Dear Friends,
May 2024
Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of The Arc New York
We are proud of the accomplishments of The Arc NY as the largest provider of services in NY State and leading advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
As a Chapter, the Arc Community League is proud to have been a part of the advocacy work accomplished during these decades.
Starting as the advocacy group for families on the Wassaic campus in Duchess County, NY to our current Supplemental Group Day Habilitation Program, our Chapter also has a long history serving people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD).
From supporting families, to lobbying against State and Federal budget cuts, our members have been instrumental in achieving legislation which has resulted in enhancing rights and improving services.
Being the long-standing “voice” for those who can’t speak for themselves and for their families is cause to be proud BUT…..our voices CANNOT stop now. We CANNOT rest on our laurels. We CANNOT lose what has been gained over 70+ years. We need MORE “voices” to impress on Legislators across the country that the health and well-being of people with I/DD is currently at risk and government funds are critically needed.
WHAT’S HAPPENING… WHY ARE MORE VOICES NEEDED…
Chapters of The Arc NY have been writing letters, using social media ads and making phone calls to Legislators to advocate for a 3.2% COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) for both direct care professionals (DSPs) and clinical staff. This would have been a start in alleviating the problems.
Sadly, once again, our efforts have fallen short and the new budget only includes a fraction of what was requested and greatly needed to secure more Direct Care workers and retain current staff.
For over a decade the plea for more funds has gone unheard and this neglect has resulted in an escalating crisis that threatens the safety, opportunity, and future of support and services for people with disabilities.
The Arc NY and Chapters like ours have long advocated for recognition of essential frontline staff. The situation has become very concerning, not only in NYS but across the country. Direct Support Professionals provide needed care and support but currently the average staff turnover rate in NY is a whopping 25% – 30%. Other states have similar turnover rates. This equates to thousands of hours of critical care not being delivered. Houses have been closed forcing individuals to be moved far from their families and group homes have been consolidated. Non-profit agencies are being forced to eliminate or reduce day programs due to lack of staff and DSPs are asked to take on double shifts costing agencies much overtime expenses.
The job of a DSP requires expertise in the care of individuals and is sometimes physically demanding. Less demanding jobs have greater wage rates and non-profits cannot compete.
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING AT OUR CHAPTER?
Participants in our Supplemental Group Day Habilitation Program continue to enjoy group activities that enhance community inclusion and daily living skill goals. We appreciate the hard work and dedication of our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who are the backbone of this program BUT we need additional staff to fully serve a much needed, larger capacity of individuals.
WHY ASK FOR YOUR MEMBERSHIP?
- To ensure that our Chapter remains financially strong.
- To push Legislators to pass legislation by lobbying and grass roots advocacy efforts. Some wage improvements were achieved but further are needed to ensure that front-line workers can be retained and recruited. Further staff shortages in homes and day programs must be avoided,
- To provide oversight that ensures people with I/DD continue to receive needed support, especially as they age and require more medical intervention.
- To ensure that our work at The Arc Community League can continue aiding and supporting individuals and their families and ensure the success of our Supplemental Group Day Habilitation Program.
$5 GOES A LONG WAY!
Being a member of The Arc Community League also makes you a member of The Arc New York (statewide) AND a member of the ARC of the US (nationally).
The more members TheArcNY and its Chapters can show, the greater the chances that politicians will listen. The people we serve need YOU now more than ever!
WHAT CAN YOU DO AS A MEMBER?
- (1) Renew your membership. (ONLY $5 FOR THE YEAR)
- (2) We’re asking you to solicit AT LEAST ONE MORE MEMBER.
- (3) Participate in our fundraising efforts.
For questions and further information or volunteering opportunities, call our Board President, Rose Mary Cella, at 845-838-0515 ext. 8 or email rosemary@communityleagueny.org
On behalf of the individuals we serve and their families, thank you in advance for your support.
In appreciation,
The Arc Community League Board of Directors