News Archive

(From the Richmond Times-Dispatch Metro Business section, published Monday, December 14, 2009)

By Louis Llovio

Before you toss the wrapping paper this year, you might want to take a look to see if it was made and packaged in Richmond.
Ink & Paper, a division of the design firm Punch, is designing a line of gift wrap that sold at more than 175 stores across the country, including five in the area.
Its line of wrapping paper, though, also helps out a good cause.
The rolls are assembled at Greater Richmond ARC, the non-profit operation that helps developmentally disabled adults find work and learn vocational skills.

Photo: Raymond Ricks and Scotty Englehart (background) roll holiday wrapping paper for ink & Paper through a partnership with Greater Richmond ARC. Photo by Eva Russo, Times-Dispatch.

By partnering with ARC, Punch has found a way to get a difficult job done while helping out a local non-profit.
Punch sends the paper to ARC in sheets. ARC employees then roll it, affix the label and shrink-wrap it.
The work is done through ARC Industrial Services, which does production work for companies, including labeling, water sealing and bulk-mail sorting.
For the non-profit, working for Ink & Paper is a three-pronged win, said Mike Foley, business development director for ARC. It's an account that helps bring in money to help fund operations, it provides clients work training and promotes ARC's cause.
"It's not a huge amount of profit for us, but the work activity trumps money," Foley said.
The label on each roll contains a message that tells buyers that ARC's mission is to "create life-fulfilling opportunities for individuals with mental retardation and developmental diseases."
Kelly Adams, one of Punch's founders, said the labels, prominently featuring Ink & Paper's name, help spread the word about what ARC does.
"That lets people around the country know about what they do and maybe get someone to consider using their services," she said.

Contact Louis Llovio at (804) 649-6348 or LLLovio@timesdispatch.com.

The Greater Richmond ARC's (formerly the Association for Retarded Citizens) Industrial Services division was selected by VCU Honors College to scan and convert paper documents to digital files. Dr. Anne Chandler, Senior Associate Dean of the Honors College, decided to outsource the scanning project to ARC after meeting with ARC staff and learning of its scanning capabilities.

The purpose of the contract is to reduce VCU staff time by digitizing the reference letters, test scores and transcripts that are associated with student applications to the Honors College. The key to the success of this project is accurate indexing for each document. Indexing provides the Honors College with the ability to search the digitized document quickly and easily.

For more information on ARC's scanning and digitizing capabilities, please contact Mike Foley at (804) 358-1874 or michael.foley@RichmondARC.org

October was National Disability Employment Awareness Month and Rehabilitative Services & Vocational Placement, Inc. (RSVP) took part by recognizing employers throughout the state who have partnered with RSVP to fulfill their mission of helping our consumers realize their employment potential, increase their independence, and enhance the quality of their lives.

In 2009, RSVP worked with many deserving community employers, but TEN employers demonstrated a true spirit of collaboration and partnership, and in the process, helped our consumers to thrive at work.

Each of the managers and supervisors of the businesses recognized have consistently hired and accommodated the needs of our consumers. They have offered unending support and have promptly communicated any issues with our staff. These individuals have also been open to allowing us to conduct Situational Assessments on their work sites in order to help individuals to learn about different jobs in the community and make good decisions about the type of work they want to pursue. Whenever a consumer is hired, the Employment Specialist is always made to feel welcome and part of the team.

Dr. Joe Niamtu, along with his wife, April Niamtu, longtime honorary spokesparents for the Greater Richmond ARC, was named "Correspondent of the Day" on November 12, 2009, by the Richmond Times-Dispatch. The editorial page of the RTD published an open letter Dr. Niamtu wrote on those who abouse parking in handicap sparking spaces.

The letter, in its entirety, is as follows:

Leave Handicapped Spaces for Disabled

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

In a lazy society where patrons will drive around the mall for 15 minutes to find a convenient parking space, some able-bodied drivers illegally take handicapped spaces. Although that is morally and legally wrong, a much more serious picture exists. I am the father of two young handicapped sons with severe disabilities (and I am a spokesperson for Greater Richmond ARC). Our family has too often gone to local malls and Maymont Park only to find a vehicle without handicapped identification occupying the only space where we can unload wheelchairs with a ramp from a handicapped van.

On several occasions, one of the few pleasures that my children are able to enjoy has been canceled due to illegal handicapped parking. Not only is it an inconvenience for disabled people, but many citizens with disabilities may need to return to their car during an outing for medication, feedings, or hygiene reasons. They simply have to be in close proximity.

In this society, it is not difficult to obtain a handicapped permit from one's doctor. Many people who have handicapped permits have relatively minor disabilities and could easily park a little bit further away and still make it to the mall.

I would implore anyone possessing a handicapped permit to think first that some child or adult with a serious disability may need that space; and going to the park or the mall may be one of the only things that these people can do. I would also remind physicians to be very selective about casually issuing handicapped permits. Doctors have an obligation to disabled citizens to reserve these valuable permits for those who absolutely cannot walk the short distance of a parking lot.

Societies are judged by how they treat those less fortunate, and saving a few steps for some may mean another boring day at home for others. Please be considerate for your fellow disabled citizens.

Joe Niamtu III.
Midlothian

Even in times of economic recession, our ability to pull together and achieve fundraising goals is not diminished. This year's United Way "Live United" campaign challenge was met by 88 ARC employees who donated a total of $5,641 to improve education, income and health in our community.

"That number is up significantly from $3,830, the total amount raised in 2008," said Kim Waston, ARC's Vice President of Development. "We are very proud of our staff for their continued commitment in creating a community of opportunity for all."

The Civitan Chesapeake Foundation and the Greater Richmond Civitan Club recently awarded $30,000 -- $29,000 from the Foundation and $1,000 from the Club -- to ARC Industrial Services for scanning equipment. The Foundation members were very enthusiastic about the use of funds that are in line with the Foundation's mission to train and employ individuals with developmental disabilities.

Photo: Civitan Chesapeake Foundation Board member Whit Mallory watches ARC employee Denise Johnson carefully check documents to be scanned using the new equipment purchased by a grant from Civitan

The documents used to prepare the grant were very well-written and detailed, according to David Nigrelli, President of the Greater Richmond Civitan Club.

"Pat Robson and Anne Waring both deserve thanks for their efforts in moving the grant through the Foundation," said Nigrelli. "Our Club is very happy to again work with the ARC and we appreciate what you are doing to help the individuals served and to better the community."

Photo: Eleanor Mallory, Whit Mallory, Patricia Koepsel of the Civitan Chesapeake Foundation with ARC President Marshall Butler and Rodney Shelton, ARC Industrial Services Operations Director. The Foundation visited ARC on November 5, 2009, to tour the AIS scanning operation.

Bill Simmons, General Manager for the Haley Auto Group of Richmond, toured ARC Industrial Services (AIS) on Wednesday, November 4th. Michael Foley, Business Development Director for the Greater Richmond ARC, hosted the tour and showed Mr. Simmons various aspects of the facility and the work performed by AIS clients.

"It was great to be able to see and learn about the fantastic work that you and your staff are providing the community," said Simmons at the conclusion of the tour. He then presented a donation of $2,500 to the ARC on behalf Haley.

The Association of Fund Raising Professionals recently asked five area not-for-profits to design original centerpieces for their annual National Philanthropy Day.

The Greater Richmond ARC was among those chosen.

ARC and Art on Wheels teamed up to design ten lanterns as centerpieces for ten tables at the event. The other agencies involved were Art 180, The Visual Arts Center, St. Gertrude’s High School and the Neighborhood Resource Center.

Andrea Olson, Executive Director of Art on Wheels was in charge of the ARC Art project. Using a hand press, ARC participants made colorful monotypes -- clear plastic shades with original designs -- that were then made into panels for the lanterns.

"It was a fun time had by all and a great partnership with Art on Wheels," said Yvonne Verno, ARC Development Specialist and project coordinator for the event. "To see the smiles on their faces reflects a tremendous sense of accomplishment for our participants."

It was also a great way for ARC participants to give back to the community.

Richmond not-for-profit partners with long-time community supporter

The Greater Richmond ARC, which has been serving individuals with disabilities and their families for 55 years, recently partnered with BB&T in its philanthropic and team-building effort called the “BB&T Lighthouse Project.” Area BB&T employees hosted a Buz & Ned’s barbecue luncheon for approximately 260 ARC Day Support and ARC Industrial Services clients on Wednesday, September 16 at ARC’s Westwood Avenue headquarters in north Richmond.

Each region in the BB&T footprint was given a budget to ensure their project has a meaningful impact on the community. Teams within the Central Virginia region voted on the project they wished to support, and they chose the Greater Richmond ARC (formerly known as the Association for Retarded Citizens) because of its community-focused services. After a series of discussions between BB&T and ARC staff, it was determined that a client and staff picnic would be most beneficial, and a lot of fun for everyone involved.

“We are very excited to have our longtime community friend, BB&T, as our partner in the BB&T Lighthouse Project,” said Marshall Butler, president of the Greater Richmond ARC. “Time and again, our friends at BB&T have demonstrated our mutual commitment to ‘creating a community of opportunity for all.’ We had a fun-filled and meaningful picnic this past Wednesday afternoon .”

BB&T's Chief Executive Officer Kelly King is calling the BB&T Lighthouse Project the biggest philanthropic effort in BB&T's 137-year history. The BB&T Lighthouse Project is a companywide community service and team-building effort that exemplifies BB&T's mission of making the communities in which we work better places to live. BB&T has set aside about $3 million for employees to use to make a positive impact on the lives of people in need. BB&T is going to fill that need and demonstrate the caring heart of an organization made up of 30,000 employees committed to much more than their own self-interest.

In the light of the economy, it is more important than ever for BB&T to help the communities its serves beyond lending, financial counseling and all the financial products and services we provide. The BB&T Lighthouse Project just shines a light in 2009 on the ongoing commitment BB&T has always had to make a real difference in our communities.

Richmond not-for-profit partners with long-time community supporter

The Greater Richmond ARC, which has been serving individuals with disabilities and their families for 55 years, recently partnered with BB&T in its philanthropic and team-building effort called the “BB&T Lighthouse Project.” Area BB&T employees hosted a Buz & Ned’s barbecue luncheon for approximately 260 ARC Day Support and ARC Industrial Services clients on Wednesday, September 16 at ARC’s Westwood Avenue headquarters in north Richmond.

Each region in the BB&T footprint was given a budget to ensure their project has a meaningful impact on the community. Teams within the Central Virginia region voted on the project they wished to support, and they chose the Greater Richmond ARC (formerly known as the Association for Retarded Citizens) because of its community-focused services. After a series of discussions between BB&T and ARC staff, it was determined that a client and staff picnic would be most beneficial, and a lot of fun for everyone involved.

“We are very excited to have our longtime community friend, BB&T, as our partner in the BB&T Lighthouse Project,” said Marshall Butler, president of the Greater Richmond ARC. “Time and again, our friends at BB&T have demonstrated our mutual commitment to ‘creating a community of opportunity for all.’ We had a fun-filled and meaningful picnic this past Wednesday afternoon .”

BB&T's Chief Executive Officer Kelly King is calling the BB&T Lighthouse Project the biggest philanthropic effort in BB&T's 137-year history. The BB&T Lighthouse Project is a companywide community service and team-building effort that exemplifies BB&T's mission of making the communities in which we work better places to live. BB&T has set aside about $3 million for employees to use to make a positive impact on the lives of people in need. BB&T is going to fill that need and demonstrate the caring heart of an organization made up of 30,000 employees committed to much more than their own self-interest.

In the light of the economy, it is more important than ever for BB&T to help the communities its serves beyond lending, financial counseling and all the financial products and services we provide. The BB&T Lighthouse Project just shines a light in 2009 on the ongoing commitment BB&T has always had to make a real difference in our communities.

By Marshall W. Butler, Jr., Times-Dispatch Guest Columnist

Even in the toughest of economic times, we need to remember those with special needs. Our organization, the Greater Richmond ARC (formerly the Association for Retarded Citizens), annually serves more than 1,400 area indi viduals with developmental disabilities and their families. Yet there are almost 2,000 Richmonders with similar disabilities whose needs remain unmet.

With this in mind, we are opening the Greater Richmond ARCenter next spring at 3600 Saunders Ave. on Richmond's Northside. Our new facility will increase our capacity to serve by 20 percent, allowing us to provide therapeutic care and other critical services to more individuals with developmental disabilities who need it most.

These programs include Infant and Child Development Services, where ARC therapists work with parents and their children -- from infancy to adolescence -- who are at-risk or experiencing developmental delays. This requires specialized therapy such as physical and/or occupational -- therapy that is so important to address from an early age.

The ARCenter will also house our After School and Adult Day Support programs, where activities run the gamut from recreational to instruction in daily living skills.

Our ARC Industrial Services program will continue to be run out of our current Westwood Avenue location, a facility best suited for industrial production and occupational training services. Similarly, our Camp Baker Services in Chesterfield will continue to provide after school, adult day support, and emergency respite services.

The obvious question is: How did we manage to grow at a time when everything, including government funding for nonprofits, has shrunk?

Our answer: Because we had to.

For more than 50 years, the Greater Richmond ARC's ongoing philosophy has been to "earn our keep." For example, more than 80 percent of our $11.75 million 2008 revenue was generated through our fee-for-service model. As a result of this practice, we have continued to remain financially sound without relying exclusively on donations, though they are always a benefit.

This self-sufficiency has actually helped our organization weather what has been and continues to be difficult times for most not-for-profits.

Our decision to forge ahead on a new building at a time when construction nationwide has halted on many projects was necessary.

While our Westwood Avenue headquarters is currently close to capacity, our new building will be completely handicap-accessible, with a kitchen for training, learning alcoves for small groups to minimize distractions and disruptive behaviors, a library, a multipurpose room for indoor exercise and movies, and outdoor education and recreation space.

ARC traditionally pays its way -- and we expect to support our operating budget through additional fees for service and business revenue. For the ARCenter construction project, however, we have been fortunate to receive the generous support of state and local governments, private foundations, businesses, and individuals who care about our community. Without their help, we couldn't have made it this far; for this we are grateful indeed.

While our fundraising efforts have been largely successful, we've also had to be realistic, with some of our more ambitious plans, such as a barrier-free outdoor playground and recreational facility at the new ARCenter, which have been deferred at this time.

In other words, like every other nonprofit, ARC is not recession-proof. Just resilient. Through your continued support in times like these, we will be able to serve the Greater Richmond area for the next 50 years -- and beyond.

Marshall W. Butler Jr. is president of the Greater Richmond ARC. Contact him at (804) 358-1874 or http://www.richmondarc.org

Related Links: http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/opinion/commentary/article/ED-BUTLER19_20090717-201406/280606/

By Wesley P. Hester Times-Dispatch Staff Writer
Published: August 13, 2009

Reluctantly at first, Krystal Alexander rode a horse for the first time this week at Camp Baker.

"I was so scared, I couldn't put my leg over the horse," said Alexander, 18, of Richmond, who has cerebral palsy.

"But you did it, didn't you?" added counselor Erin Mulry, who came from Wales this summer for the opportunity to work at the camp for children and teenagers with disabilities.

"Yeah, and I wasn't really scared, either," said Alexander, changing her tune slightly as she recalled her ride atop Joey, the veteran Camp Baker horse from a neighboring farm.

Camp Baker, a 22-acre site off Beach Road in Chesterfield County, has been providing a recreational outlet for children and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities since the 1920s.

The property is owned by the county but has been operated by Greater Richmond ARC, the nonprofit group formerly known as the Association for Retarded Citizens, for 49 years.

Today, as the final group of campers for this summer says farewell, the camp will dedicate $650,000 worth of new facilities, including an amphitheater, a counselors' bunk house, and a dining hall expansion, financed with state money and a donation from one happy camper's family.

During the past nine weeks, 400 disabled campers have come from across Virginia and as far as New Mexico for a rare opportunity to spend a week or two away from home, forging bonds and trying new things.

Jennifer Post, a 19-year-old from Chesterfield, said she has been attending the camp for "so long I lost count."

She said she most enjoys making new friends, and her hope is that before she leaves today, she can "make the biggest splash at the pool and make the loudest song ever."

. . .

Campers vary in age from 5 to 89, with most toward the lower end of the range.

They eat together, bunk together, swim, dance and attend barbecues and talent shows. Nature hikes, music sessions, and arts and crafts also are on the daily agenda.

"On any given day, we have 100 people with disabilities," said Shirley O'Brien, the camp director. "We take individuals who need all levels of care -- from mild disabilities to profound disabilities."

A highlight for many campers is horseback riding, thanks to Sonny Applewhite, a retired Chesterfield police captain who has been offering his 60-acre farm and horses since the 1960s.

Ellis Bingham, known as "Bing" among campers, has been attending Camp Baker for five summers. The 18-year-old has cerebral palsy and motors around camp in his power wheelchair.

"As a parent, you want your child to be able to experience everything to the fullest of their ability," said his mother, Anna Bingham. "It's very fulfilling, because I know he's having a good time and getting to do things he doesn't get to do on a day-to-day basis. He gets to meet new people and cool counselors and experience camp just like other kids."  

By Louis Llovio, Times-Dispatch Staff writer

A nondescript warehouse in North Richmond could house temporarily some of the city's most sensitive corporate documents.

No, the warehouse is not a super-secret facility keeping corporate secrets. It's the home of the Greater Richmond ARC.

The nonprofit group, which provides employment and care for individuals with developmental disabilities, is trying a new venture -- a scanning service.

A team of four employees at the warehouse on Westwood Avenue takes companies' paper records and digitizes them. There, files are separated, staples are removed, and individual items are catalogued.

The papers then are scanned and downloaded onto a disc or a removable hard drive. Quality-control checks are conducted throughout the process to make sure the images are clear and readable and that nothing was missed.

Once a company has reviewed the documents and approved the work, ARC destroys the papers.

So far, ARC has one client -- the Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission, which distributes tobacco-settlement money for economic development.

Michael Foley, director of new business development at ARC, said the group has targeted other potential clients.

Most companies, he said, have large reserves of paper files and records that could be digitized. The move could save companies space, which in turn saves money.

Marshall Butler, president of ARC, said prices vary depending on the job, but all the profits will be used to operate the organization.

"We're always looking for ways to bring in revenues," he said.

ARC, formerly known as the Richmond Area Association for Retarded Citizens, serves more than 1,400 people. Of those, more than 550 are in the infant and child-development services program.

About 200 people work for ARC Industrial Services, which contracts work from local companies to raise money for the organization as well as provide jobs.

Employees work either at ARC's 16,000-square-foot production facility on Westwood Avenue or on-site at local businesses and government facilities. Their jobs include assembling or shipping products.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Contact Louis Llovio at (804) 649-6348 or LLLovio@timesdispatch.com.

Related Links: http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/E-ARCC06_20090705-210201/278196/

The Greater Richmond ARC recently received CARF(Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities www.carf.org ) certification in five categories of employment services through 2012:

-Employment Services: Community Employment Services: Job Development
-Employment Services: Community Employment Services: Job Supports
-Employment Services: Community Employment Services: Job-Site Training
-Employment Services: Employee Development Services
-Employment Services: Organizational Employment Services

ARF-accredited service providers enjoy recognition among an international community of persons served, peer facilities, and programs for superior standards of care and excellence in outcomes.

The achievement is an indication of ARC's dedication and commitment to improving the quality of of the lives of the individuals and families it serves. According to a certification letter from Brian J. Boon, PhD, president and CEO of CARF, "Services, personnel and documentation clearly indicate an established pattern of practice excellence."

The Greater Richmond ARC (formerly the Association for Retarded Citizens) held its annual fundraising dinner and wine tasting events this Spring to benefit its Ladybug Fund, which supports therapy services for familie who can not afford them otherwise through its Infant and Child Development Services (ICDS) program.

More than 500 people attended the two Spring events, raising a record $133,000 to benefit the ARC. Among the more notable donations was a handmade, platinum diamond band from Stevens Jewelers that netted $4,500 in a raffle.

(PHOTO)Event sponsors Rob and Elizabeth Hazelton enjoy the ARC evening with Ladybug Fund co-founder and Board Chair Thom Horsey (middle.)

"We appreciate being part of the ARC effort. The chance to contribute to the Ladybug Fund, which benefits children, literally gives you goosebumps," said Don Stevens, owner of Stevens Jewelers and an ARC Board of Directors member.

In addition, Custom Kitchens, Inc. donated their design studio for a "unique evening" consisting of a food and wine tasting for 20 guests at their Design Studio on Horsepen Road, with food prepared by Chef Wes Holland of Any Occasion Catering and wine provided by Thom Horsey of Rodney Strong Wine Estates. This auction item was so popular that Custom Kitchens offered to repeat it, with a total of $7,000 raised for ARC.

"The owners of Custom Kitchens, Richard and David Hendrick, were happy to make a 'double donation' to such a worthy cause," said Meg Downs of Custom Kitchens. "Custom Kitchens is pleased to support the families of children with special needs through such a successful event."

(PHOTO) Gus and Eileen Remppies, longtime ARC supporters and sponsors for the event, enjoy the Ladybug Fund winetasting held at Plant Zero on May 2, 2009

Demolition of the former Carrier warehouse at 3600 Saunders Avenue in north Richmond is underway to make way for the new ARCenter.

To serve more people and serve them in the community settings that are best for them, ARC has purchased four acres of land at 3600 Saunders Avenue, close to Interstates 64 and 95, Powhite Parkway, and Laburnum Avenue. The Greater Richmond ARCenter will have 24,000 square feet of open, flexible spaces that can change as the needs of our families change.

In 2010, the ARCenter will be ready for children, teens, and adults who are the most fragile or have severe mental and physical disabilities and will house:

• Infant and Child Development Services
• After-School Care
• Adult Day Support
• Administrative Support

We will nurture both bodies and spirits in our very own barrier-free playground and park, with tree house, playgrounds, amphitheatre, walking paths, sensory walls, and sports areas. Plans are being developed for this phase of the project. We will rededicate ARC’s 50,000 square foot facility on Westwood Avenue as the ARC Industrial Center and offer more training and jobs for men and women who earn paychecks from jobs they enjoy, like light assembly, order fulfillment, packaging and warehousing.

With these two facilities, we’ll expand our physical capacity on Richmond’s Northside to 74,000 square feet on seven acres.

Revenue for this $10.9 million project comes from:

ARC’s own Assets/Reserves - $ 1.6 million
Bond Financing - $ 6.6 million
Private & Governmental Funding - $ 2.7 million
Total - $ 10.9 million

In 2009, The Cabell Foundation will match your gift (up to $225,000) for the ARCenter. To double the impact of your gift, please send your donation today! Find out more about payment options and naming opportunities. Call Marshall Butler, President, or Kim Watson, VP of Development, at 804-358-1874.

And don't forget to check out our "real time" construction progress on the home page of this website.

Ladybug '09 Sponsored by BB&T & Virginia Oral & Facial Surgery

For the ninth year, the Greater Richmond ARC, in partnership with Featured Wineries, Select Restaurants and Community Sponsors, is raising funds to help young children with developmental disabilities and delays to achieve to their fullest potential. Together, we can ensure that Ladybug Fund scholarships are available for ANY family who needs ARC's Infant and Child Development Services (ICDS). No family should be turned away from specialized pediatric rehabilitation when it can give them the best possible start to leading a fulfilling life.

The Greater Richmond ARC’s Ladybug Fund Wine Dinner

Sunday, March 29, 2009, 6:00 p.m.
The Old Original Bookbinder’s Restaurant (2306 E. Cary Street - Tobacco Row)
Indulge in a four-course dinner and selected wines. Tickets: $150 per person. Please call Yvonne Verno at (804) 358-1874 for more info or email Yvonne.verno@richmondarc.org.

Winetasting & Silent Auction
The Greater Richmond ARC’s Ladybug Fund Winetasting & Silent Auction
Saturday, May 2, 2009, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Plant Zero (Zero E. Fourth Street)
Experience a sampling of fine wine, food prepared on-site by some of Richmond’s finest restaurants and a musical serenade at the Ninth Annual Ladybug Fund Winetasting & Silent Auction. Tickets: $75 per person. Please call Yvonne Verno at (804) 358-1874 for more info or email Yvonne.verno@richmondarc.org.

The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) recently awarded their top prize, the "Award of Excellence," in their annual "Best in Virginia" marketing competition to Rodney Shelton, Michael Foley, Douglas Payne and Tracy Tierney for their work in promoting the Greater Richmond ARC's workforce, ARC Industrial Services. By designing, developing and implementing a highly-effective marketing and earned media placement strategy throughout 2008, the team was able to effectively promote a program that employs over 200 people in central Virginia with a variety of developmental disabilities. Judges from IABC chapters across the U.S. awarded 68 out of a possible 70 points to the team for "marketing communications excellence."

Photo: Doug Payne and Rodney Shelton accept "Best in Virginia - Award of Excellence" on behalf of the Greater Richmond ARC.

On December 9, 2008, the Greater Richmond ARC hosted a holiday party for the children who participate in the organization's Infant and Child Development Services program, along with their parents and siblings, at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Richmond.

More than 175 people attended.

Forrest White, Trinity's director of youth ministry, thought the event may have had its largest turnout since the church first started hosting the event back in 2001. First Books-Greater Richmond donated a $500 gift card that supplied new books for the children, along with the local alumni chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha, which donated 50 brand new children's books for the event. Trinity provided the venue, food and games. "The partnership of these groups is extraordinary and we are proud to be able to host this event for our families," said Lisa Cox, ARC's ICDS director.

(Reprinted from the Richmond Times-Dispatch article by Bill Lohmann)

Here’s the holiday spirit come to life:

Java Berrow walking up to a home with someone’s
dinner, knocking on the door and cheerfully announcing,“Meals on Wheels!”

“I like helping people who don’t get out to get their food,” Berrow said. Here’s another thing: Berrow’s good work is not limited to the holidays. She delivers meals four days a week to the homebound as part of a small army of volunteers from The Greater Richmond ARC, a not-for-profit agency that helps people with developmental disabilities lead fulfilling lives.

Our guys and girls love it because they get to go out there and make a contribution to something valuable,” said Douglas Payne, a spokesman for ARC. “It gives them a tremendous sense of satisfaction and gratification. It’s a very good thing.”

So is the social interaction -- for the ARC volunteers and the people receiving the meals. Sometimes, the Meals on Wheels volunteer dropping off a meal is the only person checking on the recipient’s well-being.

“When they see [volunteers] walking up the sidewalk with a smile, it’s not just a meal,” Payne said. “It’s a good friend they’re used to seeing on a regular basis.”

Meals on Wheels is a home-delivered meal service that relies on volunteers to provide food daily to seniors and people with disabilities. This year, about 2,500 volunteers will prepare, pack and deliver about 265,000 meals to more than 1,500 clients in central Virginia.

The meals are prepared at the Community Kitchen, a bright, new, environmentally friendly facility next to the Central Virginia Foodbank, which joined with Meals on Wheels earlier this year to form FeedMore Inc. The emphasis, said Director of Food Services Sally Pluot, is on “Southern-style comfort food, because that’s what our
clients want.”

Their specialties include items such as smothered pork chops, baked cheese grits and Southern greens, pot roast with mashed potatoes, green beans and spoon bread, Pluot said on a recent morning in the kitchen. Workers -- most of them volunteers -- were filling small cups with
chopped fruit at one table and spooning pumpkin custard into cups at another.

They aim for the meals to be nutritious, easy to heat up and as close to tasting home-cooked as possible, Pluot said.

Which brings us to this: Meals on Wheels is built on the concept of neighbor-helping-neighbor. During the holiday season, it’s natural for people to want to do something special for the homebound. A gift of food is an obvious way to spread good cheer, but precisely what would make an appropriate present is less obvious.

“Soft, warm and comforting,” Pluot said of the sort of food that often hits the spot with the homebound. "When people don't feel good, that’s what they want. Chicken and dumplings. Old-fashioned macaroni and cheese.”

Homemade macaroni could be an enlightening exercise for the giver since many people of a certain age, Pluot has learned, have never made macaroni and cheese that didn't come in a box. It's a favorite, regularly served dish from Meals on Wheels.

“We grate the cheese, whip the egg and milk together and pour it over it,” Pluot said. “It’s soft and just about everyone can eat it.”

That’s another thing to consider: Lots of older people with health problems have restricted diets, so be careful. Colleen Keller, vice president of programs at Meals on Wheels and a registered dietitian, recommended going easy on sugary gifts as well as anything with nuts. A loaf of homemade bread might be a good option, she said.

Here’s another possibility: “A lot of our clients used to cook a lot and can’t anymore,” Keller said, “but they might like someone else to make their favorite recipes. Maybe you could ask them for a favorite recipe and offer to make it for them.”

Photo: Meals on Wheels volunteers Patrick Riley, Java Berrow and John Darby (from left), all from The Greater Richmond ARC, deliver prepared meals several times a week to clients and places such as The Daily Planet Medical Respite
Program in Richmond. (PHOTO: P. KEVIN MORLEY/TIMES-DISPATCH)

Related Links: http://www.mowdelivers.com

(From the Richmond Times-Disptach, Sunday, July 27, 2008)

The Comcast Foundation recently presented the Greater Richmond ARC a check for $11,100. The money will provide support for ARC's Day Support services. On Hand were (from left) Henry Pearl, area vice president for Comcast; Demis Stewart, executive vice president of ARC; Marshall Butler, president of ARC; and Ken Dye, director of government and community affairs for Comcast.

The First Lady of Virginia, Anne Holton, recently paid a visit to the Greater Richmond ARC’s headquarters on Westwood Avenue to tour the facility and learn more about the services ARC provides over 1,300 area residents and their families. Mrs. Holton, a former juvenile and domestic relations district court judge in the City of Richmond and daughter of former Governor Linwood Holton, toured the Infant and Child Development Services (ICDS) offices as well as After School & Day Support Services and ARC Industrial Services.

After her tour, Mrs. Holton and Michael Evans, Special Assistant to the First Lady – Children and Family Initiative, met with senior ARC staff in the ICDS offices and discussed the recent Budget Conference Committee report and how the General Assembly helped those with intellectual disabilities and their families this past session. The new Budget Bill includes 600 Medicaid MR Waiver slots that will become available in the first year of the biennium.

Pictured: Mr. John Story of ARC Industrial Services, Mrs. Geraldine Story, John’s mother and longtime ARC Board member, and First Lady of Virginia Anne Holton. The First Lady recently toured ARC’s Westwood facilities, including ARC Industrial Services. Mrs. Story and the First Lady were each honored in 2006 as YWCA of Richmond’s Outstanding Women of the Year in the areas of volunteerism and law, respectively.

For the eighth year, the Greater Richmond ARC, in partnership with featured wineries, select Richmond restaurants and community sponsors, raised funds through the Ladybug Fund winetasting events to help young children with developmental disabilities and delays achieve to their fullest potential. Over $96,000 was raised at this year’s events, ensuring scholarships will be available for ANY family who needs ARC’s Infant and Child Development Services (ICDS). No family should be turned away from specialized pediatric rehabilitation when it can give them the best possible start to leading a fulfilling life.

Special thanks to our headline sponsors, BB&T, Dominion Due Diligence, Target, Stevens Jewelers’ and UPS Freight, and all who generously contributed Ladybug’s success in 2008: The Wilton Companies,Bill & Amy Horan, Hirschler Fleischer, Gus & Eileen Remppies, Dominion Resources, Dave & Judy Pahren,Baxter Perkinson & Associates, Trust Company ofVirginia, Thom & Karen Horsey, Susan & Robert Salsitz, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Hunt, Marshall Butler, Dr.Joe & April Niamtu, James River Air, Dr. Steven Fiore,Demis Stewart, Custom Kitchens, Inc., 3 North, Mark Foss Brown of Keller Williams Realty and Dr. Larry & Victoria Metzger.

Ladybug is named in honor of Mary Lindell "Ladybug" Horsey, beloved daughter of Thom and Karen Manning Horsey. Established in 2000 by Thom, Karen and Terry Izzo, former ARC ICDS director, the Ladybug wine events have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for therapy for children with special needs and their families.

Please feel free to email us with your comments or suggestions at Ladybug@RichmondARC.org and save the date for next year’s Ladybug Winetasting and Silent Auction: Saturday, May 2, 2009 at Plant Zero.

More than 300 volunteers from the Richmond area joined together on Saturday, May 3, 2008 for “Comcast Cares Day” to help revitalize the facilities of the Greater Richmond ARC’s Westwood Avenue headquarters. Together on this day - Comcast’s annual, nationwide day of service – Comcast employees and their families and friends, along with representatives from the ARC and members of the local community, all pitched in on a number of projects to help support renovations currently underway on the ARC building, including cleaning, painting, landscaping and carpentry work. Volunteers also helped to install furniture donated by Comcast.

The ARC’s Westwood Avenue building was once the site of a tractor-trailer repair facility in the 1950s, and several improvements and enhancements have been made since ARC acquired the building in the 1980s to make it more user-friendly for the human services the organization provides its many clients and their families. The Comcast Cares volunteer effort helped not only with much-needed cosmetic enhancements, but also helped make better use of space in areas such as ARC’s After School and Day Support Services.

Explained Demis Stewart, Executive Vice President of the Greater Richmond ARC, “We are incredibly grateful for the Comcast volunteer effort on Comcast Cares Day. Today’s efforts will go a long way in helping to keep our facilities safe and inviting for the more than 1,200 individuals and families that we serve each year. One of our main goals for these and future enhancements is to make the level of our work environment complementary to the professional services we provide.”

ARC would like to thank the volunteers from Comcast, the Greater Richmond ARC and the broader community that invested so much time and energy on Comcast Cares Day. The Greater Richmond ARC relies on the support of individuals, community organizations and businesses like Comcast that are truly invested in giving back to the community.

(From Richmond.com “Community Spotlight” April 24, 2008)

The Greater Richmond ARC (Association for Retarded Citizens) has come up with a new name for one of its longstanding, most important programs.

The previously named Civitan Vocational Services will now be known as ARC Industrial Services, a program that provides opportunities for individuals with mental retardation and developmental disabilities to work in a variety of capacities at either ARC's production facility on Westwood Avenue, or on-site at various businesses throughout the area.
ARC provides employment for almost 200 individuals with disabilities, allowing them to earn their own paycheck and give their caregivers the opportunity to hold a job as well.
Statistics show that providing employment opportunities to individuals with disabilities allows their caregivers to earn $1.5 million over the course of a 45-year work life. In addition, gainful employment for individuals with disabilities saves more than $7,000 a year in government subsidies, according to the Social Security Administration.

For more information, visit www.Richmondarc.org.

On April 5, 2008, young artists from the Greater Richmond ARC gave their time and talent to create a unique work of art with Richmond artist Robert Walz. Parents, friends and volunteers supported the children creatively, emotionally and physically while the artists busily went to work.

On April 5, 2008, young artists from the Greater Richmond ARC gave their time and talent to create a unique work of art with Richmond artist Robert Walz. Parents, friends and volunteers supported the children creatively, emotionally and physically while the artists busily went to work.

The children painted wooden discs in the colors of their choice, combining different paint techniques to create a stunning collage. Some used brushes while others used fingers and all delighted in their collaborative effort. Who would have imagined that they would explore -- independently and without instruction -- complex, artistic strategies and decision-making abilities?

The Greater Richmond ARC would like to thank these young artists and their parents for their beautiful work and for thr inspired design of The ARC's 2007 Annual Report. Special thanks to Robert Walz, Fran McDermott and Yvonne Verno for organizing the project.

The artists: Gracie Hazelton, Evan Niamtu, Joey Niamtu, Thomas McDermott and Britlyn Weinstock.

The Infant and Child Development Services' annual Holiday Party was held at Trinity United Methodist Church on Forest Hill Avenue on December 11th. This year marked one of the biggest and best parties ever with 79 children and 68 adults in attendance. Most of the children receive therapy from ARC, and this year they brought along many of their siblings to help celebrate. Of course, Santa Claus made an appearance and distributed books and holiday cheer to every boy and girl.

All children -- including brothers and sisters --were called up one by one to receive an Angel Tree book from Santa. St. Nick sat high on the stage in his tall chair so that all the children could get a good view of him, but he also made sure to come down off the stage to visit with those children in wheelchairs.

Gracie Hazelton and her brothers, Ben and Eric Hazelton, also came to the party. Gracie's mom, Elizabeth, was thrilled to have all of her children there. It was one of the first activities Gracie was able to attend since her surgery over the summer. Thankfully, she is recovering nicely and was all smiles, glad to see Santa.

Leiland Watkinson was the second little boy called up on stage to receive his book from Santa, but he became very afraid and started crying. However, as more children were called to sit in Santa's lap and tell him what they wanted for the holidays, Leiland's mom decided to place him on the edge of the stage so that he could get comfortable with the idea of visiting with the jolly old man in the red suit. After about an hour carefully studying Santa, Leiland slowly warmed up to the idea of sitting on his lap and began inching his his way toward his chair. When he finally got there, old Santa could hardly get a "ho ho ho" in edgewise.

The party was generously sponsored by the Richmond Alumni Chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha and Trinity United Methodist Youth Group; Youth Director, Forrest White.

Lisa Cox, Director of Infant and Child Development Services for the Greater Richmond ARC, was among 40 Richmond area residents under age 40 selected by Style Weekly magazine as the top area young professionals for 2007. The annual competition draws a large number of nominations each year, and judges make their selections from a diverse group of people in a variety of professions.

According to Style Weekly's Editor, Jason Roop, "These are some of Richmond’s most remarkable young men and women. They’re inspiring and serving others, changing our community for the better and exuding an enthusiasm about Richmond’s present and future that you just might catch."

(From Style Weekly)

Lisa Cox, 36

Director of Infant and Child Development Services
Greater Richmond ARC

Lisa Cox has adored children ever since her first job baby-sitting. After completing her undergraduate studies at James Madison University and a master’s degree at the University of Virginia, she jumped right in with the children, taking a position with Children’s Hospital of Richmond as a feeding specialist for five years.

As director of Infant and Child Development Services for the Greater Richmond ARC (Association for Retarded Citizens), she coordinates programming that ensures, some 400-plus Richmond children a year receive specialized pediatric services. She says her daily challenges range “from funding to a shortage of professional resources in Virginia.”

But her commitment to youth extends from her professional life to behind her front door. So far she’s taken in two children as a foster parent for the city. Cox says she was compelled to take action because of the large numbers of children awaiting homes. The most rewarding part of being a parent? “The realization that there is so much community support,” she says. “The old saying ‘It takes a village’ is particularly true in foster care. … Seeing how many people come alongside you when you step out to do something like this is overwhelming.”

Since 2003, ARC has been steadily growing its business with Madison, Virginia-based Plow & Hearth, a division of 1800Flowers.com. Plow & Hearth is a $30 million a year national catalog, retail, and Internet company that specializes in high quality gardening, home and leisure products.

The ARC/Plow & Hearth relationship began in early 2003 with ARC providing fulfillment work for its long-time client, Virginia Box/Pratt Industries. Pratt’s client, Plow & Hearth, lacked a reliable workforce and adequate storage facilities at its Madison headquarters, so Pratt subcontracted ARC to pack, box and return ship Plow & Hearth products, warehousing the surplus material until it was needed. However, distribution also a presented a problem once the product was shipped back to Plow & Hearth’s rural headquarters north of Charlottesville, and company officials began to search for possible solutions.

During 2003-2004, ARC began packing Plow & Hearth’s popular product, Fatwood™ at its Westwood Avenue production facility. Fat-wood is comprised of thick sticks made from tree stumps that have absorbed sap from the root systems of harvested trees, making them excellent fire-starting material. Over the next couple of years, ARC realized it could offer Plow & Hearth value-added services that would alleviate its distribution dilemma. ARC first approached its client, Virginia Box/Pratt Industries with a win-win-win solution. With Pratt’s permission, ARC explained to Plow & Hearth management that ARC’s strategic location near the intersection of I-95 and I-64 seemed a logical distribution center to meet their fulfillment needs. Once the Fatwood was packed, the orders could efficiently be drop-shipped nationwide directly from ARC’s production facility.

The plan seemed sound, but Plow & Hearth was somewhat skeptical. After all, the best laid plans often come unglued during the execution phase, and a company the size of Plow & Hearth seemed reluctant to take risks – especially risks involving distribution from a remote location. Could ARC handle the volume of orders? Could its production team ramp up to meet increasing fulfillment demands, especially during the busy holiday season?

The company’s website, www.plowandhearth.com, received almost 70,000 unique visitors in November and December of 2006, and many of them purchased holiday gifts including Fatwood. There was well-founded concern within Plow & Hearth management about ARC’s fulfillment capabilities. Fortunately, there was also well-founded faith in ARC and the work its team members performed during the previous three years, so Plow & Hearth decided to implement the “bundled solution” Fatwood program at ARC.

According to Caroline Busick, the director of mail order and retail distribution for Plow & Hearth, the strategy “worked out very well
with ARC in terms of (electronic) file transfers of orders, packing and direct shipping from ARC’s Richmond facility.

In 2006, the company enjoyed significant increases in sales. According to Busick, Plow & Hearth shipped 100,000 more pieces in 2006 than the previous year. During the busy holiday season, 20,832 pieces were shipped by ARC. During the period from September 2006 to November 2007, a total of 36,000 cartons of product were shipped out of ARC’s Westwood Avenue production facility.

Plow & Hearth operations director, Kari Stadler, noted the number represented “significant volume” for a two-month holiday period. “Our (Plow & Hearth) warehouse could not have handled anything additional and ARC’s execution of the Fatwood Program was exceptional. It was well beyond our expectations.”

“We’re very excited to be working with Plow & Hearth and we are looking forward to an even stronger relationship in the future,” said Mike Foley, ARC’s new Director of Business Development. “We’re constantly looking for ways to bring even greater value to the services we provide Plow & Hearth.”

“It’s a very good partnership,” added Busick. A partnership ARC will continue to cultivate and grow.

Related Links: http://www.plowandhearth.com

 “A Place for Everything and Everything in It’s Place” sounds so organized and peaceful. We can all see the benefits. But it can be a tough rule for busy families to follow. And sometimes it feels downright impossible if that family has a member with special needs.

Children and adults with special needs often struggle with skills necessary for being organized: sequential reasoning, short- or long-term memory, and reading, for example. But there’s a simple tool that can help everyone in the family, regardless of needs, abilities, or age: labels.

Julie Morgenstern, author of the book Organizing From the Inside Out: The Foolproof System for Organizing Your Home, Your Office, and Your Life, says that her “secret weapon” is the model of a kindergarten classroom.

There, things that are used together are grouped together and stored where they’re used. And they are stored in easily accessible containers that are clearly labeled.

Labeling items and locations can be a great help in keeping things where they belong. And it can also be a fantastic tool for increasing independence and life skills. A teen can put the groceries away more easily if the pantry shelves have labels. And a preschooler will learn how to put away clean laundry much quicker if her drawers are labeled.

Whether the label is a picture or a word depends on the people using it. If the label will be used by someone who is learning to read or who cannot read, it must be a picture. Word labels only work when they can be easily read by everyone using that item.

On sale, a word labeler at an office supply store can cost as little as $10, and is a great investment. Digital cameras and velcro make picture labels easy and versatile. (“Goo Gone” can remove any adhesive when it’s time to change a label.)

So try labeling your places, and see if things find their place more often!

Olivia Acree, Ed.S., helps people get organized at work and at home with her company, A Sorted Affair. She is a former school psychologist who is proud to have potty-trained at least fifteen children with autism. Contact her at oacree@asortedaffair.net

Related Links: http://www.asortedaffair.net

The Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR) recently won national recognition for its employment of individuals with developmental disabilities at a conference sponsored by NISH, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create employment opportunities for people with severe disabilities by securing Federal contracts through the AbilityOne Program, formerly known as the Javits-Wagner-O’Day Program.

The DSCR received the award at the NISH National Training and Achievement Conference in May in Grapevine, Texas. Locally, the DSCR works in conjunction with the Greater Richmond ARC to provide employment for 70 individuals with developmental disabilities. For their outstanding support of an AbilityOne-producing nonprofit agency, the DSCR received the 2006 NISH Government Award for Local Federal Customer Support-Military Category award.

“Partnering with NISH has been a win/win situation for everyone involved. It helps us serve as good stewards of taxpayer dollars, and it provides an opportunity for those who are eager to demonstrate their capabilities rather than their limitations,” said Colonel Steve Franklin, who accepted the award on behalf of DSCR.

The Greater Richmond ARC’s President Marshall Butler nominated DSCR for the award, citing the long and successful relationship between the DSCR and. ARC, whose employees provide contract services including tasks such as grounds maintenance.

“We want to congratulate the DSCR on this prestigious award and recognize the importance of our ongoing relationship with them in obtaining meaningful employment for our members,” said Butler.

Related Links: http:///www.jwod.org

The Greater Richmond ARC is pleased to announce Infant and Child Development Services (ICDS) physical therapist Anne Boyce Wilkins was recently awarded a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Virginia Commonwealth University/Medical College of Virginia. Anne received her Master of Science degree from VCU/MCV and Bachelor of Science from William & Mary. She is a Richmond native and a graduate of St. Catherine’s School.

Anne said of her recent studies, “The degree will benefit my clients by providing more intensive research-based courses that will, in turn, lead to more research-based treatment protocols.” As a result, ICDS clients will be receiving the latest, state-of-the-art options for treatment based on their specific conditions.

Congrats, Dr. Wilkins!

Paula Jones, a long-time client of the Day Support services of the Greater Richmond ARC, has been recognized by Meals on Wheels as a valuable long-time volunteer, helping to deliver meals to those in need for the past six years. Paula says that in addition to delivering meals to Meals on Wheels clients, she enjoys seeing the friendly volunteer faces she knows. She also confesses she really loves the yummy snacks and being around the entire Meals on Wheels staff. Paula visits the organization two to three times per week along with other ARC clients and coordinators.

When the Greater Richmond ARC went searching for a new director of Camp Baker Services, they felt extremely fortunate to find Francis (“Fran”) Fitzgerald, a native New Yorker with extensive not-for-profit experience.

ARC President Marshall Butler said what made Francis (“Fran”) Fitzgerald really stand out were his credentials. Fitzgerald has more than 25 years of successful managerial and executive experience in the not-for-profit sector.

His résumé includes 11 years with the New York City Association for the Help of Retarded Children (AHRC), two years with United Cerebral Palsy (UCP), and most recently as the Director of Program Development for Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI) in Smithtown, New York, where he developed new programs and service initiatives that included over $20 million in agency expansion.

In his new role at ARC, Fitzgerald will oversee Camp Baker Services, ARC’s handicapped-accessible facility in Chesterfield County that provides residential summer camp programs, year-round weekend and emergency respite care, and daily programs of adult day support and after school care, all for individuals with developmental disabilities.

In addition, Fitzgerald will serve as Vice President of Program Development, a newly created position at ARC. In this capacity, Fitzgerald will serve on ARC’s executive team and will assess the potential development of new programs in other ARC divisions as well as the expansion of the current programs for people with developmental disabilities throughout Chesterfield County and beyond.

“In my new position, I have the opportunity to both oversee daily programs for people with developmental disabilities – and I love the daily contact with the people we serve – as well as assist the ARC in developing new services and programs,” said Fitzgerald. “It’s the best of both worlds for me.”

The newest member of the ARC senior staff is an avid photographer who has traveled to over 50 countries on five continents.

The Greater Richmond ARC has been know for more than 50 years as a place where lives are changed for the better through work programs, individual therapy sessions and camp experiences.

Occasionally, Cupid comes calling.

Melvin Cary Jackson, an employee at the Jefferson Hotel’s T.J. Lounge, began working with ARC employment counselors when he moved to Richmond from Tidewater, Virginia, in the late 1990s. A hard-working, affable man with an infectious smile and gentle demeanor, Melvin was looking for companionship once he’d settled into his new digs, so he asked his former ARC job coach, Stephanie Crabtree, if she knew any single women in the area.

As a matter of fact, Crabtree did know someone whom Melvin might find interesting -- and who might also be interested in Melvin. She gave Melvin a phone number and told him to call her the next day.

Crabtree had former ARC client, Ruth Evelyn Young, in mind. Ruth came to ARC in 1993 and landed a job at K-Mart with Crabtree’s assistance. Melvin called Ruth the next day and they agreed to meet at Willow Lawn Mall with Crabtree acting as chaperone. It was a case of mutual attraction at first sight, so they next agreed to an “official” first date at the Science Museum of Virginia.

Fast forward several years later to the 2007 annual ARC Banquet at Jefferson-Lakeside Country Club. At the beginning of the evening, Melvin announced to a round of applause that he and Ruth were engaged to be married. After dinner they danced close to the romantic strains of Lionel Richie played by Lite 98’s D.J.

During a recent visit to ARC, both were asked what each likes most about the other. Ruth, a soft-spoken lady with long brown tied back in a pony tail, said she loves Melvin because he is “very polite, nice, and brings me gifts.” When asked what Melvin likes most about Ruth, Melvin smiled broadly, looked at Ruth and patted her on her knee. “Everything,” he said.

The couple plans a 2008 wedding though no official date is set. When asked if Melvin had produced a ring as part of the proposal, Ruth proudly showed off the engagement diamond. “Melvin was so nervous,” she added. “He was over at my mother’s house where I live now and said, “Will you be my husband? ‘No,’ I said, ‘But I’ll be your wife!”

Devynne Bruce, a Deep Run High School senior, was one of three summer interns who visited ARC over the two-week, hands-on portion of the overall five-week program. Devynne had the opportunity to work alongside ARC counselors and staff Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 4 pm, and participated in a variety of daily activities with the children.

What Devynne found most rewarding about her experience with ARC is that “kids with disabilities could experience the same kinds of fun, enriching activities that we all like to experience.” She was especially gratified that the children really started opening up to her after only a few visits. “It was really nice to see them smile and run up to greet me when I arrived. I love the environment. It was a very positive experience that really opened my eyes.”

One of the goals of the Institute is to teach participants how to deal with larger issues that affect our community. The program is also designed to bridge geographic and cultural gaps that often exist between area seniors. Program director John Green, an English teacher in the upper school at St. Christopher’s, explained, “We want them to recognize and understand those gaps. We want them to gain an new perspective and experience working together.” Green pointed out that the interns are among the best and brightest of area public and private schools -- the Institute only selected 14 students out of a pool of 40 applicants in 2007 -- and probably wouldn’t get a chance to work together as a cohesive group to study societal challenges outside of the Institute.

Each summer the Institute brings together a group of talented young people with diverse backgrounds and experiences from a variety of public and private schools throughout central Virginia. Each student who successfully completes the program receives a $1,000 stipend. For more information on the Institute on Leadership and Public Service at St. Christopher’s School, please contact program director John Green at 282-3185 x 657 or email him at greenj@stcva.org.

Related Links: http://www.stchristophers.com
 

Gwaltney Fleming, Inc., a Richmond-based architectural, design and general contracting firm, successfully completed the ARCspace renovation project this past spring at ARC’s Westwood Avenue headquarters. The rennovation provided ARC’s main lobby and Infant and Child Development Services (ICDS) offices and therapy rooms a much-needed makeover.

The completed project, valued at more than $130,000, has been donated at no cost by Gwaltney Fleming and several area subcontractors including: Acorn Sign Graphics, Atlas Carpet, B&L Floorcovering, Capital Interiors, Citywide Decorators, picture framing by Custom Framing Made Simple, Dominion Interior Supply Co., Dunlap & Partners, Hix Heating & Air Conditioning, JCF painting, JL Minter Electrical Contractor, Inc., Lee’s Carpets, Markel Corporation, MP Barden & Sons, Inc., Mohawk Carpets, Patcraft Commercial Carpet, Shaw Contract Group. A heartfelt “thank you” goes out to all the area companies that contributed to the project.

http://www.gwaltneyfleming.com

Thanks to your kind generosity, the Greater Richmond ARC raised more than $143,000 through the Ladybug Fund winetasting events held this past spring. These funds support young children with developmental disabilities in ARC’s Infant and Child Development Services (ICDS). Please feel free to email us with your comments or suggestions at Ladybug@RichmondARC.org and save the date for next year’s Ladybug Winetasting and Silent Auction:
April 27, 2008 at Plant Zero.

“Are you ready, are you pumped?” shouted Philip Morris USA human resources team leader Roxanne Richardson to her colleagues as they sipped hot coffee in the chilly morning air. Richardson, a native of New York, was more than ready to dive right in to the work at hand.

The all-day effort was part of Philip Morris USA’s “Day of Sharing” campaign, designed to help not-for-profit organi-zations around the nation through direct contributions of resources and labor. As much as the volunteer effort benefited the Great Richmond ARC, it also helped foster team-building skills among employees, many of whom don’t always get the opportunity to work-face-to face with colleagues across the country. It was described by one volunteer as a “win/win” situation for everyone involved.

After a thorough sprucing up of Camp Baker’s building and grounds, the Philip Morris USA team assembled inside a large white tent for a hard-earned dinner of hamburgers and hot dogs. They were treated to a brief awards ceremony for their efforts and personal words of thanks by senior PM USA management and Marshall Butler, President of the Greater Richmond ARC. In all, the “Day of Sharing” value to Camp Baker exceeded $80,000 and was very much appreciated.

The Greater Richmond ARC's "What is ARC?" media campaign ended 2006 by placing in three prestigious regional communications competitions. The ARC campaign won honors respectively in the Richmond Ad Club's "Richmond Show" for Public Service Print in an Outdoor Campaign, the Public Relations Society of America's 2006 "Virginia Public Relations Awards" for for Creative Tactics, and the International Association of Business Communicators' "Best in Virginia" awards for Economic, Social and Environmental Development Communications.

It was truly a collaborative effort between ARC and our ad agency, Neathawk Dubuque & Packett, and goes a long way in bringing our organization to the forefront of the Greater Richmond community. The campaign has also significantly increased annual giving and inquiries for ARC services two years in a row.

Pictured: ARC award winners Dr. Joe & April Niamtu, ARC honorary Spokescouple and parents of two children with special needs: Joey, 6, and Evan, 4.

Read the Richmond Times-Dispatch article on the latest award below.

Download PDF - RTD_IABC.pdf

Times-Dispatch business writer Bob Rayner covers the 2006 "Best in Virginia" awards sponsored by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC)- Richmond Chapter. ARC and its ad agency, ND&P received silver honors in the category of "Economic, Social and Environmental Development" for the Dr. Joe & April Niamtu media awareness campaign launched in 2006.

Download PDF - RTD_IABC.pdf

In commemoration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October, the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) and Dominion Resources, Inc. co-hosted the first annual Disability Employment Champions Awards Breakfast on October 24, 2006 at Virginia Crossings Resort in Glen Allen, Virginia. The statewide event was the culmination of a series of local events held by DRS throughout the Commonwealth to honor individuals and organizations in public, private, and non-profit sectors that have helped further DRS’s mission to empower individuals with disabilities to maximize their employment, independence and full inclusion into society. As the first winner of the new award, Governor Timothy M. Kaine was among nine awardees honored at the breakfast for “championing” the employment of people with disabilities.

DRS Commissioner James A. Rothrock, said of the awards breakfast, “We have inaugurated an annual event which not only recognizes policies and practices that contribute to the employment of people with disabilities, but an event which we hope will serve as a call to action to legislators, businesses, community organizations, state agencies, people with disabilities and their families.”

State agency heads, business leaders, and leaders of nonprofit and community organizations gathered at the breakfast, which, in addition to honoring Governor Kaine, recognized five businesses from around the state, a state agency, an individual with disabilities who is a DRS consumer, and the Greater Richmond ARC. Marshall Butler, president of the Greater Richmond was “very pleased” to accept the award on behalf of ARC.

ARC is pleased to announce that Dr. Colleen Kraft, the Walter E. Bundy Professor and Chair of the Division of Community Pediatrics at Virginia Commonwealth University, has joined ARC as the new Infant and Child Development Services (ICDS) medical director. Dr. Kraft practices pediatrics with Pediatric and Adolescent Health Partners, P.C., where her interest is in caring for children with special healthcare needs. She is also the Medical Director at Medical Home Plus, Inc., a 501(c )3 non-profit organization that connects families to community resources.

Dr. Kraft, a mother of three, is a graduate of Virginia Tech (BA) and Virginia Commonwealth University (MD) where she also received her pediatric training. She currently serves as the president of the Virginia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and her interests within medicine include children with disabilities, community pediatrics and international child healthcare. She also works with non-government organizations (NGOs) in South Africa to provide health care to children who are in need of medical homes.

The annual ARC golf tournament benefiting the Infant and Child Development Services of the Greater Richmond ARC has a new name: “A Round of Good,” which is fitting since it also set a new record in terms of attendees and funds raised: 29 teams and $17,000.
The fundraiser was held September 25 at Richmond Country Club in Manakin-Sabot. Major sponsors included The Haskins Family, Haynes Jeep, The Greater Richmond New Car Dealers’ Association, Coca Cola, Dominion Youth Services, Uptown Color, Graphics Gallery and Mulligan’s Golf Shop.
“We are so pleased with the turnout and the $17,000 we raised this year,” said tournament vice-chair Jeff Penny of Keiter Slabaugh Penny & Holme. He and Taylor Ramey of Golden Personnel, Inc. have co-chaired the event for the past six years.
Participation in our “Round of Good” will help to lower handicaps and barriers that keep children with disabilities from becoming successful in their own “Round of Life.”

The funds raised assure that young children with disabilities will be able to participate in a host of programs long before they enroll in school! Among the help they can receive: 

• Development screenings in a daycare center or homeless shelter
• Speech, occupational or physical therapy, social work and early childhood education services
• Opportunities to learn and play along-side other children who do not have disabilities
• Transportation services, so they won’t be left behind or left out

CARF (founded in 1966 as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) announced in August 2006 that the Greater Richmond ARC has been accredited for a period of three years for its employment services in the areas of community employment, job development, job supports, job-site training, employee development services and organizational employment services. The accreditation will extend through June 2009. The achievement is an indication of ARC’s dedication ad commitment to improving the quality of the lives of those ARC serves. “Services, personnel and documentation clearly indicate an established pattern of practice excellence,” read the accreditation announcement sent to ARC on August 3, 2006.

CARF is a national independent nonprofit accrediting body whose mission is to promote the quality, value and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process that centers on enhancing the lives of the persons served. Since 1966, the accrediting body establishes consumer-focused standards to help organizations measure and improve the quality of their programs and services.

A record number of summer campers attended Camp Baker in 2006. Some highlights of the ’06 summer camp season include a record number of residential and day campers at Camp Baker – 429 up from 386 in summer ’05 and from 305 in summer ’04.
Camp Baker also offered 2-week sessions for first time – one for children & adolescents, one for adults. However, the adult session was better attended, and staff is currently assessing whether youth session should be offered later in the summer to accommodate younger campers.

Staff also took a one-week mid-summer break for first time while another group leased the camp. Counselors who have worked other summers recommend keeping this model because it significantly decreased “battle fatigue” and improved accident/injury avoidance.

Davison Chapman, 3, gripped his walker tight and stomped his tiny feet in time to “We are the dinosaurs,” a children’s song by the Laurie Berkner band. He and his mother, Blake Chapman, were singing one of his favorite tunes on a sunny Tuesday afternoon on the playground of Trinity United Methodist Church in Richmond’s west end.

“He loves to stand in his walker and sing and dance along,” said his father, Keith Chapman, director of clinical engineering at MCV Hospitals in Richmond. Chapman smiled broadly as he watched his son clap at the end of the song.

Davison was born with a heart condition that won’t allow him to run, jump and play like other three-year-olds, but his desire level is definitely 100%. A half hour before Davison and 15 other toddlers were set to graduate from the Greater Richmond ARC’s Infant and Child Development Services program, he and his friends appeared to be doing what every other child on the playground was doing that day: having a ball.

However, Davison’s behavior these days contrasts sharply with the time immediately following his birth.

“After he was born, he was so weak he couldn’t even tuck his legs in,” said Chapman. “His functionality was so poor.”

As the result of his heart condition— his heart pumps at only about 50% capacity— Davison’s arms would suddenly go limp and he’d be completely drained of energy. Davison is an only child, and his parents faced overwhelming challenges in the days, months and years following his birth. Almost immediately, a heart surgery was performed on Davison that was followed by another six months later. After the second surgery, the Chapmans began to see improvement, but they were told he’d probably need a third surgery when he turned three. They have since opted to wait for a heart transplant, which they are hopeful will be performed sometime around Davison’s tenth birthday.

When Davison was still an infant, the Chapmans were referred to the Greater Richmond ARC’s Infant and Child Development Services program for therapy services. After a thorough assessment of his condition, ARC’s therapists began administering occupational and physical therapy to Davison for one hour every week. Chapman said that when ARC physical therapist Anne Wilkins began her work with Davison, “he couldn’t even roll over or sit up.” Together with Kim Alford, an ARC occupational therapist, Wilkins administered a regimen that was designed to build Davison’s strength and stamina. The therapists even prescribed “homework” for his parents.

“They told us as often as we could, we needed to help Davison tuck his legs in,” said Chapman. Over time, his parents gained confidence in working with their young son who has, according to Chapman, made “massive progress” by working with the therapists at the Greater Richmond ARC.

Davison is currently enrolled in a day care program at the Jewish Community Center three days a week and will continue to work with ARC. The safe, nurturing environment provided by Davison’s parents and the JCC, combined with the physical and occupational therapy ARC provides, will ensure that this happy little fellow will be able to stomp like a dinosaur any time he pleases.

The two spring Ladybug events – a wine dinner held Sunday, March 19th at Old Original Bookbinder’s Restaurant and the Ladybug Winetasting & Silent Auction held at Plant Zero on May 13th – raised more than $123,000. The silent auction, directed by ARC Board Member Don Stevens, brought in just over $28,000, more than double the 2005 amount.

A heartfelt “thank you” goes out to Featured Wineries, Select Restaurants and Community Sponsors and all who supported the Ladybug Fund events in 2006. Your kind generosity and support helps young children with developmental disabilities and delays achieve to their fullest potential.

Save the date: The 2007 Ladybug Winetasting & Silent Auction held at Plant Zero on Saturday, April 28, 2007.

Times-Dispatch Business columnist Bob Rayner covers ARCspace '06 champion Brendan Gwaltney Fleming, president of Gwaltney Fleming, Inc. Her interior architectural firm was named in the April 2006 issue of Working Mother magazine as one of the Top 25 best places in the U.S. to work.

Download PDF - RTD_GFI_MOM.pdf

Joe and April Niamtu, longtime ARC advocates and parents of ICDS graduates Joey and Evan Niamtu, were named as honorary ARC spokespeople at the annual Ladybug Fund wine dinner held at the Old Original Bookbinder's Restaurant on Sunday March 19th.

The Niamtus will appear in an ARC TV commercial that will begin airing In April on WWBT Channel 12 and selected Comcast Cable channels. The TV spot is designed to raise awareness of ARC and its four core service areas: Infant & Child Development Services, After School & Day Support, Civitan Vocational Services and Camp Baker in Chesterfield County.

The Niamtus were also the subjects of a March 19th news article, "ARC's voice to be couple who've been ‘in trenches' " by Richmond Times-Dispatch business columnist Bob Rayner. Dr. Niamtu told the newspaper, "There are so many things my sons cannot and will not ever be able to do on their own. Unfortunately, the list is endless, but there is actually something the boys can do. They have the ability to influence and help other families by increasing community awareness of ARC."

Download PDF - RTD_Niamtus.pdf

Times-Dispatch Business columnist Bob Rayner covers Dr. Joe & April Niamtu, ARC parents, long-time ARC advocates, and now honorary ARC spokespeople.

Download PDF - RTD_Niamtus.pdf

On Sunday, March 19th, the Ladybug Fund wine dinner was held at Old Original Bookbinder's Restaurant. A record 178 guest attended this year's dinner, the first of two annual Ladybug fundraising events held each March and May. Dr. Joe & April Niamtu, ARC parents and newly-named honorary ARC spokespeople, presented the first annual Ladybug Award to the ICDS "Power Moms," a.k.a. Karen Manning Horsey, Carol Finberg, Elizabeth Hazelton, Fran McDermott, Cindy Weinstock and Vicki Beatty. The Power Moms were honored for their meritorious service to children with special needs and their families.

The second spring Ladybug fundraising event, the Ladybug Winetasting & Silent Auction, will be held at Plant Zero on May 13th. 600 guests are expected this year, so please hurry and order your tickets ($75 per person) by calling 358-1874. Together, we can ensure that Ladybug Fund scholarships are available for ANY family who needs ARC's Infant and Child Development Services.

Photo - ARC "Power Moms" honored: Vicki Beatty, Karen Manning Horsey, Elizabeth Hazelton, Carol Finberg, Cindy Weinstock and Fran McDermott.

Gwaltney Fleming, a Richmond architectural, design and general contracting firm, will renovate at no cost key areas of the Greater Richmond ARC's headquarters on Westwood Avenue. These include the organization's lobby and Infant and Child Development Services (ICDS) offices.

In particular, ARC is interested in updating its ICDS offices to provide a friendly, supportive atmosphere for both children and their families, many of whom are working for the first time with a development disability. ICDS, an important part of the Greater Richmond ARC, provided specialized services for approximately 370 children and their families in 2005.

Brendan Fleming, the firm's owner, is especially sensitive to the needs of children and their families: her firm was recently honored by Working Mother magazine as one of the 25 best places to work in the U.S., in part, because of her family-focused workplace environment. Fleming's proposed ARCspace '06 plans call for better space utilization, direct travel paths, and more efficient work areas.

The value of the ARCspace '06 project is estimated to be between $60,000 and $80,000. Work is scheduled to begin in late April and will be completed by mid-summer. A number of local vendors have already been contacted and have agreed to donate goods and services, including Markel Corporation, Mohawk Carpets, B&L Floorcovering, Lee's Carpets, Atlas Carpet, Shaw Contract Group and Patcraft Commercial Carpet. If you know of a commercial vendor who may be interested in donating their services, please call 358-1874 or emal info@RichmondARC.org.

Download PDF - RTD_ARC_ICDS.pdf

The ARC's Infant and Child Development Services (ICDS) is currently offering "Write On! Right Away", an eight-week program that teaches handwriting skills to children from pre-Kindergarten through the 5th grade. Using the popular program, Handwriting Without Tears, children participate in a weekly 1 ½ hour group session. The program is adapted for each child according to their specific handwriting skills. An occupational therapist specially trained in handwriting facilitates each group and is available to community centers, private schools and public schools. The necessary materials are included in the cost of the program. Please call Kim Alford at 358-1874 for more information regarding costs and how to receive a registration form. Encourage your pre-school, after school program or private school program to contact ICDS to host a group! Space is limited, so enroll quickly!

Richmond Times-Dispatch Metro columnist Mark Holmberg covers Geraladine Byrd Story, longtime ARC Board member and advocate and now a Richmond YWCA Outstanding Woman of the Year award recipient.

Download PDF - RTD_MrsStory.pdf

The Greater Richmond ARC honored the Loyal Order of The Moose, Richmond-Manchester Lodge #699, during a ceremony at the Lodge's February meeting. The Richmond-Manchester Moose Lodge #699 donated a total of $8,700 to ARC's Camp Baker in Chesterfield County in 2005, mostly through Bingo proceeds. Pat Robson, ARC Board member, presented the award after giving a presentation to Manchester Moose leadership on ARC and Camp Baker. The award reads, in part, "With Deep Gratitude and Affection for Your Many Years of Loyal Support."

Pictured (L to R): Buck Walden, Manchester Moose Governor; Pat Robson, Greater Richmond ARC Board of Directors; Ray Chalkley, Manchester Moose Administrator

Richmond, VA – February 21, 2006 – Ten area women have been selected as the 2006 Outstanding Women by the YWCA of Richmond. This year's winners are Jo B. Kennedy, Paula Paster Gulak, Nancy Wright Beasley, Dr. Jo Lynne DeMary, Delores L. McQuinn, Aradhana Bela Sood, M.D., Lynne B. Hughes, Anne B. Holton, Martha Franck Rollins, and Geraldine Byrd Story.
This year marks 26 years of recognizing and celebrating the outstanding women of central Virginia. Since 1980, the YWCA has been honoring outstanding women with the Outstanding Women Awards in 10 categories. Winners are nominated and selected in arts, business, communications, education, health and science, human relations, government and politics, law, religion and volunteerism categories.

This year's winners were selected from nearly 80 nominees, based on their impact on the community, their leadership skills, a high level of personal and professional achievement, and commitment to equality and racial harmony.
The honorees will be formally recognized and celebrated at the 26th Annual Outstanding Women Awards Luncheon at 11:30 on Friday, April 21, 2006 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.
Event proceeds will benefit YWCA programs, including the Child Development Center, 24-hour crisis hotlines, domestic violence shelters, and sexual assault response services.

Pictured: ARC Board member Mrs. Geraldine Story (right) the recipient of the YWCA Outstanding Women Award for Community Volunteerism. Her sister, LaVerne Byrd-Smith (left)was a past honoree in the area of Communications.

Download PDF - RTD_MrsStory.pdf

In late 2005 the ARC Westwood Avenue After School staff began calling various nonprofit organizations in the Richmond area to determine the viability of volunteer opportunities for the older children in our program.

They soon discovered one of the best places the children could help others also happened to be right around the corner: the Richmond SPCA on Hermitage Road.

Christina Turgeon, an ARC After School and Day Support Coordinator, worked with SPCA volunteer coordinator, Phyllis Harris, who gladly set up an orientation program for several of our children (Stephanie Leftwhich, Erin Hopkins, Andrew Smith, Frank Carrington, Javon Chalkley, Nicolas Desper and Keith Jones). The children help out by providing volunteer service to the SPCA that includes cuddling kittens, giving the dogs and puppies treats, performing light clerical work, doing laundry for the animals and helping SPCA kennel staff with their daily routines.

The children now visit the SPCA at least once a week and are very eager to help with the care of the animals. "It's really great to see the kids excited about helping and being involved in the community," Turgeon explained.

Times-Dispatch Business writer Carol Hazard covers ARCspace '06, an extreme makeover pro bono project headed by award-winning interior architectural firm Gwaltney Fleming, Inc.

Download PDF - RTD_ARC_ICDS.pdf

RICHMOND, VA –– Virginia House of Delegates Republicans today committed to improving mental health services by continuing their efforts to restructure the delivery of mental health services. Key components of this restructuring include support of funding the replacement of four aging and obsolete facilities that provide services to citizens under the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services, while also allowing community-based providers to enter into joint agreements to better enable them to administer services to area residents. Delegates Phillip A. Hamilton (R-Newport News), Del. R. Steven Landes (R-Weyers Cave), Del. Samuel A. Nixon, Jr. (R-Chesterfield) and Del. Vincent F. Callahan, Jr. (R-Fairfax) made the announcement.

"Virginia has long struggled with finding the right balance between the need for and funding of community and facility care for individuals with mental disabilities in Virginia," Del. Hamilton said. "While House Republicans have made a sizeable financial commitment to build additional community capacity, there still remains a need for the state to maintain critical mental health institutions. In our desire to transform our care for mentally disabled persons from a facility-based system to a community-based one, we cannot forget that our state facilities still play a vital role in our system of care. House Republicans understand this need and will continue working to supply important services to the people who need them most."

The lawmakers announced they would support funding in the state biennial budget for ongoing efforts to replace two existing hospitals – Western State Hospital in Staunton and Eastern State Hospital in Williamsburg – and two existing mental retardation facilities – Central Virginia Training Center in Madison Heights and Southeastern Virginia Training Center in Chesapeake. The existing facilities face a number of severe difficulties, including substandard health and safety conditions, building code violations, and unmet maintenance needs. Where possible, Republicans plan to use innovative approaches to fund the projects, such as using the Public-Private Education Facilities and Infrastructure Act to form public-private partnerships resulting in a savings of taxpayer money.

"These are critical infrastructure needs for the people of the Commonwealth," said Del. Landes, whose district includes Western State Hospital. "We believe we can build more efficient facilities that will ultimately conserve resources and provide better care. House Republicans remain dedicated to significant upgrades to the care to individuals in our state facilities."

"This is the right time to take this approach," said Del. Callahan, Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. "In this time of great revenue growth in Virginia, we believe investing in one-time capital projects is the fiscally prudent course to take. The House Appropriations Committee has long recognized the need to continue efforts to improve patient care, operate state facilities in an efficient and effective manner and reinvest savings in community services."

Additionally, Del. Nixon has submitted legislation (HB774) that will enable Community Services Boards and Behavioral Health Authorities to better provide mental health services to local residents. Under this legislation, the agencies will be able to enter into joint agreements with each other to allow them to take advantage of economies of scale, joint purchasing and other efficiencies.

"Community-based care has improved in Virginia, but there is more that we can do," Del. Nixon said. "This legislation will help these community-based organizations improve care at the local level at the same time they are saving the taxpayers money."

Pictured (L to R) Republican GOP Delegates Landes, Hamilton, Nixon and Callahan.

For the sixth year, the Greater Richmond ARC, in partnership with Featured Wineries, Select Restaurants and Community Sponsors, is raising funds to help young children with developmental disabilities and delays to achieve to their fullest potential. Together, we can make sure that Ladybug Fund scholarships area available for ANY family who needs ARC's Infant and Child Development Services (ICDS). No family should be turned away from specialized pediatric rehabilitation when it can give them the best possible start to leading a fulfilling life.

EVENT #1
The Greater Richmond ARC's Ladybug Fund "Best of the Best" Wine Dinner - Sunday, March 19th, 2006, 6:00 p.m. The Old Original Bookbinder's Restaurant (2306 E. Cary Street - near Tobacco Row)

Indulge in a five-course dinner and selected wines and wineries including Robert Mondavi Winery, Franciscan Wine Estate and Niebaum- Coppola Winery. Tickets: $150 per person (limited space still available as of 02/07)

EVENT #2
Ladybug Fund Winetasting & Silent Auction - Saturday, May 13, 2006, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Plant Zero (Zero E. Forth Street)

Experience a sampling if fine wine, food prepared on-site from some of Richmond's finest restaurants, a musical serenade at the Sixth Annual Ladybug Fund Winetasting & Silent Auction

FEATURED WINERIES:
Robert Mondavi Winery
Ravenswood Vineyards
J. Lohr Winery
Estancia Vineyard & Winery
Monkey Bay Winery
Clos Du Bois Winery
St. Francis Winery
Franciscan Estates
Niebaum Coppola Winery
Cakebread Cellars
Fess Parker Winery
King Estate Winery
Simi Vineyard & Winery

A SPECIAL "THANK YOU" TO OUR LADYBUG FUND SPONSORS:

Anonymous
Dominion Due Diligence Group
Deckert + Leahy
FCE Benefits
Hirschler Fleischer, P.C.
Peggy & Barry Knisley
Dr. Joe & April Niamtu
Robert Mondavi Winery
Old Originial Bookbinder's Restaurant
Judy & Dave Pahren
Stevens Jewelers, Inc.
Target
The Wilton Companies

and

3 North
Bailey and Associates
BB&T
Mark Foss Brown, Long & Foster Realtors
Marshall W. Butler, Jr.
Circuit City Foundation
Dominion
Eagle Construction of Virginia
Dr. Steven Fiore
Amy & Bill Horan
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Hunt
Performance Food Group
Susan & Robert Salsitz
Southern Title Insurance Corporation
Demis Stewart
The Trust Company of Virginia
Uptown Color

To order tickets or for more information, please call Kim Jeremiah at 358-1874 or email Ladybug@RichmondARC.org

Jacqueline Allen and Pamela Linsey, two Greater Richmond ARC crew leaders working at the Defense Supply Center-Richmond (DSCR), were recently invited to perform the honors of raising and lowering the American flag each day at the large military base in Chesterfield County.

Previously, the flag had been raised at 5:00 each morning, but base officials decided to make the change to 8:00 a.m. in order to give its employees time to pause in recognition and honor the colors

The making of morning colors and evening colors, a U.S. Navy tradition since 1870, means that the American flag is raised each morning at 8:00 a.m. and lowered each day at dusk regardless of the season and latitude. Patriotic music accompanies the ceremony, which includes the playing of the national anthem in the evening.

Bruce Butcher, public safety office chief, said the change in hours also necessitates a change in personnel for the flag detail. The decision was made to partner with The Greater Richmond ARC to perform the honors.

"ARC is a great organization of professional people who do a wonderful job," said Butcher. "ARC and DSCR are already partners in several ventures on base." Butcher said the flag detail partnership is an excellent match and that DSCR is happy to entrust the patriotic responsibility to ARC employees.

"ARC is excited about having the opportunity to take over the honor of the flag detail," said Ken Proffitt, Greater Richmond ARC's vice president of operations. "We started here about four years ago and now have approximately 50 contract employees at DSCR in various support roles." Proffitt said DSCR knows what a great job employees with disabilities can perform and that "DSCR is super in helping us."

The base police department will retain control of the flag detail, providing oversight and guidance to ARC, said Police Chief Otis Lacy.

Photo: ARC crew leaders Jacqueline Allen (left) and Pamela Linsey raise the flag under the supervision of DSCR Police Training Captain Gary Carpenter. (photo by Jackie Palmer, DSCR)

The Greater Richmond ARC and Trinity United Methodist Church hosted a holiday party for children in ARC's Infant and Child Development Services (ICDS) program at the Church located at 903 Forest Avenue on Tuesday, December 13th.

This year's party was particularly exciting because of the amount of donations collected: over 300 new books and $170 in cash contributions.

"Because of the growth of the party over the past few years, we would be unable to love our kids this way without the help of Trinity United Methodist Church, their youth group and Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. We are so grateful to celebrate with our children through the community's generosity," said Lisa Cox, Director of ARC's Infant and Child Development Services (ICDS) program.

"Our annual Holiday Party gives families an opportunity to fellowship with other families in their same stage of life, celebrate the holidays together, and have a renewed sense that the community supports them as they raise and advocate for their child with special needs. Receiving something from Santa Clause is such a treat. We are happy to have Santa give each child a book, communicating the importance of learning through books, early on in their lives."

(Photo: officers of the Richmond area alumni chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, co-sponsors of ARC's Angel Tree)

The Knights of Columbus, Bishop Ireton Council #6189, is recognized at Camp Baker holiday party.

A very deserving organization was honored at the annual Camp Baker holiday party Monday, December 12, 2005.

The Knights of Columbus, Bishop Ireton Council #6189 recently built on their long standing relationship with the Greater Richmond ARC through significant contributions to Camp Baker in 2005. The Knights of Columbus, Bishop Ireton Council #6189's total contributions to Camp Baker totaled $10,150 for the year. Grand Knight Gene Zimmerman says the Knights raised most of the funds through Bingo games, organized by club member Bobby Brodzinski. Mr. Zimmerman presented the $10,500 check to Marshall Butler, president of the Greater Richmond ARC. In return, Mr. Butler presented a plaque to Mr. Zimmerman in recognition of the work that the Knights of Columbus have done in support of people with disabilities.

"We really depend on Knights of Columbus and other organizations; they truly are long-time supporters," said Demis Stewart, executive vice president of programs & services for the Greater Richmond ARC. "We extended summer camp an extra week this year because of the volume of applicants. We wouldn't have had the resources to serve these additional families without their help."

In 2005, Camp Baker served over 350 campers in the summer camp season and awarded scholarships to over 60 campers.

$500 million initiative builds on efforts to boost community-based & institutional care

Governor Mark R. Warner announced Tuesday, December 6, proposals that will take the next significant steps to help Virginians seeking treatment in the Commonwealth's mental health and mental retardation care system. The initiative begins long overdue improvements to the state's system of residential treatment, and continues investing in the Commonwealth's network of community-based mental health services.

The Governor will propose replacement of two outdated state hospitals and two aging state training centers with state-of-the-art treatment facilities, located at or near the same sites, that will provide quality residential care in facilities that meet current building codes. These new facilities, which will not require the layoffs of any current employees of the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation, and Substance Abuse Services, will be more efficient to operate, and generally smaller in size. The four facilities are: Western State Hospital in Staunton, Eastern State Hospital in Williamsburg, Central Virginia Training Center in Lynchburg, and Southeastern Virginia Training Center in Chesapeake. The combined replacement value of these four facilities is estimated at $290 million.

The Governor's initiative also includes significant new investment in community-based services for the next biennium. Proposed General Fund spending of $116 million will draw-down more than $52 million in federal funds, for a total of almost $170 million in new funding for community-based behavioral health services.

"The time is right for this reinvestment in our behavioral health system because the state is financially healthy, and the needs at our facilities and in our community-based system are well-known," Governor Warner said at a Richmond news conference attended by a bipartisan group of General Assembly members who have demonstrated leadership on mental health issues.

"Let me offer this assurance to advocates and family members: we believe everyone who needs a bed in a state facility will have one, but whenever possible, we will serve people in the community as our first option," Governor Warner said.

"These ongoing efforts to improve mental health services have helped us demonstrate that when services are available in the community, the demand for facility care goes down," said Dr. James Reinhard, Commissioner, Virginia Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation, and Substance Abuse Services. "Working with Governor Warner and the state legislature, we also have demonstrated that building community services is not only the right thing to do, it also allows us to use our resources more efficiently."

At today's announcement, Governor Warner also expressed appreciation for General Assembly support for previous administration initiatives designed to improve mental health and mental retardation treatment and services:

In 2003, the legislature approved the Governor's Community Reinvestment Initiative,which redirected over $10 million to on-going community programs such as crisis intervention, discharge assistance, programs of assertive community treatment, jail services teams, and the purchase of slots in private, inpatient facilities.

In 2004, the legislature endorsed an additional 860 community-based waiver slots for people with mental health and mental retardation needs.

In 2005, the state funded $3.85 million to support seven new crisis stabilization programs, and allocated nearly $2 million for the purchase of local inpatient services from private providers.

Additional details of the mental health initiative will be announced in conjunction with the December 16, 2005, introduction of Governor Warner's budget proposal.

(Pictured below: Marshall W. Butler, Jr., President, The Greater Richmond ARC, Delegate Franklin P. Hall (D-Richmond), and Governor Mark R. Warner)

Related Links: http://www.governor.virginia.gov

Marshall Butler, longtime head of The Greater Richmond ARC, discusses how his 27-year tenure as ARC president has taught him to run ARC like a for-profit business so that the organization can continue to grow.

Download PDF - RTD_ARC_MBprof.pdf

Thrirteen ARC personal computers and monitors, recently retired from service after an IT upgrade, were donated to Potter's Digital Wheel, an outreach ministry of Sherbourne United Methodist Church in Chesterfield County. Cindy Ray, a spokesperson for Potter's Digital Wheel, was thrilled with the donation. "We have already found homes for five of the thirteen computers at Midlothian Middle School and Bellwood Elementary," said Cindy of the refurbished machines.
Potter's Digital Wheel is a computer laboratory that services the needs of families in impoverished, disconnected communities. It is a place to learn job skills, surf the internet, learn to write a resumé, send and receive email, publish a web site, or send a fax. For more information, visit www.pottersdigitalwheel.org

Related Links: http://www,pottersdigitalwheel.org

Camp Baker's Emergency Respite Program enters its second year serving children and adults who are in immediate need of respite care. 27 children and adults have been served in 2005 as of October 1.

Dozens of individuals with disabilities have used Camp Baker for respite when their parents or caregivers have needed us in emergency situations. We have also provided emergency respite care to many awaiting permanent placement in a home or facility.

The average stay of individuals in emergency respite is 30 days, though some have stayed for as little as two days while others have needed emergency care for many weeks.

Camp Baker has provided emergency respite paid by caregivers, county agencies, and under the Medicaid waiver program. Waiver participants generally receive up to 720 hours of respite care annually, including in emergency situations.

We can provide respite care with as little as two hours notice. Please call Charles Sutherland, Director of Camp Baker Services at (804)748-4789 extension 301 or cell at (804)237-4789 with questions or to schedule emergency respite time.

Civitan Vocational Services has undertaken a "down time" jewelry-making project that is proving to be not only rewarding for program participants, but potentially profitable.

In between paying Civitan contract projects, program participants are stringing multi-colored beads and sterling silver blocks bearing various letter combinations to make a beautiful customized bracelets and necklaces for men and women. Depending on preferred color schemes and letter combinations, the jewelry can be customized for area businesses, organizations and schools/universities. The most popular versions so far are purple-beaded bracelets bearing the sterling silver "A" "R" "C" initials.
The project was launched this past June and plans are being made to begin marketing the jewelry in 2006. Civitan was very pleased the first order of 50 customized bracelets was placed by longtime ARC sponsor FCE Benefits.

The CVS jewelry project is important for two reasons: first, because sales directly benefit CVS program, and secondly because it gives program participants a real sense of pride in producing something beautiful they can call their own.

Prices are $18 for bracelets and $20 for necklaces. For more information or to order, please contact 358-1874 or CVS@RichmondARC.org

Columnist Dave Clinger explores what -- and who -- The Greater Richomnd ARC really is, and how it differentiates itself from other service organizations.

Download PDF - ARC_WorkMagazine.pdf

The Greater Richmond ARC literally took their winning contest slogan "Always Responding with Compassion" to the streets on Saturday, October 1 in Richmond.

The Richmond ARC chapter joined other statewide groups in a march from Mayo Island to the State Capitol grounds to publicize the need for additional funds for those with mental retardation and other related developmental disabilities. The event was organized and hosted by the Virginia State ARC.

"There are people in the community whose needs are unmet, and this event brings attention to it, " explained Marshall Butler, president of Greater Richmond ARC, saying there are currently over 1,000 people on the state's urgent care waiting list.

The Greater Richmond ARC members wore T-shirts that read, "Always Responding with Compassion", the grand prize winner in a citywide "What Is ARC?" contest held earlier this year by the organization, and later featured prominently on a Midlothian Turnpike billboard. Its creator, retiree Rick Wilkinson of Richmond, also participated in the ARC March along with Honorable Mention winner Page S. Hudgins of Midlothian and members of her family.

The ARC March drew participants from 23 Virginia ARC chapters to publicize the need for additional state funds.

"In the local Richmond area alone, we have identified 565 adults and school age children who are waiting for our services, and another 1,182 infants and toddlers who are eligible for early intervention services," Butler explained. "We currently serve 1,272 individuals, and while the support from the General Assembly and the localities is much appreciated, we could serve so many more with additional funding."

Related Links: http://www.walkingwithfreedom.com

The Sixth Annual Greater Richmond ARC Golf Tournament benefiting the Infant and Child Development Services (ICDS) program was held at Richmond Country Club in Manakin-Sabot. The weather was perfect for a fall golf outing and players were enjoyed a day of friendly competition and fun. A record 29 teams participated with a number of corporate sponsors, hole sponsors and team sponsors pitching in to make this year's tournament a success. The evening banquet at the clubhouse included a raffle, silent auction and an awards ceremony emcee'd by Tad Davis of AM 910 Sports Radio. In all, over $13,000 was raised to support ICDS programs.

Special thanks goes out to our 2005 sponsors Haynes Jeep-Chrylser (Hole-In-One), First Market Bank (Putting Contest), Graphics Gallery (Sponsor Signs), Uptown Color (Brochure), Mulligan's Golf Shop (Team & Closest-to-Pin Prizes) and Bunkie Trinitie (Trophies).

The tournament was co-chaired by ARC board member Mike DeNoia of MCL Direct Marketing, Jeff Penny of Keiter, Slabaugh, Penny & Holme, LLC and Taylor Ramey of Golden Personnel, Inc.

The Knights of Columbus, Bishop Ireton Council recently built on their long standing relationship with ARC through its significant contributions to Camp Baker. Grand Knight Gene Zimmerman says the Knights raise their funds through Bingo games, organized by club member Bobby Brodzinski.

"We really depend on this organization and others, like the Manchester-Richmond Moose Lodge. They truly are long-time supporters," said Demis Stewart, ARC Executive Vice President. "We extended summer camp an extra week in 2005 because of the volume of applicants. We wouldn't have the resources to serve these additional families with out their help." Other's who support the camp's scholarship program include St. Paul's Church Home, Hon Industries and the Innsbrook Rotary Club.

Campers from around Virginia enjoyed the 45th session of summer camp held at Camp Baker in Chesterfield County. The 2005 session was highlighted by fun-filled, rewarding camp activities and good times were enjoyed by 386 campers of all ages.

Pool time during hot summer days remained a favorite activity for campers. None of the Wednesday night pool parties were rained out, much to the delight of campers and counselors alike.

Throughout the week the campers worked on their performances for the weekly talent show at Thursday night's cookout. Talents and personalities shined in the group skits, songs, dance routines, puppet shows, guitar solos, and cheerleading routines performed by campers.

Canoe trips at neighboring Pocahontas State Park were among some of the favorite off-site activities of this year's group. At nearby Applewhite Farm, campers learned the fundamentals of grooming and feeding Joey the horse. They were rewarded with rides on Joey around the farm fields, building confidence in their abilities and having a good time.

In nature class, we started the summer with three (supposedly) male rabbits and ended with three adults and four baby rabbits. The campers enjoyed daily visits with the rabbits and tending to the camp pets which also included three box turtles the campers named Charles, Troy, and Nick.

Plans are already underway for summer camp 2006. Next year's Beavers, Fawns, Bears, and Bluebirds should find the 2006 schedule in their mailboxes sometime in October and camp applications will be mailed at the beginning of the year.

New in 2005, a employee committee of Kraft Foods selected Camp Baker as the recipient of a Kraft Cares Grant. The grant, which supported the Camp's summer food program, was awarded to promote a healthy lifestyle for campers.

Said Kraft spokesman Larry Campbell, "At Kraft, we believe we have the responsibility and the commitment to give back in support of the communities where we live and do business. Sharing our resources in this way has been part of our heritage. And, we're pleased to be able to support the excellent work done by The Greater Richmond ARC on behalf of children with special needs."

Raymond Hall, Chief of Installation Management/Chief Engineer at the Defense Supply Center-Richmond (DSCR), was selected for a National Industries for the Severely Disabled (NISH)-East Region "Outstanding JWOD Service Award-2005." The award was presented to Ray by William Smith (NISH East Region) and Marshall Butler, President of The Greater Richmond ARC and staff on July 11, 2005.

Ray has been the driving force behind providing employment opportunities for a number of people with disabilities, including those from The Greater Richmond ARC.

As the Chief DSCR Engineer, Ray has enabled 47 Richmond ARC disabled employees to find work via the Base-wide Janitorial/Custodial NISH contract. Additionally, Ray has been and remains the driving force behind the addition of a grounds maintenance and recycling procurement program that provided employment for five (5) disabled employees and continues to grow to support the entire DSCR community. Ray's compassionate concern coupled with his willingness to provide employment for the disabled continues to be a model that all government agencies should emulate.

Each year NISH recognizes a very small and select group of individuals who contribute greatly to the employment of people with severe disabilities. The award is based on Ray's contributions to the spirit of the Javits-Wagner-O'Day (JWOD) Program, which provides employment opportunities for Americans who are blind or have severe disabilities. In part, the citation reads, "For Exceptional Professionalism and Selfless Service in support of the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Program and the employment of People with Severe Disabilities."

Related Links: http://www.nish.org

Times-Dispatch business columnist and writer Bob Rayner covers the successful conclusion of the "What Is ARC?" online contest, part of ARC's public awareness campaign. During the three-week contest, ARC received approximately 150 unique entries. Rick Wilkinson of Richmond is the contest winner with "Always Responding with Compassion."

Download PDF - RTD_ARCend.pdf

The Times-Dispatch covers the end of a very successful contest designed to raise awareness of the Greater Richmond ARC. Richmonders were invited to submit their own "What is ARC?" entries and the results were gratifying -- and compassionate.

Download PDF - RTD_ARCend.pdf

Presented by The Market at Tobacco Row, ARC's Annual Ladybug Dinner and Winetasting raised over $100,000 for The Greater Richmond ARC's Infant and Child Development Services' Ladybug Fund this spring. The Fund helps pay for tuition for children who need ICDS services, but whose families have trouble paying for them.

The dinner, hosted by Robert Mondavi Winery and held at the Old Original Bookbinder's Restaurant, was attended by 160 sponsors and friends of ARC. The winetasting and silent auction, held at Tredegar Ironworks gun foundry was attended by 525 guests and featured a selection of wines donated by 17 wineries. Heavy hors d' oeuvres from some of Richmond's finest restaurants including Acacia, Avenue 805, Flemings, Hondo's, LaGrotta, The Melting Pot and Old Originial Bookbinder's were prepared on-site and added to the festive evening.

The date has been set for the 2006 events. An informational reception for prospective sponsors will be held on November 7th. Contact Kim Jeremiah @ kim.jeremiah@RichmondARC.org for more information.

SAVE THE DATE! Ladybug Wine Dinner at the Old Original Bookbinder's: March 19th, 2006; Ladybug Winetasing at Plant Zero: May 13th, 2006.

Download PDF - RTD_LadybugFed.PDF

Times-Dispatch Business columnist Bob Rayner covers the launch of the Greater Richmond ARC's first-ever advertising/awreness campaign.

Download PDF - RTD_ARC_Aware.PDF

Business columnist and writer Bob Rayner of the Richmond Times-Dispatch covers the launch of ARC's first-ever awareness campaign designed to raise ARC's profile in Greater Richmond. "What Is ARC?" is the campaign theme and features an online contest.

Download PDF - RTD_ARC_Aware.PDF

Times-Dispatch Flair Columnist Susan Boisseau covers the annual ARC Ladybug Fund Winetasting & Silent Auction held at Tredegar Ironworks. The two spring events -- a wine dinner and a winetasting and silent auction -- raised more thena $100,000 for the ARC infant intervention program.

Download PDF - RTD_LadybugFed.PDF

The 5th Annual Greater Richmodn ARC Ladybug Fund Winetasting & Silent Auction held at Tredegar Ironworks is featured in the Sunday Flair section of the Richmond Times-Dispatch by Flair editor Susan Boisseau.

Download PDF - RTD_LadybugFed.PDF

Melvin Jackson, an employee at The Jefferson Hotel's T.J.'s Restaurant in Richmond, was honored with an "Excellence of Service" award by the Governor's Commission on Hospitality & Tourism at a ceremony held in March in downtown Richmond.

Melvin was placed approximately 7 years ago at T.J.'s Restaurant by the Greater Richmond ARC's Civitan Vocational Services (CVS) program.

Patrick Evans, Supervisor of T.J.'s Restaurant praised Melvin, "I can always count on Melvin! He always arrives early for his shifts, works well independently, and has a positive and pleasant attitude. The great thing about him is that he'll pick up someone else's shift without notice if someone doesn't come in"

This past spring, ARC undertook two very important new projects: an identity makeover and the launch of its first-ever public awareness campaign. The new logo reflects the marketing name change from the Richmond Area ARC to The Greater Richmond ARC. We're looking to staff, volunteers, board members and friends of ARC to tell the Greater Richmond community that, in partnership with families, we serve individuals with mental retardation and developmental disabilities that cover the lifespan. The public name change also reflects the growing community we serve.

mmunity thinking about ARC and increasing our public awareness, since very few Richmond-area residents actually know what ARC stands for or who we serve.

In May, The Greater Richmond ARC launched an exciting public awareness campaign using broadcast television, billboards, public relations initiatives and sponsored a "What is ARC?" contest on our new website, www.RichmondARC.org.

The campaign employed clever wordplay based on the ARC acronym. Does "ARC" stand for "Albino Rabbit Club" or "Alpine Ravioli Chef" or "Ancient Richmond Curmudgeon"? Richmonders were invited to submit their own "What is ARC?" entries that best articulated the mission of ARC. The contest was judged by an illustrious panel of marketing professionals: Harry Jacobs, Chairman Emeritus of the Martin Agency; celebrity-songwriters Jimmy & Donna Dean; the creative team of Mo Davis and Kevin Grimsdale of Neathawk Dubuque & Packett and ARC board member Mike DeNoia. The contest winner, Rick Wilkinson of Richmond, got to see his winning entry "Always Responding with Compassion" stand 15 feet tall on a billboard on Midlothian Turnpike.

We encourage everyone to promote ARC among your friends, neighbors and colleagues as we build on the awareness campaign. We need everyone in the Richmond area to learn about The Greater Richmond ARC so that we can better tell the ARC story – especially the services we provide. Expect to see more in early 2006!

Download PDF - RTD_ARC_Aware.PDF
Download PDF - RTD_ARCend.pdf