEPSIE – The Arc of Dutchess, an organization supporting people with disabilities in Dutchess County, has been awarded $59,500 in combined grants from the Trustee Management Board of NYSARC Trust Services to support the organization’s guardianship and recreation programs.
NYSARC Trust Services administers supplemental needs trusts (SNT) that can make dramatic improvements to the lives of people with disabilities while enabling individuals to maintain eligibility for public benefits programs, such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). For 2019, NYSARC Trust Services is proud to fulfill its commitment to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities by awarding a total of $2,933,000 in grants to The Arc New York Chapters statewide.
This year, The Arc of Dutchess received $44,500 to provide guardianship services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who would not otherwise have a legal guardian or advocate. Supported by chapter staff and dedicated community volunteers, The Arc of Dutchess guardianship program currently provides guardianship supports to seven people and is ready to assist nine more as a Standby or Alternate Standby Guardian. The guardianship committee plays a crucial role in life changing decision-making, including assisting individuals as they navigate complicated medical diagnoses and recommended treatment plans. In previous years, the Chapter received similar grants from NYSARC Trust Services, which allowed the Chapter’s guardianship committee to host two socials a year, purchase birthday and holiday gifts for those in the program, cover staff travel and training expenses and offset staff salaries.
NYSARC Trust Services also awarded $15,000 to The Arc of Dutchess to develop recreational opportunities to enrich the lives of the people supported by the organization. As with prior grants, the funds will be used to provide opportunities and supports to individuals who expressed the desire to attend various activities. These activities range from community events such as The Renaissance and Dutchess County Fairs, Broadway plays, visits to museums and aquariums, attendance at holiday formals, and vacations to Lake George, among others. Individuals also enjoyed several purchases including various games and art supplies, as well as equipment to create an exercise room.
NYSARC Trust Services administers first- and third-party supplemental needs trusts, pooled trusts for income and resource (asset) protection, and individual trusts. When protecting settlement proceeds with a NYSARC Community Trust, we can also administer Medicare Set-Aside (MSA) accounts. For more information, please call (518) 439-8323 or visit us online www.nysarctrustservices.org.
