email : Webview : The Arc of Ventura County's 1st Quarter Newsletter. The Catalyst

Welcome to the first edition of
"The Catalyst"

The name of our newsletter refers to the new design of the agency’s logo. The flowing shape of the “Catalyst” icon reflects our embracing nature, while the burst of energy at the top right is symbolic of how we support independence for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). We hope you enjoy the new format and reading about happenings at The Arc.

Project R is a grassroots campaign to eliminate the use of the “R-word” in everyday vocabulary and to end all hate speech targeted at people with I/DD. This campaign is led by self-advocates who open a dialog with high school students by sharing their personal experiences of how the use of the R-word has affected their lives. In 2013, Project R was presented to over 1,500 students at high schools in Ventura County. Project R asks the students to “be the change they want to see in the world” and to sign a pledge to not only eliminate the use of the R-word from their vocabulary, but to encourage others to do the same. Learn more about Project R at

www.facebook.com/ProjectR

Participant of the Year Spotlight

Felipe Cerda joined our Oxnard program in 2002. His personal goals included improving his communication and his health. He has worked very hard to be more active - going on walks, swimming, and riding the exercise bike.

Felipe brings joy to everyone with his cheery morning greeting, hardy handshake, and ever-present smile and laughter. He enjoys joking with his friends Vincent, Terrence and Mario. He is always willing to try a new activity and volunteers at the St. Francis Horse Ranch in Camarillo. Felipe loves swimming and has a great time splashing around with his peers.

Program Spotlight

The Arc’s Community Integration Program in Oxnard serves 86 individuals with 30 employees. This site offers participants opportunities to learn and grow as individuals; contribute to their community through volunteerism; participate in their futures by advocating for themselves and others with disabilities; and to establish meaningful and lasting friendships. Some of our many activities include creating award-winning works of art that are available for sale at the Oxnard Farmers Market; volunteering and working at various locations in the community and attending classes at Oxnard College. Our MOVE Program is incorporated in all activities and every opportunity enhances and empowers independence. For more information on the programs and services offered at this site, contact (805) 240-1620.

The Richard M. Bateman Award

The Arc is extremely proud to honor Arnold Abundo, recipient of the 2013 Richard Bateman Award. This award, which is presented annually to an outstanding employee, serves as a memorial tribute to Richard Bateman, an Arc job counselor and dedicated employee, who was one of the victims of the tragedy at the Oxnard EDD Office in 1993.

During Arnold’s employment with The Arc of Ventura County for the past 14 years, he has demonstrated excellence and compassion in all that he does. He is regarded as an employee who goes above and beyond his regular job responsibilities as Assistant Supervisor of the Community Integration Program in Oxnard.

Arnold advocates for individuals to live as normal and equal life as anyone else. He is dedicated to his job and provides caring support to our program participants. He is a genuine individual with a caring attitude who always has a smile on his face. We commend Arnold Abundo for all he has done and continues to do in support of our mission and those he serves through his work at The Arc of Ventura County.

The Arc Foundation Thrift Stores

The Arc Foundation of Ventura County Inc, was established in 1989 as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation to raise funds to support The Arc of Ventura County. The Foundation is a separate entity from The Arc of Ventura County, with its own volunteer Board of Directors. To accomplish their mission, The Foundation operates two thrift stores located in Oxnard and Ventura.

Your donations of clothing and household items make it possible for The Foundation and The Arc to continue making a difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities here in Ventura County.

To schedule a pick-up call: (800) 228-1413 or (805) 485-6690. Please note that the thrift stores are unable to pick-up appliances and some types of furniture.

Call to find out more about The Arc Foundation’s Estate Services and Car Donation Programs.

All Donations are Tax Deductible!!

Thrift Stores Hours of Operation:
Monday - Saturday - 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday - 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Thrift Store Locations:
625 North Oxnard Blvd, Oxnard 93030
265 East Main Street, Ventura 93001

Membership Matters

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” ― Margaret Mead

The Arc of Ventura County is not such a small group anymore. There is a lot going on as you’ll read in this first issue of The Catalyst. Our chapter currently serves 680 people and we were recently recognized by the Pacific Coast Business Times as one of the Top 25 Nonprofits in Ventura County.

Last year, we joined The Arc national brand initiative to share in the strength and reputation of over 140,000 individual members representing 700 chapters across the nation; advocating for over 1 million people with I/DD. Together, we are the largest grassroots organization in this field and we are ranked Number 1 by Philanthropedia, a division of GuideStar. Click here for the article.

We invite you to join us and be a part of the movement to promote and protect the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively support their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes. Become a member of The Arc.

The Arc of Ventura County congratulates
James Hargraves on his 25th Anniversary of employment at Carl’s Jr in Simi Valley and Participant of the Year for Supported Employment.

Real Jobs for Real People

Competitive employment at equitable wages for the people we support is the goal of our Employment Division. At the foundation of our process is person-centered thinking - job search and placement that is based on the individual’s talents, preference and choice. Support takes a team approach that includes the Job Coach, Case Manager, and employer all working together with the employee and his personal circle to ensure success and job satisfaction. For more information on our Supported Employment Services, contact Paula Johnson at 805-240-1620, Extension 11.

Recent Grants Received

The Arc of Ventura County is pleased to announce several grant awards recently received from the following:

The McCune Foundation - $10,000 to benefit the People First of Ventura County and their activities that empower the agency’s constituents to understand their rights and responsibilities, stand together in unity, while gaining confidence as leaders to utilize their creativity, skills, and talents, to cultivate a community of inclusion and respect for people with disabilities.

From the Swift Memorial Health Care Foundation - $8,000 to support the expansion of The MOVE Program at the agency’s Community Integration Program in Simi Valley.

From the Wood-Claeyssens Foundation - $20,000 received to support the expansion of the MOVE Program to benefit individuals served at the agency’s Community Integration Program in Oxnard.

The MOVE Program involves the use of specialized equipment that enables adults with a range of disabilities to transition from their wheelchairs and access their environment in a secure and standing position. With these acquired abilities, the agency’s participants continue to achieve improved health, confidence, and new opportunities for greater participation and inclusion in their program and community.

We are extremely grateful to our funding partners for their support of our mission. Together, we empower opportunity, choice, participation, and independence.

Click on this link for a list of donors who contributed to our recent Annual Appeal Campaign.

Tech Talk

Question: With so many apps available on tablets and iPads, how can I find an appropriate app for a specific disability?

Answer: Georgia Tech’s Tools for Life is a great place to start. The site allows you to narrow your search for appropriate apps by entering a specific disability.

http://www.gatfl.gatech.edu/favorite-search.php

Advocacy

People First of Ventura County (PFVC) is pleased to announce and congratulate the 2014 elected officers: Dana D. – President; Sergio L. - Vice President; Amy P. - Secretary, LeAnn W. – Treasurer; and Peter B. - Immediate Past President.

Some of the recent activities involving PFVC include planning and participating in the First-Annual Self Advocacy Conference that was held in Santa Maria and attended by hundreds of advocates from the Tri-Counties. We also held a successful fundraiser with the cooperation of local restaurants. The self-advocates’ hard work is also paying off at the state level. On September 28, 2013, chapters representing People First of California received Joint Resolution No. 473, a bi-partisan resolution acknowledging the hard work of the People First self-advocates, as well as self-advocates everywhere. The resolution declared September 28, 2013 as Self-Advocacy Day in the State of California.

It was an exciting year, but put on your shades as the future of the People First of Ventura County is looking very bright.

SAVE THE DATE

The Arc's 60th Anniversary Celebration
Featuring the Fred Robinson
Classic Car Show
Saturday, August 2, 2014

More information to follow.
For sponsorship opportunities or classic car entry, contact
Julie Duran – (805) 650-8611, Ext 102 or jduran@arcvc.org