March, 2025

Updates From Us

The new year brought a new budget and ongoing changes from ODP. Governor Shapiro’s proposed 2025/2026 budget has no increase in funding for ID/A services. In its current state it does put a focus on reducing the emergency waiting list, and that is a great initiative. Congressional leaders have proposed drastic federal spending cuts, with Medicaid facing some of the most severe cuts. If those spending cuts occurred it could threaten home and community-based services (HCBS), leading to longer waitlists and higher rates of institutionalization, putting individuals with I/DD at risk of losing critical support that allow them to live independently. I encourage you to contact your legislators to keep them informed of the importance of the services that you and your family members receive.

ODP’s Performance Based Contracting (PBC) is continuing forward, as well, as the Pay for Performance Initiatives. The initiatives include staff credentialing (training), increased community integrated employment, and increased technology within the residential group homes. If you have a family member residing in a group home, you would have received a letter from their Supports Coordinator explaining Performance Based Contracting. In the upcoming months we will begin to conduct family and individual surveys for our residential clients. We will be asking for your attention on ways we can improve our residential services, and ways we can serve you to achieve the life they want. We are always striving to improve the quality of the services we provide!

We at MCAR are looking forward to future challenges and the opportunity to continue our relationship with all of you. Our next Membership meeting will be March 25, 2025, at 7:30am at The Avalon. Please join us to listen to a speaker from PA Able and a presentation on our Community Participation Support services. Your input is a vital part to making changes happen.

Thank you for this opportunity to serve you,

Lyndsey Vogan, CEO

We would like to thank the following donors for their contributions to the Arc Foundation:

Mr. & Mrs. William Clair

Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Swanson

Mr. Epstein & Mary Anne Phillips

David Kaulen

Thomas J. Painter III

Gail Martin

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Beach

ANNUAL CAMPAIGN:

Michael & Nancy Barr

Tom & Shirley Libeg

IN MEMORY OF

Janet Goodrick:

Paula Uber

Tina & Joe Davies

Mary & Bob Grexa

Ginny & JR Miller

IN MEMORY OF

Michael Lucich:

Shirley Sisic

IN MEMORY OF

Carolyn McClure:

Dale & Loraine Merow

DONATE

Please Join MCAR in Welcoming the Newest Members to Our Team!

December, 2024

Andrew Cressman – Community Employment

Kimberly Ford – AWC

Marshawn Ford – AWC

Betty Gearhart – AWC

Elijah Harper – AWC

Ringo Simpson – Residential Program Worker

Nathan Tucker – Community Employment

Michael Vinci – AWC

Velvet Wade – Residential Program Worker

January, 2025

Melissa Arbogast – Residential Program Worker

Giosuè DeJulia – Residential Program Worker

Cameron Hollinshead – Residential Program Worker

La’Twonn Jordan – Residential Program Worker

Tierra Lee – LPN

Devin Miller – AWC

Ra’Keisha Sadler – Residential Program Worker

February, 2025

Robert Beck – Community Employment

Zoe Bucher – Hab Aide

Aislynn Collette – Residential Program Worker

Jabrayah Craft – Residential Program Worker

Jasmyne Edwards – Residential Program Worker

Stephanie Goudy – Residential Program Worker

Hailey Hauck – Residential Program Worker

Nakyra Hyman – Residential Program Worker

Kara Page – AWC

Emily Schultz – CPS

Thank you all for joining the team!

Brian Engelmore, Human Resource Director

Matthew Dietrich

I am honored to be the new Administrator of Residential Services here at MCAR. I have been with MCAR since August of 2023 in my previous position of Residential Program Specialist. I am a graduate of Youngstown State University and Reynolds High School. Before working at MCAR I worked several different in the social service field including working with at risk youth, drug and alcohol services, and the aging population in Mercer County. I have coached football at Reynolds High School since 2008. Since joining the team at MCAR I have enjoyed working with our individuals and with all members of our team. I look forward to working with our residential team to create and provide the best possible environment for our individuals.

Upcoming Events!

Mike Perrine

MCAR Community Employment Department would like to congratulate Mike Perrine on his new job at The Sharon Community Health Center. Mike has become a crucial member of the team and really enjoys seeing his coworkers. MCAR would also like to express our gratitude to Sarah Genet and Michelle Kohl for giving Mike the opportunity for employment and becoming great team members for Mike. This is Mike’s first job and is receiving supported employment with a job coach to be a successful member of their team. Great job Mike!

Ryan Maurice, Administrator of CE

Proud of you!

Amy Zerbe

February is about celebrating love and friendship. This will be the fifth year Amy Zerbe spreads love and kindness in her community with the assistance of her MCAR IH&CS staff Shannon R. It started in 2020, activities and events in the community were shut down due to covid. Amy missed exercising and seeing her friends at the buhl club and in her community. Staff suggested making cookies as an activity, and it grew from there giving her home-made snacks to soup kitchens, friends, churches and doctors’ offices along with baking dog biscuits for the local shelter. Amy learns essential skills such as following instruction, measuring, time management, and she has a sense of accomplishment with her MCAR IH&CS staff instruction and support.

Angela McMath,

Administrator of Hab. Aide

Compliance Connection

The Arc of Mercer County/MCAR Inc. prioritizes the privacy and confidentiality of all individuals it serves, as well as its employees. This commitment is deeply ingrained in the organization's operations and is reflected in its strict adherence to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations. These regulations provide a framework for safeguarding the use and disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI), ensuring that sensitive personal data remains confidential. The Arc of Mercer County understands that its employees are entrusted with this sensitive information and, therefore, holds them to the highest standards of confidentiality and security. Comprehensive policies and procedures are in place to actively prevent any unauthorized access, use, or disclosure of PHI or other confidential information, demonstrating the organization's proactive approach to data protection.

Doug Blazer,

Compliance Specialist

Cultural Diversity Committee

Women’s History Month

March is a significant month for celebrating diversity, primarily due to its designation as Women's History Month. This annual observance, officially recognized by the U.S. Congress in 1987, highlights the remarkable contributions women have made throughout American history. Each year, a Presidential Proclamation is issued, further emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and honoring these achievements. The purpose of Women's History Month extends beyond simple recognition; it also serves as a crucial period to address the historical underrepresentation of women in educational materials and historical narratives. By dedicating March to this cause, the nation aims to rectify this imbalance and ensure that the stories and accomplishments of women are given their due prominence.

Furthermore, March's focus on women is amplified by the global celebration of International Women's Day on March 8th. This internationally recognized day provides another platform to advocate for women's rights and equality, while also celebrating their social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. The convergence of Women's History Month and International Women's Day in March creates a powerful synergy, reinforcing the importance of gender equality and the ongoing pursuit of a more inclusive and equitable society. These combined observances serve as a reminder of the progress made, while also acknowledging the work that still needs to be done to achieve full equality for women across all aspects of life.

Doug Blazer,

Compliance Specialist

CPS Day Program Open House: A Celebration of Growth and Community

On Saturday, February 1st, the CPS Day Program proudly hosted an Open House, welcoming individuals, loved ones, family, friends, and community members to explore our newly renovated space. This event was an incredible opportunity for attendees to witness firsthand the enhancements made to our facility and to engage with our vibrant community. We were thrilled with the outstanding turnout, as many people came to show their support. Additionally, we had the privilege of meeting potential new individuals and family members interested in joining our CPS Day Programming at MCAR.

A highlight of the event was the educational and informative tours led by two of our CPS individuals. With confidence and grace, they guided guests throughout the building, showcasing the various improvements and offerings within our program. Their dedication and enthusiasm were truly commendable.

Among the notable renovations is our upgraded lounge and pool table area. This open-concept space features a brand-new pool table, already a favorite for friendly competition. Small tables provide a setting for card games, puzzles, and newspaper reading. A cozy couch and chairs invite individuals to relax, socialize, and reflect on their community experiences.

Our hallways have been beautifully adorned with photographs capturing individuals participating in both facility-based and community activities. These visual displays celebrate their engagement and accomplishments. Additionally, we have designated separate rooms for our Pre-Voc and Adult Training Facility (ATF) programs, allowing for a more individualized and structured environment. Adjacent to these spaces are three additional rooms: two serve as conference or learning areas, while the third is a lounge where individuals can enjoy interactive games such as Wii Sports.

The ATF program has introduced exciting new activities, including an indoor basketball hoop designed to enhance hand-eye coordination. Additionally, a small golf putting green offers individuals the opportunity to practice their posture and precision. Each morning, before the day's activities commence, multiple individuals can be seen honing their shots and putts, fostering both skill development and camaraderie.

Further renovations include updates to our sensory and one-on-one areas. The sensory room provides a tranquil retreat for those needing a break from daily stimulation. Equipped with soothing lights, calming sounds, and various textures, this space promotes relaxation and emotional well-being. The one-on-one area features multiple computers for those who enjoy digital activities, round tables for structured games, a foosball table, and more, ensuring an engaging and dynamic environment.

One of our most exciting additions is the MCAR Cafe, operated by individuals in our day program. This initiative offers participants the opportunity to learn about running a small shop, handling transactions, and developing essential life skills. Open to both individuals and staff, the cafe serves a selection of snacks and beverages. While enjoying their refreshments, we can watch the local news and engage in discussions about current events within their county.

Beyond the physical transformations, the most rewarding outcome of these renovations is the joy evident on the faces of our individuals. The CPS Day Program is more than just a facility; it is a welcoming, engaging, and enriching environment where individuals eagerly look forward to spending their days. The enhancements have not only improved our space but have also reinforced our commitment to providing a supportive and empowering community for all.

As we continue to grow and evolve, we remain dedicated to ensuring that the CPS Day Program is a place where individuals feel valued, engaged, and excited to participate every day. The success of our Open House was a testament to the strong sense of community and shared commitment to enhancing the lives of those we serve.

Kamala Sham, Day Program Specialist

What is the first thing you do when you get a cold, or your allergies act up, or you get a stomach bug? You treat the symptoms, maybe even schedule an appointment with your doctor, right? My point is you seek some kind of help to get you through your physical illness. Are you prepared to do the same thing if your mental health is suffering? Unfortunately, the answer is more than likely no, and with the current stressors of long hours and staffing crises both at MCAR and nation-wide it should be considered a priority. This added stress can take a toll and often, people shrug it off as though it is just what happens. Regardless, mental health IS health and needs addressed the same way as a fractured bone. If you are uncertain of the mental health services your insurance provides, there is no time better than today to find out. Remember, your health affects the individuals we serve, all health is both mental and physical.

If you or someone you know needs help, contact the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). They are there to assist callers Monday -Friday 10:00am to 10:00pm.

Allysen Byers, Clinical Director