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August 2019 Newsletter
As we try to come to the reality that summer is winding down; schools are opening up and soon we will face the cooler temperatures; we reflect on our accomplishments over the summer and plan for the fall season...

In early August I was able to go on Joe Condon’s radio show, Albany Street, with Kirk Lewis, CEO from Schenectady Arc. We talked about the importance of Direct Support Professionals (DSP) and the work they do. It was an excellent segment, and we are grateful for the opportunity to talk to a broader audience about what DSP do and how we need help in filling many positions. DSP are vital to the person they support playing roles of a life coach, counselor, community connector, medical assistance, wellness coach, and supporters of other daily living tasks. These skills are not easy to do as you also are working towards supporting a person in their life, not instructing the person in life. We focus more on the teaching of how to do something and let the individual do as much as they can for themselves, as that fosters independence and allows them to build skills of their own. We will continue to fight for better wages for all employees, in particular, the DSP. 

August was kicked off with our second annual Ice Cream Social recruiting event where we had 38 applicants attend. We currently are working through the process of hiring many of them. We then moved into our second annual Employee Night at the Joe Bruno Stadium where the rain held off and a great time was had by those who attended.   We are looking forward, in hopes to expand partnerships with local sporting and other activities, to give our employees opportunities for discount tickets. We brought August to a close working with Cap Com Federal Credit Union to show appreciation to employees. All of these efforts are to help us in a workforce shortage and to help show our dedicated staff our appreciation.

In September we have more events to show staff we care for them. The Annual Employee Picnic on September 6 th where we will recognize 22 employees with five years of service, 3 with ten years, 5 with 15 years, 5 with 20 years, 3 with 25 years, 1 with 30 years, and 1 with 35 years. We will also hand out 22 Staff Nominated Awards. The event kicks off the National Direct Support Professional Week, where we will take dedicated time to show the DSP how important they are to our work. We have several events planned from activities, lunches, dinners, and special visits. We are excited to showcase the exceptional work of the Arc staff. Look to our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter feeds for updates and photos of the various ways we show appreciation to the DSP and the workforce. If you see one of our employees during your next visit to the Chapter stop and tell them thank you for their efforts. Enjoy the final days of summer, and we will be in touch in the fall. 
Random Acts of Appreciation
In celebration of Don Mullin's 20 years of employment as an administrator, and now the CEO of the Arc of Rensselaer County, he knew he wanted to give something back. Over the years Don has witnessed what it means to give unconditionally and what it takes to make a difference in someone else's life.  Thinking about how he could give back to the Arc community an idea sparked to life - RAA- Random Acts of Appreciation. Don reached out to Cap Com Federal Credit Union, who have been friends of the Arc for many years, and came up with a plan. Don identified 20 Direct Support Professionals who will be receiving, thanks to the help help of Cap Com, a gift to show they are appreciated. There was no exact criteria that was followed to determine the recipients. Don chose based on those who stood out in some way as a RAY; whether it be a ray of hope, a ray of sunshine, a ray of humble need, or a ray of good will to others. The hope for these acts of appreciation was simply to lift someone up in their day and to let them know they are appreciated.   We look forward to being able to do this again in the future as we are so grateful to all our staff for being a part if the Arc.
Take Me Out To The Ball Game!
On August 7, 2019 our second annual Arc Employee night out with the Tri-City Valley Cats at the Joe took place. Partnering with our friends from Amsure Insurance Agency, dinner was provided at the St. Michael's Church who graciously donated their parking lot to us. An exciting game was enjoyed with the Valley Cats winning 3 to 2 against Lowell. A huge thank you to our partners at Amsure and Saint Michael's church for their support in creating this family fun night out. And thank you to the rain for not ruining our evening!
A Perfect Combination
On August 1, 2019 the Arc's 2nd Annual Ice Cream Recruitment Day was held at the Arc Business Office. Donated by 16 Handles, representatives from hiring managers and all programs served the sweet creamy treat with a smile. There were 38 applications collected in all. Sunshine, ice cream and making new friends, a perfect combination!
Get Ready For Fall And Support The Arc
Pieces of My ❤️Art
Brunswick Center Art Show
From September 3- October 28, 2019 "Pieces of My ❤️Art" Showcase will be on exhibit at the Sand Lake Town Library. Various pieces created by the artists from Brunswick Center Services will be on display for viewing and for purchase.

We would like to invite you to join us on October 1st from 11:30-1 pm at the library for an Artist Meet and Greet . It is a perfect time to take the opportunity to talk with the artists about their pieces and what inspires them to create.
The Ins and Outs of a Representative Payee
For more information about disability rights and representative payee follow this link to watch an informative video and where to go if you have questions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR0VCGqbZ-48Dqz6NHQN4cNznJi5LUMLyxNZOtTG6wRb3ONHkGdrFvLZ-f4&v=Gg4GmEEbuz0&app=desktop
The Arc of Rensselaer County
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