The Arc of Delaware County, a not-for-profit organizing supporting people with disabilities in Delaware County, was awarded $26,000 in grants from the Trustee Management Board of NYSARC Trust Services to support local 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 SSI. For 2017, NYSARC Trust Services is proud to fulfill its commitment to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities by awarding a total of $2,793,500 in grants to The Arc New York Chapters statewide.

The funds received for guardianship services will assist with ongoing expenses of operating the Guardianship program and for life enhancing activities for people receiving guardianship services. As the Guardianship Committee often fills the void of family, guardianship funds are often used to provide for birthdays, holidays, vacations and special events.  The Arc of Delaware County’s Guardianship Committee, comprised of dedicated members from the community, currently provides guardianship services to three people for whom The Arc New York serves as Legal Guardian.   The committee ensures all decisions made are in the best interest of the individual and are in harmony with the individual’s personal values and preferences, just as a concerned family member would do.

With the receipt of the recreation grant funds, individuals from The Arc of Delaware County are able to enjoy an array of person centered recreational activities they may not otherwise have an opportunity to enjoy.  Some of the activities throughout the year included a NY Giants game, hockey, the Nutcracker, Farmer’s Museum Haunted Tour, Reapers Revenge, black light golfing, and camping.  The memories from these experiences continue to bring great joy.  The grant also allowed for purchases of a guitar, keyboard, child’s swing, games and crafts.

The Arc of Delaware County has been providing services and supports to local children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities for the past 50 years. For more information about The Arc of Delaware County, please contact the Community Relations Department at (607)865-7184 or visit www.delarc.org

NYSARC Trust Services has administered supplemental needs trusts since 1972, helping more than 16,000 people with disabilities protect their eligibility for government benefits and improve their quality of live. The trust programs give people with disabilities the opportunity to remain in their communities with greater comfort and independence while providing peace of mind to their family and loved ones.

NYSARC Trust Services administers first and third party supplemental needs trusts, pooled trusts for income and resource (asset) protection, and individual trusts. When protecting supplemental proceeds with NYSARC Community Trust, Medicare Set-Aside (MSA) accounts can also be administered.  For more information, please call (518)439-8323 or visit www.nysarctrustservices.org