| The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence

Guidance for Visitation

Due to the increased number of positive cases of COVID-19, we are still not allowing visitors to our locations at this time. We are strongly recommending no home visits, as well. If this occurs, we are asking for negative results from a COVID-19 test before a person returns. We are monitoring this on a week by week basis as our community struggles with the spread of the virus and will keep you informed if there are any changes.

These restrictions are being put in place to protect the people we support in our residential sites during this period of increased virus activity in both Jefferson and St. Lawrence County. We recognize that this is difficult, but please know that we are doing everything we can to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the people we support and staff members. Thanks for your understanding and you may call the Residential office at (315) 836-1217 in Jefferson County or (315) 379-0701 in St. Lawrence County with any specific questions.

Message from our CEO Howie Ganter

Howard Ganter Words cannot express the appreciation of all our staff members’ efforts to keep the people we support safe, keep families informed and maintain operations at the organization despite not only the pressures of COVID-19 but the challenges we face each day. I am especially proud of the success we have had in limiting the number of cases in the agency. Although we have had an increase based on community spread in both counties our numbers are still low for the size of the organization. This is due to our use of PPE, adhering to disinfection and sanitation practices, and social distancing by our staff. Those who provide direct support have been working extra shifts and long hours to ensure we meet our staffing ratios to provide quality services and supports. They often put those we support and their needs ahead of their other responsibilities.

The impact of COVID will be with us for years based on the fiscal challenges it has caused, but we are a resilient organization and will come out of this stronger than before. We do not know exactly what the future will bring but we do know it will be different than how we operated Pre-COVID. We will probably have fewer site-based services and more community based, we will see increased use of technology for services, communication and training, and an increase in self-direction. We will also be moving into managed care in the next several years.

We have come a long way in the last two years and are stronger as a result of our merger. We will continue to advocate for increased funding to support staff salaries and benefits, will look for opportunities for collaboration, different revenue streams, increased efficiencies, improvements to our IT and communication systems, and improve our infrastructure. We will also continue to advocate for those we support in regards to the services and supports they want and need.

We are hopeful that 2021 will bring an end to the pandemic and let us get back to some form of normalcy. All our staff no matter what role they have, contribute to the provision of quality services and supports. Although we have been short-staffed for quite some time, everyone steps up to the plate to accomplish great things. Thanks for all you do and the care you provide those we support.

SUNSET ON THE SHORE 2020

Out of concern for the safety and well-being of our friends, families and staff, Sunset on the Shore will be canceled this year. Please join us next year Saturday, May 15, 2021.

Volunteerism

Volunteerism at The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence

Why Volunteer?

Volunteering gives people an opportunity to enrich the lives of others. It also benefits, by allowing an experience to learn new things, make new friends, build lifelong connections, and most importantly…have fun while making a difference!

Internships with The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence

Internships provide a way for students to gain valuable experience in their chosen field with a multitude of disciplines, including: Clinical, Non-Profit Management, Direct Support, Theater, Dance, Art, and more. All internships are designed to benefit the individual we support, the agency, and the volunteer. Interns receive specialized training which is also helpful for job references and may qualify as their required internship. Internships do not ensure employment with the Agency, but may be used a stepping stone for the future.

Internships, Co-ops, and Volunteerism Opportunities

Interns and Co-op students at The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence learn valuable skills that may be used in real-time by working directly with people. In these partnerships, the agency works with University personnel to meet specific course requirements. These relationships often result in employment opportunities upon graduation.

THE ARC JEFFERSON – ST. LAWRENCE CANCELS DODGE POND SUMMER CAMP FOR 2020 SEASON

The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence’s (www.thearcjslc.org), announced that Dodge Pond Summer Camp for children is cancelled for the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This measure is being taken out of an abundance of caution to ensure the health and safety of people with disabilities during these challenging times.

UPDATE ON SERVICES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES DURING PANDEMIC

I thought I would provide an update on what the organization is doing during this period of uncertainty related to COVID-19. Based on an Executive Order from Governor Cuomo, our preschool and day service programs are closed until at least the end of April. We continue to provide supports to families in St. Lawrence County with our Respite and Supplemental Day Habilitation services. If families in Jefferson County are in need of any supports, please contact our Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professionals at 315-836-1333 and for St. Lawrence, if additional support is required; please call 315-379-9531. If you have any questions or concerns after business hours or on the weekends, you may call our Administrator on Duty at 315-778-4878.

Dodge Pond Fright Fest

October 23rd-25th

Dodge Pond, Oswegatchie, NY

Activities

Scary Movies
Haunted Houses
Trick or Treating
Ghost Stories Around the Fire
Nature Walks

Vacation Details

This vacation is ideal for anyone who enjoys scary movies, haunted houses, trick or treating, and ghost stories around the fire. Dodge Pond is the place to be for a spooky good time. Please note that scary movies will be shown over the course of the weekend. Dinner will be served on Friday evening and there will be plenty of snacks and home-cooked meals through lunch on Sunday. This vacation is open to adults 22 and older.

Friday Arrival at 3:00 p.m. and Pickup on Sunday by 1:00 p.m.

Contact

Joe Montgomery
(315) 848-2336 or jmontgomery@slnysarc.org

521 County Highway 27
Oswegatchie, NY 13670

Dodge Pond Spa Weekend

September 18 - 20th

Dodge Pond, Oswegatchie, NY

Activities

Manicures
Massages
Makeovers
Relaxation
Aromatherapy
Scrapbooking
Movie Night
Walks

Vacation Details

For anyone who loves to be pampered, Dodge Pond is offering a deluxe, spa experience. Regina Pinnetti, licensed massage therapist, will provide seated massages for anyone in need of a little TLC. Dodge Pond staff will assist with manicures, pedicures, and hair styling. This is a fun, relaxing weekend for anyone looking to take a break and unwind. Dinner will be served on Friday evening and there will be plenty of snacks and home-cooked meals through lunch on Sunday. This vacation is open to adults 22 and older.

Friday Arrival at 3:00 p.m. and Pickup on Sunday by 1:00 p.m.

Contact

Joe Montgomery
(315) 848-2336 or jmontgomery@slnysarc.org

521 County Highway 27
Oswegatchie, NY 13670

Dodge Pond Big Bass Weekend

August 28-30th

Dodge Pond, Oswegatchie, NY

Activities

Bass Fishing
Prizes
Nature Walks
Bonfire
ATV Rides
Fall Foliage

Vacation Details

They say a bad day fishing is better than your best day at work! So, come to Dodge Pond to take advantage of the excellent Northern Pike and Bass fishing. Prizes will be awarded to the person who catches the most fish and the person who catches the biggest fish. Worms will be provided by Dodge Pond. Vacationers are asked to bring their own fishing pole and tackle. Dinner will be served on Friday evening and there will be plenty of snacks and home-cooked meals through lunch on Sunday. This vacation is open to adults 22 and older.

Friday Arrival at 3:00 p.m. and Pickup on Sunday by 1:00 p.m.

Contact

Joe Montgomery
(315) 848-2336 or jmontgomery@slnysarc.org

521 County Highway 27
Oswegatchie, NY 13670