March 2021 Agency Update
As we approach the one-year mark since COVID-19 entered our lives, we are reminded everyday of our mission at Liberty ARC -Together we support people with disabilities to achieve a quality of life each person values.. And we remain dedicated to that mission more than ever.
Gaining Her Independence & Friendship
Last August, Susan Roberts came to Liberty ARC after living with her mother for almost 55 years. Due to unforeseen medical conditions, Susan’s mother could no longer provide the care and support she needed, so Susan joined the Liberty ARC family.

Susan’s move to the agency initially took some adjusting; she came from an assisted living facility out of the county with her mother and was accustomed to having everything done for her. In her new home, she was encouraged to be more independent - she was shown how to do laundry and help around the house. She's also learned how to advocate more for herself and ask for what she wants.
"In the last six months, Susan has started to blossom and open up to show us her true, kind, caring self," Assistant Director Erica Krohn said. "Since she arrived at her new home, we have helped empower her to feel more confident and at ease. She really seems to be comfortable expressing who she is and what she wants in life."

 
Despite moving into a new home at an unprecedented time, Susan has jumped enthusiastically into all of the activities offered to her. She's been involved in every virtual ZOOM project with her housemates, and she's developed close friendships with everyone in her home.

"I have made a lot of friends," Susan said. "I really like it here."

Susan's independence increases daily, and she's learning to enjoy the freedom of making her own decisions. With this new found independence, Susan purchased an iPad with her own money and the assistance of staff - something she wanted to do for a long time.

Susan is excited for the COVID-19 pandemic to be over so that she can do her favorite activity with her new friends.

"I want to go shopping and buy new jewelry and see new faces," she said. "I want to go with my friends to the store."

Susan also can't wait to help out in her new community.

"Susan is a wonderful woman with so much to offer to both her peers and community," Erica said. "Once COVID is over, she is looking forward to getting out and helping those around her. It makes her feel good to be kind to other people."

"Susan seems genuinely happy in her new home," Erica said. "Her smile really does say it all. You can tell when someone is genuinely smiling or just doing it to be pleasant. Her smile is as genuine as it gets! Susan's smile will warm your heart!"
The Smiles Keep Coming!
500+ Liberty ARC Staff & Individuals Receive COVID-19 Vaccination

At the end of 2020, Liberty ARC started the coordination of COVID-19 vaccinations for our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and the individuals we support.

The inclusion of DSPs and individuals in the first round of vaccines came after months of advocacy and lobbying at the federal and state levels.

Since then, more than 500 staff and individuals have been vaccinated and many more are on the list to be vaccinated soon.
“I wanted to get the vaccine so that I could do my part to fight COVID,” Residential Manager Amy Stearns said. “I think it’s important for DSPs to get the first round of vaccinations because we cannot physically distance ourselves all of the time from the people we support. Many individuals require hands-on assistance and I don't want to risk getting someone that I provide care for detrimentally ill."
“I got the vaccine because the work we do is too important to not be at our best, physically and mentally,” Psychology Assistant Jeremy Purtell said. “I feel that the vaccine can provide staff, individuals, and individuals’ families some comfort, but more importantly, it can provide consistency in our staffing and supports...I feel a giant sense of relief and I realize we are extremely fortunate to have this opportunity to be vaccinated; many people are waiting months just to get on a list. I think the more people who get vaccinated, the sooner we can get back to full swing, and create growth for Liberty. I think the individuals we support and our staff are getting a sense of peace and a ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ feeling with every passing day now that this massive undertaking has been underway.”
“I just wanna say that getting this vaccine helped me during this pandemic,” Anthony Perez, a participant in the residential program, said “I got the vaccine to keep my family safe, and my niece safe, and my friends safe from COVID-19.”
Motivated. Celebrated. Dedicated.Vaccinated!
Liberty ARC purchased sweatshirts for employees who received the COVID-19 vaccination as a way to say thank you for keeping those around them safe from the virus.
Don't Forget to Buy Your Ticket for Liberty Foundation's 2021 Feather Your Nest Raffle!
This year's raffle drawing will be live-streamed on the Liberty ARC Facebook page.

Only 300 tickets sold! Buy your chances today!

All proceeds go to Liberty ARC.

Tickets can be purchased online here.

For more information please call (518) 954-3203.
Like & Follow the Liberty ARC Facebook Page for more stories and photos!
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