Three Ways to Raise Money for The Arc – Without Costing You a Dime!

January 27th, 2012 by

There are three ways that everyone can help raise money for The Arc of Indiana and it won’t cost you a dime! I promise!

There is an organization called GoodSearch which helps non-profits raise money. The Arc is now one of the approved charities that people can select. What this means is that you can go to www.goodsearch.com and help The Arc in the following three ways

GoodSearch.com – The search engine with a unique social mission. It’s powered by Yahoo!, so you get great search results, and each time you search, GoodSearch donates about a penny to your cause!

GoodShop.com- The online marketplace that donates a percentage of each purchase to your organization. You can choose from more than 2,500 popular merchants, find more than 100,000 coupons and deals, and the experience of shopping through GoodShop is exactly the same as going to the retailer’s websites directly.

GoodDining.com – The first 365 day a year Dine for Charity program. Dine in or take out at over 10,000 participating restaurants nationwide. Up to 6% of your total check including tax and tip will be donated to Arc of Indiana.

It really is that simple. If you set www.goodsearch.com as your search engine and choose The Arc of Indiana, every time that you search for something, we get a penny. And every penny adds up!

The GoodShop.com option is just as easy. I recently needed to rent a car. I went to www.goodsearch.com and choose the shopping link. From there I had access to several major rental car companies and coupons for each one. I picked the best deal and rented a car. The Arc will get 2.5% of my purchase.

Sometimes if it seems too good to be true it is so I also went directly to the rental car sites and through Travelocity.com. I wanted to make sure that I was getting a good price. My fear was that they would be giving money to charity because their prices were higher. But they weren’t. The daily rate that I received was cheaper than anywhere else.

One of the participating companies is Staples. This is where we order our office supplies. By going through the GoodSearch website we will be getting money back on every purchase.

The third way to help is through their Good Dining.com program. If you registered your credit card, every time you eat at a participating restaurant The Arc will receive a portion of your total bill. You don’t have to ask for it or do anything extra at all.

I am very excited to be a part of this program. I hope that you will check it out and help support The Arc. If you have any questions or need any help, please let me know at jvaught@arcind.org.

Jill Vaught is The Arc’s Director of Organizational Advancement



Happy 2nd Anniversary to “A View from My Window”

December 22nd, 2011 by


“Everyone deserves to not have that disability define them.
They just need that window to sort of open up 
and for them to see themselves as an individual
instead  of someone with a disability.”

So began the first show of Michelle Fischer’s audio cast, A View from My Window, on December 22, 2009 – two years ago today!  Happy Anniversary Michelle, and thanks from The Arc for sharing your wonderful gifts with your audience.

Listen in to Michelle’s first show, Introducing A View from My Window, and then check out a few of Michelle’s shows from the past two years.

Michelle Fischer, Host, A View from My Window,
on location at Special Olympics Indiana
Listen in to, A View into Special Olympics Indiana with Mike Furnish

 

 Listen in to Michelle’s personal reflection, A View into Building My Career Pathway

 

Michelle and The Arc Master Trust Director Melissa Justice
Listen in to, A View into The Arc Master Trust  and  A View into Trust II

 


Michelle and her Mother, Gail Fischer
Learn more about Michelle, watch Michelle’s Story

 Michelle and State Representative Sheila Klinker
Listen in to, A View into the DD Commission

 

Michelle and Melody and Joe Cooper
Listen in to, From Day Dreamer to Dream Catcher

 

Michelle and her personal photo from Anderson Cooper
Listen in to, Thank You Anderson Cooper!

 

Michelle and INARF Executive Director Jim Hammond
Listen in to, 2011 INARF Conference, A View from Jim Hammond and Jill Dunn

 

Michelle and the WISH-TV News Team

 

Michelle and her A View from My Window team, Producer Sally Morris and Sound Engineer Bryce Dickerson.

Michelle, it has been a great two years!  You are more than a joy to work with, and we can’t wait to see what the years to come bring!

Sally Morris is The Arc of Indiana’s Assistant Director of Public Relations



Time for the Little Things

December 20th, 2011 by

Here we are in the midst of the holiday season when everything is bustling around us. Normally I enjoy the gift buying, baking, cards and other holiday traditions. But this year has been different. Like so many families who have kids with disabilities, mental health issues, special healthcare needs, or some combination of all of the above, we’ve had some complications the last several weeks. One of my kiddos has been having an especially difficult time.

So, this Mama has been completely off kilter. Frankly I have found it difficult to find joy in the typical holiday traditions. Sometimes the traditions just seem so small when you have a child who is struggling. And yet, I have been trudging through most of them, determined to keep every ball in the air. I know that Christmas will be here on December 25th, ready or not.

Last weekend, we finally found a time to decorate our Christmas tree. The tree has been a tradition for us with each of our boys having a large box of collected ornaments that they hang. Now that our children are older, they seemed less enthusiastic about this event than in the past - but now that I think about it, perhaps that was a reflection of my own melancholy.

Just before the decorating was complete, Logan found our Peanuts holiday puzzle. Immediately, he wanted to put the puzzle together reminding me that we always do puzzles at Christmas. Every part me wanted to finish the decorating and move on to the next chore that needed completed before the end of the night. But, Logan, who is always determined, definitely had other ideas.

Before I knew it, we were camped out in the dining room sorting border pieces and generally having a great time. And that’s when it hit me – a reminder that this time of year isn’t about the gifts, the baking, the wrapping. It’s the moments we spend together with those we love.

The challenges at our house didn’t magically disappear while working on this puzzle. There weren’t any movie moments like fluffy white snow beginning to fall outside. But this Mama listened to a gentle reminder from my 12 year old boy. This week I’ll be taking the time for the little things that matter – the rest will take care of itself.

Jill Ginn is Manager of The Arc of Indiana’s The Arc Network



Thank You for Supporting The Arc

December 19th, 2011 by

It’s that time of year – time to bake, shop, wrap, celebrate, send cards … the list seems to go on and on.

For me, this time of year is also the time to reflect on the past and think about all of the things that I have to be grateful for.

This year one of the things that I’m grateful for is each and every one of you that supports the important work of The Arc. Whether you played poker in February, played golf in June, shopped in November or made a contribution, thank you! It made a difference.

I had never heard of The Arc prior to 1997. I don’t have a family member with a disability and to be honest I had never thought much about what organizations are out there. One day, my supervisor asked me if I would be interested in helping a small Arc chapter 7 – 10 hours per week. I had no idea how saying “yes” would change my life.

It’s humbling to see people who work harder to get to work than most people will work all day and are so positive and grateful to have job. Or, to see parents cry when their child takes a step or says a word or picks up a cracker.

I never realized how much I took for granted until I began working with The Arc. There is a commercial for St. Jude that says if you have healthy children in your life to say thank you. Through The Arc I have learned to say thank you for everyone in your life – whether they are healthy or not. Everyone has a gift and touches lives.

I am so lucky to be able to work for this organization. Every day lives are touched. Every day individuals with disabilities and their families are supported. Every day lives are improved. And we couldn’t do it without you.

Thank you so very much for supporting The Arc. May you and your family have a safe and happy holiday season.

Jill Vaught is The Arc of Indiana’s  Director of Organizational Advancement



Pooled Special Needs Trusts vs Private Special Needs Trusts

December 14th, 2011 by

When I give presentations on The Arc Master Trust, I am frequently asked the differences and advantages of Pooled Special Needs Trusts versus private Special Needs Trusts.

Pooled Special Needs Trusts (PSNT), such as The Arc Master Trust, are administered by not-for-profit organizations, while private Special Needs Trusts (SNT) are typically administered by a bank or other financial institution.

Advantages of using The Arc Master Trust include:

  • Lower administrative costs
  • Trained staff that is skilled and knowledgeable in administering Special Needs Trusts.  This is not just another segment of our business, the PSNT is our business
  • The Arc of Indiana has information and connections all over the State.  The Trust has access to all of that information, so regardless of the issue facing the beneficiary we have the resources to be able to help him or her
  • Staff is experienced and knowledgeable about a wide range of issues regarding people with disabilities as well as the rules for SSI and Medicaid
  • Lower minimums to fund the trust
  • Peace of mind, knowing that the trust will not approve disbursements that might cause the beneficiary to lose his or her benefits

Some advantages of using a Private Special Needs Trust are:

  • Greater control of the investment
  • Sometimes there is control over who the Trustee of the trust is, if a family member or friend has experience and knowledge of Social Security and Medicaid this may work well for some families
  • Depending on the bank or investment company there maybe staff which are designated to work only with your beneficiary

Regardless of where you decide to open your Special Needs Trust it is important that you have confidence in the organization actually administering your trust.  I encourage you to question the organization to determine if they are knowledgeable about government benefits, how they administer their Special Needs Trust, and if they understand how disbursements from the trust need to be handled so that benefits aren’t endangered or discontinued.

Please don’t hesitate to call me with any questions on establishing a Pooled Special Needs Trust with The Arc of Indiana or a private Special Needs Trust with a financial institution.  I can be reached by calling The Arc’s offices at 317-977-2375 or 800-382-9100.  Learn more about The Arc Master Trust by visiting www.thearctrust.org

Melissa Justice is the Trust Director for The Arc of Indiana Master Trust



A Good Job

December 5th, 2011 by

A good job.  It seems much of America and Indiana is looking for a good job. So are people with disabilities.  With an unemployment rate estimated at over 70% getting people with disabilities jobs – good jobs that they want and like – is the key to a future without waiting lists.

At a recent meeting Melody Cooper, President of Self-Advocates of Indiana, gave the most impassioned speech that I have heard in a very long time about the importance of jobs for people with disabilities, while at the same time not taking something away from people (the workshop) until there is a good option – an option that each person has picked for him or herself.   And you know Melody is right.

We can do so much better, but it is working with people as individuals that makes the most sense.  Too often in the rush to change we have forgotten what makes work important in the first place.  A recent NPR report shared that the most important thing to people who self-declared that they “love” their job is they work with people they really like.   How often do we ask people about who they work with?

One of our key self-advocates also shared something very important with me.  When we were talking one day he shared that he really wanted to leave the workshop but had not.  When I asked him why, he said, “John I don’t want to let anyone down.  What would people think if I tried something and got fired?”

A mother shared with me that she fits within a recent statistic from The Arc study of today’s families.  20% of families report that one parent has to quit working to take care of their son or daughter who is waiting for services. That cannot be good for a struggling economy.

Work, and a good job, is the key. In pursuit of that we cannot forget the staff that help people find jobs.  The Blueprint for Change calls on developing a progressive wage rate for Direct Support Professionals.  I recently attended a celebration at Noble of Indiana, our local chapter of The Arc in Marion and Hamilton Counties. Through Project Search a dedicated staff person had placed a person in a job that paid more than she made.  Good for the person she supported, not so good for her.

The Blueprint also calls for new models to support jobs including self-employment and entrepreneurship.  Not everyone needs to work for someone else.  Some are much better suited to working for themselves.  How do we help them with that?  We are working with Self-Advocates of Indiana to explore that topic.

So it is all about a good job.  We have a lot of work to do to make that a reality for far more Hoosiers, but The Arc – with your help – is up to the task.



Now is the Time for a United Voice – Join The Arc & Ask Others to Join

November 29th, 2011 by

The Arc has undertaken an end-of-year membership campaign, “Building Pathways with membership”, in response to a resolution adopted by the local chapters of The Arc at the annual meeting on November 1st.

This campaign will replace our annual drive that usually begins in February of each year, and we plan to extend this campaign through March 2012. But our big push is to “substantially increase” membership in The Arc statewide by the end of 2011.

At this year’s Appreciation Luncheon, Brent Cardin, Chairperson of our Member & Chapter Committee challenged local chapters of The Arc to, at a minimum, double their local membership. He further set a goal for membership throughout the state to double – from 10,000 to 20,000 by the end of December this year!

Can it be done?

Only if all of our chapters – and you! – help; but, Yes, it can be done!

Using the Blueprint for Change and its Guiding Principles we can align and grow together the Membership of The Arc in each and every Indiana community.

Guiding Principles for The Arc of Indiana’s Membership Blueprint 

  • Building Membership Pathways for All
  • Discover and Realize Individual Gifts and Talents that Members bring
  • Members are Supportive of the Resourcefulness of Individuals, Families and Communities
  • Using What You Need
  • Shifting the Power to What Works

You can do your part by joining, recruiting others to join, and encouraging your local chapter to do all it can to build membership. And, don’t forget, memberships can make a meaningful stocking stuffer!

If you are not already a member, join today! If you are a member, spread the word.

Join online at: Join The Arc.

Mark Kevitt is The Arc of Indiana’s Director of Program Services



Holiday Shopping with The Arc – Online Auction Open!

November 18th, 2011 by

If you have holiday shopping to do, or if you just want to treat yourself, I have the perfect solution – Shopping With The Arc. Our online auction went live on Wednesday and will run until 8:00 pm on November 30.

If you haven’t checked it out yet, please go to www.biddingforgood.com/arcind.  We have a great  selection of items this year.

For the sports fan on your list we have several footballs signed by different players from the Indianapolis Colts.   We have basketballs signed by Gene Keady and Matt
Painter from Purdue and Brad Stevens from Butler.   And we have a baseball signed by New York Yankee hall of  famer Tino Martinez.

If you are looking for something for the Colts fan that has everything – we have a Colts blue Speedo signed by Pat McAfee. This is sure to get a chuckle when it’s unwrapped. We’ve sure been laughing around the office.

For a romantic holiday present, we have an evening in Indianapolis package complete with a carriage ride and gift certificate to St. Elmo’s. We also have several pieces of jewelry.

There are restaurant gift certificates, bird feeders and birdhouses, spa treatments, a hunter’s basket, artwork, travel vouchers and so much more. We truly do have something for everyone!

And new this year, you can purchase items to directly support individuals with disabilities and The Arc. Please check out the options under the Support The Arc tab. If you want to purchase one of these items instead of a gift for someone on your list, we will send that person a handwritten card with information about your thoughtfulness.

I always love watching the wonderful donations come in and getting the auction ready to go but it’s so much more than just a way to complete your holiday shopping. All of the money raised by the auction will be used to help individuals with disabilities and their families. This is truly a win/win. You get to sleep in the day after Thanksgiving and individuals with disabilities get a chance to live, work and play in their communities.

Thank you for supporting The Arc and have a happy and safe Thanksgiving.

Jill Vaught is The Arc of Indiana’s Director of Organizational Advancement



What Would Amy Do?

November 18th, 2011 by

What would Amy do?

Amy Cook Lurvey was known as the Godmother of special education. Throughout her working career she was a tireless advocate to make sure that all students received the same opportunities in school, whether the student had a disability, had a non-English native language, or was highly gifted or talented.

When Amy passed away a few years ago, I lost my special education mentor. I never really had to dive into education issues because Amy always told me what to do and pretty much what to say. I followed her lead and was glad to learn from someone who was so well respected in the hallways of the State House. So when Amy passed away, I felt like The Arc of Indiana needed to take charge of special education issues. We have come a long way as we have a very strong education committee led by a tremendous advocate and father, Jeff Huffman. Together we have developed a strong working relationship with Superintendent of Public Instruction, Dr. Tony Bennett.

Recently the Department of Education asked for The Arc’s position on an issue that may arise next session. Legislation is being considered to eliminate the bottom 5% of ISTEP scores from counting towards a teacher’s evaluation. I understand the concerns held by teachers and schools that a fair and equitable evaluation system must be developed. I understand that the evaluation may translate to a raise in salary and I will be the first to agree that many teachers are grossly underpaid for the important job they perform.

What I have a deep concern for is that people are willing to just “wipe away” students with disabilities and say they don’t count. Pioneers long before many of us fought hard to establish a Free and Appropriate Public Education for all students. They fought for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. They fought so that all students would matter and be counted and have the same opportunity for educational progress. Don’t we want all students to matter and be monitored for educational growth?

I will agree that some students with disabilities may not be able to pass the ISTEP – just as some students without disabilities will not be able to pass ISTEP. However, in a good school with good teachers, I am willing to bet that even those students who do not pass ISTEP have achieved some educational progress and growth. Why wouldn’t teachers and school want to be rewarded for that? What am I missing? If we allow students with disabilities to not count, then we will be rolling back the hands of time to a world that sent a different message to people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. A message that says, “You don’t matter.”

In this day of the myriad of education reform efforts, I really would like to know, “What would Amy do?”

Amy Cook Lurvey, back row, last person, at the bill signing with Governor Evan Bayh establishing the First Steps and Early Childhood Education Programs.

Kim Dodson is The Arc of Indiana’s Associate Executive Director



New Service for Trust Beneficiaries, Circle of Friends

November 15th, 2011 by

The Arc Master of Indiana Trust has begun a new project, Circle of Friends, in response to a need that has become increasingly apparent to us as we serve our Trust Beneficiaries.

The project has two goals.  The first goal is to help those Beneficiaries that have a funded trust to be able to spend their trust money appropriately.  Occasionally Beneficiaries do not have anyone to contact the trust office to let us know when something is needed and so the trust does not get spent prior to the beneficiary’s death.  It is very important to us that the Beneficiary has access to his or her trust funds to get what he or she wants and needs.

The second goal is for parents who would like to set up a Trust I account to be funded upon their death, but who do not have other family or friends that can be their child’s contact person, again to let us know what he or she wants or needs to be paid from the trust account.

The Circle of Friends project, designed to meet the above goals, will primarily be carried out through volunteers, along with a paid coordinator.  We recently brought on Willaine Sandy to serve as the Coordinator for Circle of Friends.  Willaine first came to The Arc a few years ago as a Family Advocate for  The Arc Network, and is continuing to work with The Arc Network as a Family Advocate Community Specialist.

Initially the project will focus on Indianapolis, Fort Wayne and Evansville.  Once it is established, the goal will be to offer this service across the state.

If you or someone you know is interested in being a Circle of Friends volunteer, please contact me or Willaine Sandy by calling us at 317-977-2375, 800-382-9100 or by email at mjustice@arcind.org or wsandy@arcind.org.

Melissa Justice is the Trust Director of The Arc of Indiana Master Trust



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