Adult
Recreation Director: Michelle Battaglia 814-590-9460 michelle@jcarc.org
Special Events Coordinator: Jennifer Roberts 814-938-8335 jbjroberts@comcast.net
Dear
members and friends of the Arc of Jefferson County,
As another year comes to a close, I’m reflecting
on all of our achievements and blessings. We have so much for which to be
thankful. First, we can be thankful for all the wonderful people that we serve
out there in Jefferson County. I was reminded just today that although they are
not like everyone else, they are blessed with individual qualities that make
them stars who shine just as brightly and beautifully as the rest of us.
We
can also be thankful for all those volunteers and employees who help us put
on our Saturday Adult Program, our organized and knowledgeable director Michelle, and
her capable coordinators. They never fail us and always get the job done and
done well. For those involved with our Parent Support Group, sign language workshops
and summer camp programs, thank you. Without you, we could not do it.
Sometimes, I think it seems like we take you for granted, but believe me, we
know how much you all do and we are most grateful for all that you do.
The
parents, families and advocates for our kids and adults are also deserving
of praise for helping to get things done, provide support for our programs, and
help get things done. We can always count on you!
We
are thankful to Walter Schuckers for his years of loving care to Camp Friendship,
as our conscientious, capable neighborhood caretaker. Because of him and his
all- round abilities, our camp is a place we can all be proud of. We are also
proud of our Board of Directors for their decisions to safeguard the reputation
of our organization, improve the buildings and grounds, and provide
more programs. Each one brings along a wealth of knowledge and diverse talents; together
they provide a foundation for the future and a network with the various
key members of their communities.
To
Pat Mowrey, Kim Mowrey, Erin Cameron, John Stormer, Frank Hetrick, Don and Sylvia
Liedl and all those on the committee who work so tirelessly to produce a
successful Run/Walk for Someone Special, we are thankful. We cannot count
our blessings without including all the wonderful people out there in Jefferson
County who give of their time, talent and money gifts. Some of you belong to or
coordinate other organizations who donate to the Arc of Jefferson County on a
regular basis. Some of you help us out privately. Some of you provide us with
your services because you have special talents. As a result, you may even save
us money because you have given freely. Some of you who are in public office
and have made decisions at the local, county or even the state level that have
helped those with special needs whom we serve. Regardless of what you may have
done, we are blessed to call you a friend of The Arc. Sometimes, when I am
contacted by the state organization to call our legislators, I respond with,
"I will, but I can assure you that they do, have and will take care of us.
We don't even need to ask. They just know!"
We should
also remember all the wonderful teenagers who have done projects like replacing
a bridge, building swings, replacing teeter totters, cleaning the basement,
clearing the hiking trail and fixing the holes in the pavilion. Let's
not forget our busy mom and Executive Director Stacy when we give thanks. She
is fantastic and it is obvious that this is not just a job to her; it is her
passion. She does everything with the best interests of every adult and child
that we serve in mind. And, Stacy does it all with such enthusiasm.
With
work from people like Rachel and Chuck Grubbs, Rose Curry, Bonnie, Bill Fike,
Opal Royer, Joe Volpe, Marc and Henrietta Katzen, Jean Roberts, Alice Orsich
and Hap Mowrey who founded and sustained our organization - JCARC - from
1974 and through the years, we are sincerely and eternally grateful. They saw
the need for programs for the intellectually and developmentally challenged in
our area and decided to do something about it. Because of their foresight and
determination, as well as their involvement in the development and work,
the Right to Education Act was adopted providing services and education to
countless children and adults with special needs in our area. Because of them, every
child with special needs attend public schools. They are no longer hidden
away from the rest of the school population in rooms next to the furnace room
or eat their lunches after everyone else is done. And, now finally because of
new crusaders they are no longer labeled "retarded", but referred to
as special needs or intellectually and developmentally challenged.
For
anyone who has a child, sibling or friend with a special needs in their
family, you know that they bring with them a whole set of challenges. But, they
also bring with them a great gift of joy and once you can get past the
differences, you realize that they can teach you a lot: patience, kindness,
awe. No, they are not perfect, but each one of them is beautiful in their
own special way. Being with them reminds us that there is beauty in the simpler
things of life and teaches us not to take ourselves too seriously. They always
look at life with the innocence of a child-like faith; they are trusting and love
everyone. We all need to learn to look at life and each other like that. What a
great lesson!
2010
has been another great year full of blessings, lots of laughter, fun-filled
activities, and pride in our organization. Let us hope that 2011 will be even
better. As we get closer to Christmas and think about its true meaning,it
is apparent that the best gift we can give each other and those we serve is
love. Keep in mind as we move ahead and work together that the Beatles had it right
when they sang,"All we need is love!" May you and yours be
truly blessed this holiday season.
