Molly and Annette having some fun while Annette preps for employment opportunities.
The Arc NY held their Annual Board of Governor’s Meeting in October, and talented artists from The Arc of Delaware County showed off their artistic talent.  Various artists entered the Art Show with beautiful paintings that garnered the nicest compliments. Studio 190 had a booth showcasing Unity Blooms of different sizes, and photography that could knock your socks off!  There are incredibly talented artists in Delaware County, as evidenced by the work on display in Albany.
At that same meeting, I had the pleasure of presenting The Arc of Delaware Counties Vantage Point Program, our “day one orientation” where we immerse our newest staff members into our culture of pro-activity
and caring without restraint.  It is always fun to talk to dedicated people in our field about the benefits of hiring the right staff and training them well.  We all face similar challenges, and it is rewarding to work together for the greater good.

During the past month, the Arc of Delaware County took a pause and had the full team together for an afternoon of training. We celebrated new staff and team members who have been promoted and shared information so everyone has the tools they need to do their jobs best.  We try to gather quarterly as a team, and it is always time well spent!  Our Unifying Principles, the core values that have held The Arc of Delaware County together for over 3 decades, are tried and true.  Some of the wording of those values is ready to be updated, so part of our recent staff meeting was working on wordsmithing the Unifying Principles. Watching the full Delarc team work together is always a delight, and this session was no different.

As Resources For Industry (RFI) looks to transform from a workshop to a different type of vocational service, more and more people are working on securing paid employment in the community.  Self-advocates are working on updating their resumes, interviewing for various positions, and exploring what type of career excites them the most. The art studio at RFI, Studio 190, will be one part of the plan as RFI transitions to the next phase. The Arc is also looking at starting our own business that could offer employment to people we support.   It is an interesting time for people supported at The Arc of Delaware County who are interested in starting or furthering their own careers.  I had a chance to spend time with Annette, pictured here trying her hand at office work.

There are very exciting events coming up in Delaware County in the near future! Be sure to mark your calendar for a very special dance party for the community on December 1.  This great party is brought to you by The Arc of Delaware County family and The Arc New York recreation grant funds. We are very excited to present to you the band, Flame, from The Arc Lexington, who spreads hope and inspiration through their music throughout the US and abroad! Let’s celebrate the holiday season with dancing,  great times and refreshments!!  Admission is free and we would love to have you! Join our mission to support people everywhere to living personally fulfilled lives and see the unlimited potential in all of us!

Molly Little
CEO, The Arc of Delaware County