The Arc Rockland Awarded $ 29,500 in Grants from NYSARC Trust Services

Congers, NY – The Arc Rockland, a not-for-profit organization supporting people with developmental and intellectual disabilities, has been awarded $29,500 in 2020 grants from the Trustee Management Board of NYSARC Trust Services to support The Arc Rockland’s guardianship and recreation programs.

NYSARC Trust Services administers supplemental needs trusts (SNT) that can make dramatic improvements in the lives of people with disabilities while enabling them to maintain eligibility for public benefits programs, such as Medicaid and SSI. For 2020, NYSARC Trust Services has enhanced the lives of people with disabilities by awarding a total of $2,636,000 in grants to The Arc New York chapters statewide.

In 2020, The Arc Rockland received $17,500 to provide guardianship services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who would not otherwise have a legal guardian or advocate. Supported by staff and community volunteers, The Arc Rockland’s Guardianship Program provides supports and services to three people and assists four additional people as a Standby or Alternate Standby guardian.

NYSARC Trust Services also awarded The Arc Rockland $12,000 to support recreational opportunities and enrich the lives of   more than 175 individuals. The recreation grant is helping to underwrite a wide range of activities taking place virtually for people who would otherwise receive in-person services at The Arc. These activities include Bingo, drama, and numerous fitness classes, such as Zumba and yoga. 

The Arc Rockland was started in 1954 by a group of parents determined to raise their young children at home, rather than institutionalize them, and established a one-room schoolhouse to educate them. They created a Chapter Board that governs the operations of the organization, and eventually a Foundation Board to generate funds for The Arc Rockland.  Nearly 1000 people receive services through the organization, including, preschool, recreation, housing, employment training and job placement, a post-high school campus, family support and Arc Health Resources of Rockland, a primary medical care facility for people with disabilities.  

NYSARC Trust Services has administered supplemental needs trusts since 1972, helping thousands of people with disabilities protect their eligibility for government benefits and improve their quality of life. NYSARC Trust programs give people with disabilities the opportunity to maintain comfort and independence in the community while providing peace of mind to their family and loved ones.