The Arc Westchester Awarded $209,000 in Grants from NYSARC Trust Services
Grants support guardianship and recreational opportunities for people with developmental disabilities in Westchester County
Westchester County, N.Y. (December 3, 2020) – The Arc Westchester, a not-for-profit organization supporting people with disabilities in Westchester County, has been awarded $209,000 in grants from the Trustee Management Board of NYSARC Trust Services to support The Arc Westchester’s guardianship and recreation programs.
NYSARC Trust Services administers supplemental needs trusts (SNT) and pooled trusts that can make dramatic improvements to the lives of people with disabilities by enabling individuals to maintain eligibility for Medicaid and other means-tested government benefit programs. For 2020, NYSARC Trust Services is proud to fulfill its commitment to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities by awarding a total of $2,636,000 in grants to The Arc New York Chapters statewide.
This year, The Arc Westchester received $197,000 to provide guardianship services for people with developmental disabilities who would not have otherwise had a legal guardian or advocate. Supported by the chapter staff and community volunteers, The Arc Westchester’s Guardianship Program currently provides guardianship supports and services to 100 people and is ready to assist more as needed. The amount received in 2020 was $197,000. The funding was used for program operations including personalized gifts for birthdays and holidays. Staff assisted five families with successor guardianship petitions. Due to COVID-19 restrictions on outings, meals were purchased and delivered to individuals in lieu of in-person gatherings. The Arc Westchester will continue to offer remote training opportunities to review future planning and guardianship services.
NYSARC Trust Services also awarded $12,000 to develop recreational opportunities to enrich the lives of program participants. The Arc Westchester used the recreation grant funds to defray the cost of activities in 2020 that were able to take place either remotely or safely in-person when restrictions were lifted. In the Fall 2020, in-person activities and outings were able to resume. Fees for activities were waved or reduced for community activities.
About The Arc Westchester
The Arc Westchester, established in 1949, is the oldest and largest agency in the county supporting children, teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including individuals on the autism spectrum, and their families. Over 850 employees provide more than 2,000 individuals throughout the county with a broad range of innovative and effective programs and services designed to foster independence, productivity and participation in community life.
Our mission is to provide innovative supports for children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families, to build independence, achieve personal goals and strengthen community participation.
Our vision is a world of opportunity where people with developmental disabilities live, work, learn and contribute. The Arc Westchester is a chapter of The Arc New York and The Arc of the U.S.
About NYSARC Trust Services
NYSARC Trust Services has administered supplemental needs trusts since 1972, helping more than 20,000 people with disabilities protect their eligibility for government benefits and improve their quality of life. Our 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 settlement proceeds with a NYSARC Community Trust, we can also administer Medicare Set-Aside (MSA) accounts. For more information, please call (518) 439-8323 or visit us online www.nysarctrustservices.org
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