NEWSLETTER ◊ J ANUARY 2010

The Arc of Greater Beaumont launches our sixth year of Fun and Fitness Track. This track is designed to help Arc operation with some great new programs in 2010. The members stay in shape while having fun. Events designed year starts off with a bang as we implement four primary to keep members active include fitness activities such as tracks of service for the Arc membership: dance classes, water aerobics, and much, much more! Education and Leadership Development TrackTrack. This track Family Program Track. This track is designed for families is specifically designed to help facilitate the new Self Advo- and/or providers of adults and children with disabilities. cate programprogram. This program, previously The Golden Trian- Programs include a quarterly family event, annual parent gle Self Advocates (GTSA), is for adults with disabilities workshops, parent mentoring, legislative advocacy, and age18 and older. This group is actually managed by its community service programs. own members and promotes self advocacy, leadership and To implement these new programs, The Arc Board of Di- education. Monthly meetings are held on the first Thurs- rectors made some significant staff changes. Caitlin Kruger day of the month and hosts a topic and or speaker that has been hired as the full-time Office/Program Manager. broadens self-awareness and empowers adults with dis- We are also in the process of hiring a part time Program abilities to be active in community leadership. The Self Ad- Assistant. These changes will provide the manpower vocates group also attends an annual conference and par- needed to move our programming forward. We look for- ticipates in community service projects. ward to the expansion of Arc Programs and hope that Arc Recreation and Socialization Track. This track features The members enjoy these new activities. Arc Adult Social ClubClub. Monthly recreational activities, peri- Remember, the Arc isn’t just an organization it’s a move- odic field trips, dances, and community service projects are ment! Together we can improve the quality of life for citi- just some of the many ways Arc members can socialize zens of Southeast Texas who have intellectual and/or de- with peers and experience fun recreational events in a velopmental disabilities! Not a member? JOIN TODAY! safe supervised environment. Self Advocate Spotlight A showcase of the outstanding men and women whose leadership, community service, and positive attitudes exemplify Self Advocates in Southeast Texas

Allison Pratt graduated from Hamshire-Fannett Zachary (Zack) Lummus is a junior at Nederland High School in 2001. She currently attends the St. High School. He is actively involved in Special Giles workshop where she likes to shred documents. Olympics where he bowls, swims, and plays bas- While not shredding at St. Giles, Allison enjoys craft- ketball. When not at school or doing sports Zack ing with her friend Summer, watching movies, bowl- enjoys camping, playing the guitar, watching mov- ing, playing Wii games, and listening to country music. Allison ies “especially G-Force,” and watching his favorite team, The was a model in the 2009 Celebrity Style Show, a 2009 Holiday Longhorns, play football. Zack is a member of The Arc Adult So- card artist, and is a member of The Arc Adult Social Club. Her cial Club, was a model in 2009’s Stars of the Arc Celebrity Style favorite Arc activity is learning how to use Facebook. “Facebook Show, a 2009 Holiday Card Artist, and an Arc Summer Camp is really cool and I like to read my wall. I’m glad I’m learning Face- participant. Zack’s favorite part about being in The Arc... “all the book from my friends Brandi, Faye, and Miss Kay.” fun activities...I like doing them with all my great friends.” Medically Dependent Children’s Program (MDCP) FYI on State and Local Funding and MDCP serves children and youth under 21 who have significant medical Service Resources disabilities. For information on how to get on the interest list call (877)438-5658. Information provided by The Arc of Texas and Rosemary Alexander PhD, of the Austin ISD Family and School Support Team. Information was taken from her article Home and Community-based Services (HCS) “Resources Every Parent Should Know About!” HCS serves children and adults who have developmental disabilities and One of the most important, but sometimes one of the most difficult steps, certain related conditions. For information and to get on the interest list a parent with a child with a developmental disability must take is under- call your local Mental Retardation Authority (MRA). To find your local standing what funding and resources are available for their child. Below MRA call (512)794-9268. For information on HCS in Southeast Texas call is some valuable information on different types of funding and resources MHMR at (409)784-5481. provided by the state of Texas. Community Based Alternatives (CBA) First Considerations CBA serves individuals over the age of 21 with physical disabilities. Indi- viduals must meet medical necessity for nursing home care. For informa- The first thing one must consider while looking at State and local funding tion and to get on the interest list call (512)438-4882. is the eligibility requirements. Most state and local funding and services resources are based on disability and income. In particular: family’s in- Deaf-Blind Multiple Disabilities Program (DB/MD) come and assets before the person with a disability is 18; person’s income DB/MD serves individuals ages 18 and older who are deaf and blind and and assets after age 18; and disability based on school evaluations and have additional disabilities. Individuals must meet functional eligibility agency intake process. It is important to note that after a child turns 18 he requirements for group homes. For information and to get on the interest or she is usually eligible for services associated with poverty, such as food list call (877)438-5658. stamps, and section 8 housing. For help linking to low income services Texas Home Living (TxHmL) call 211. TxHmL serves children and adults with developmental disabilities. Indi- When working with agencies to gain funding and resources it is impor- viduals offered this program must be on the HCS interest list. tant to note that most agencies have an appeal process. If you get turned Still have questions? down the first time, go back and try again Remember to write down eve- For more information and a comparison of Medicaid Waiver Programs visit rything at every encounter including the name of the person you are www.dads.state.tx.us/providers/waiver_comparisions/ talking to, the date, the phone number, and what you have been told. This will give you the means to appeal. Another form of Funding... SSI (Supplemental Security Income)/Medicaid The Arc of Texas Master Pooled Trust Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is designed to help aged, blind, and Information provided by The Arc of Texas disabled people who have little or no income. The program provides cash to meet basic needs including food, clothing, and shelter. SSI provides a The Arc of Texas Master Pooled Trust serves any Texas resident who meets monthly check plus Medicaid (health services, medications) through the the definition of a person with a disability under the Social Security Act. It Social Security Administration. The eligibility is based on disability and provides for the needs of people with disabilities while allowing them to family income, if the child is under 18, or an individual’s income after age remain eligible for government benefits. It offers an affordable alterative 18. To be considered for SSI the family or individual must have less than to traditional bank trusts. It has no minimum or maximum funding re- $2,000 in assets. SSI may allow a person to save money over the $2,000 quirements, low enrollment costs, low annual consultation fees for funded limit if the money would allow a person to reach work goals. For more accounts and no annual fees for non-funded accounts. It is managed by information on SSI call 1-800-722-1213 or visit ssa.gov/disability/ The Arc of Texas and can be funded with the person’s own money or with money from a friend or family member. All trusts are managed by JP Mor- Medicaid Waiver Programs gan Chase Bank. There are four types of trust accounts available through The purpose of these programs is to keep persons with disabilities in Texas this Master Pooled Trust: living in the community instead of in a nursing home or other institutional Trust I & II Supplemental Trusts: These trusts are ideal for people with setting. They are the best long-term support for people with disabilities in disabilities who expect to receive government benefits throughout their Texas. Medicaid Waiver programs have an eight to ten year interest list. lives. The Arc will ensure that the person remains eligible for those bene- Eligibility is based on child’s income, not the parents. Services include but fits by approving disbursements only for the beneficiary’s “supplemental” are not limited to nursing care, attendant care, respite, therapies, adaptive need. “Supplemental” needs include most items other than food, housing, aids, medical equipment, home modifications, service coordination, pre- and clothing. vocational services, community living supports, supported employment, and assistive technology. All services may be used in a variety of commu- Trust III & IV Discretionary Trusts: These trusts are designed for individuals nity settings. In order to be placed and kept on the interest list families with disabilities who may sometimes need government assistance and at MUST keep their contact information current, and respond to any letters other times may not. When the person is receiving government assis- or phone calls regarding interest list status. Below is a sort description of tance, The Arc will only approve disbursements that are “supplemental.” the different types of Medicaid waiver programs. But, if the beneficiary’s life changes and he or she is no longer receiving government benefits, The Arc can approve disbursements on a discretion- Community Living Assistance Support Services (CLASS) ary basis that include everyday needs such as food, clothing, and housing. CLASS serves individuals with physical disabilities and related conditions occurring before the age of 21. Individuals with developmental disabilities For information on how to enroll in one of these trust please call (IDD) may be eligible but not when the primary diagnosis is IDD. Indi- (800)252-9729 or visit www.thearcoftexas.org. viduals with a diagnosis of IDD should still get on the interest list . For more information or to get on the interest list call (877)438-5658. February March April Arc Adult Social Club St. Patrick’s Day Dance Arc Adult Social Club What: Game Night– Wii competi- What: Casino Night– Bingo, Roulette, tions and other board games Come Dance the Night Black Jack, Go Fish and much more! When: Thursday, February 18 Away! When: Thursday, April 15 Where: Spindletop MHMR Rec. Room Where: Spindeltop MHMR Rec. Room When: Saturday, March 20 Time: 6:00 to 8:00 pm Time: 6:00 to 8:00 pm Cost: $3.00 for Arc & GTSA members Time: 7:00 to 9:00 pm Cost: $3.00 for Arc & GTSA Members, $6.00 for non-members Where: Big Rich’s Restaurant $6.00 for non-members RSVP by February 16 Cost: $3.00 Admission RSVP by April 13 $2.00 Pictures Fun & Fitness Event Fun & Fitness Event R SVP by March 18th What: Hip Hop– Watch a dance What: Putt Putt– Impress your friends performed by a local dance company with that hole-in-one while getting and learn a routine yourself! exercise by walking the course! When: Saturday, February 27 When: Saturday, April 24 Where: Spindletop MHMR Rec. Room Where: TBA Time: TBA Time TBA Cost: Free Cost: TBA RSVP by February 25 RSVP by April 21

Social Club and fun and fitness activities are for adults with disabilities age 16 and older. Reservations are required. Please RSVP with Caitlin Kruger by the deadline date noted for each activity. Call (409)784-5556 or email [email protected]

Attend Arc Adult Day Camp If you or your child is 18 or older and out of public school this day is for Come join the Arc in some fun for the whole family. Events for you! This camp is designed to get adults with developmental disabilities children as well as parent networking and support! out of the house for a day of fun, fitness, and socialization! Spring Adventure What: A day full of activities including WII games and arts and crafts! When: Tuesday, February 23 9:00 to 3:00 pm Easter Egg Hunt, Piñata, Decorate Eggs, and fun outdoor activities Extended Care 8:00 to 5:00 pm When: Thursday, March 18 Where: Spindletop MHMR Rec. Room Time: 6:00 to 8:00pm Cost: $10.00 for day camp $15.00 for extended care and day camp Where: Spindletop MHMR Rec. Room For more information or to enroll, contact Caitlin Kruger at Cost: $3.00 for Arc Members, $6.00 for non-members (409)784-5556 or email [email protected] RSVP by March 16 Congratulations to Janette Lovett from The Arc of Greater Beaumont for being the Arc of Texas member Self Advocate Meetings highlighted in their December E-Newsletter. She was chosen from thou- sands of Arc members around the state! We will have more information Affiliated with Texas Advocates, Arc Self Advocates’ mission is to empower its members through leadership, self-advocacy, and about Janette in our next newsletter. continuing education. Members who have disabilities, age 18 and older, meet once a month for an hour long session, usually on the first Thursday. Contact Caitlin Kruger at (409)784-5556 for In Memory of Alisa A. Matthews more information on the organization. On December 14, 2009 Alisa A. Matthews, 33, daughter of Barbara R. Matthews and Matt Mat- Meeting Dates thews Sr. went home to be with the Lord. Alisa was Thursday, March 44---- in the Spindletop an active member of the Arc who participated in The Arc Adult Social Club, Self Ad- MHMR Rec. Room time TBA vocates, and was a model in The Arc’s 2009 Celeb- Thursday, April 11---- in the Spindletop MHMR rity Style Show. Alisa’s amazing smile and positive attitude touched the hearts of many. She will be Rec. Room time TBA missed by all those who knew her. February February 8th8th---- Teaching Literacy to Students with Significant Disabilities Part I– call Dana Pitman at (409)923-5409 for details February 7th7th–––– Knights of Columbus Spaghetti Dinner– K.C. Hall 10:30 am February 11th11th–––– Spindletop Valentine Day Dance February 1212----14th14th14th–––– Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas– Port Arthur February 16th16th–––– Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras– Port Arthur Bob Bowers Civic Center 7:00 pm - Once Upon A Mattress– Port Arthur Little Theater 7:30 pm February 18th18th–––– Arc Adult Social Club Games Night– Spindletop MHMR Rec. Room 6:00 pm. RSVP by calling (409)784-5556 February 2626----28th28th28th–––– Monster Nation War on the Floor– 8:00 pm - Groovaloo– Lutcher Theater 7:30 pm February 27th27th–––– Arc Fun and Fitness Event Hip-Hop Class– Spindletop MHMR Rec. room. RSVP by calling (409)784-5556

March

March Date TBATBA–––– Trip to the Houston Livestock and Rodeo Show– call Yolanda Tyler at (409)784-5690 for details March 1st1st–––– Teaching Literacy to Students with Significant Disabilities Part II– call Dana Pitman at (409)923-5409 for details. March 2nd2nd–––– 20th Anniversary Lamarissimo! Jazz Band– Julie Rogers Theater 7:30 pm March 4th4th–––– Self Advocates Meeting– Spindletop MHMR Rec. Room Time TBA March 6 & 7th7th–––– Painting in the Landscape– Shangri La Botanical Gardens 2:00 pm March 6, 18, 19, 20, 2121–––– Once Upon a Mattress– Port Arthur Little Theater 7:30 pm March 13 & 1818---- Beaumont Community Players Present Chicago– Beaumont Community Players Theater 7:30 pm March 18th18th–––– Arc Family Night Spring Adventure– Spindletop MHMR Rec. Room 6:00 pm. RSVP by calling (409)784-5556 March 20th20th–––– St. Patrick’s Day Dance– Big Rich’s Restaurant 6:00 pm. RSVP by calling (409)784-5556 March 2525–––– Life Line for Life Skills Teachers Workshop– Silsbee Conference Center. Call Dana Pitman at (409)923-5409 March 26th26th–––– Knights of Columbus Lent Fish Dinner– K.C. Hall 5:00 pm March 28th28th---- The Man who Planted Trees– Lutcher Theater 7:30 pm March 30 thru April 4th4th–––– YMBL Southeast Texas State Fair– Ford Park

April

April 1st1st–––– Self Advocates Meeting– Spindletop MHMR Rec. Room Time TBA April 3rd3rd–––– Gator Egg Hunt & Alligator Rodeo– Gator Country 11:00 am April 5th5th–––– Anne Frank: A History for Today Exhibit Opens– Museum of the Gulf Coast April 10th10th–––– Symphony of Southeast Texas– Concert at 7:30 pm April 11th11th–––– Houston Children’s Chorus– St. Marks Church 5:00 pm April 14, 16, & 30th30th–––– Frankenstein– Port Arthur Little Theater 7:30 pm April 15th15th–––– Arc Adult Social Club Casino Night– Spindletop MHMR Rec. Room 6:00 pm. RSVP by calling (409)784-5556 April 1616----17th17th17th–––– Relay for Life April 16th16th–––– Spring Dance Concert– Lamar University Theater 7:30 pm April 16 & 1717–––– Mercado Days Latino Fest– Port Arthur April 22nd22nd–––– Spring Dance– Call Yolanda Tyler at (409)784-5690 for details April 22nd22nd–––– Julie Rogers Gift of Life “Champagne & Ribs”- Cowboy Harley Davidson 7:00 pm April 24th24th–––– Arc Fun and Fitness Event Putt Putt– Place and Time TBA call (409)784-5556 for details

Events provided by Arc Members and setxsocialcenter.com The second holiday cards for a cause project raised over $20,000 for programs provided by The Arc of Greater Beaumont. Thirty-two cards were sponsored by local businesses and designed by 28 Arc mem- bers with disabilities ages 8-52. Cards were sold throughout Southeast Texas. This project not only provided much needed funding, but gave card artists a chance to show their talent. On November 7th The Arc hosted a kickoff event for the project. That morning, over 100 local high school students came together to sell cards throughout Beaumont resulting in over $4,000 worth of cards sold. That eve- ning, card sponsors and artists enjoyed a Chili Supper provided by Cooks Two Dozen and a program hosted by Bob and Kelli Phillips. The Arc is currently looking for 2010 card sponsors. If you or your Students volunteering at the Holiday Cards for a business is interested in becoming a card sponsor please call Cause Kickoff event.

Special Thanks to : Card Sponsors~ American Valve & Hydrant, AsburyNewton: The Jowers Family, Automatic Pump and Equipment, Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas, Beaumont Pediatric Center, Coldwell Banker Southern Homes Beaumont-Lumberton-Mid County- Crosby, Crown Pipe Shops Inc., DuPont Goodrich FCU, Elizabeth, Russ, Thomas & Sarah Wad- dill, Gabourel Insurance Company, Gulf Copper Manufacturing Corp. & Sabine Surveyors LTD, Housecalls of Beaumont LLC, Howell Furniture, J. Denton Harris IV, MD, James Watkins Family, Kirkseys Sprint Printing, Market Basket, MeadWestvaco, Mr. & Mrs. John J Lovoi, Mr. & Mrs. Tyrone Cooper and Sons, Quality Care, Reed Service Company, Sabine Surveyors LTD, SETXsocialcenter.com, Southeast Texas OB/GYN Associates P.A., Spindletop MHMR, Universal Coin and Bullion, Woodard Distributing Card Artists~ Alexis Alexander, Matt Bloodsworth, From left to right, Vivian, Brandon, and J. Coffy Pieternelle at the November 7th Chili Supper. Jamie Clark, Zavier Clarke, Tyler Cooper, Clark Gernale, Kenneth Gorsich, Marshall Hatton, Jake Heinlein, Faye Henry, Brandi Herron, Meredith Jowers, Jared Kelley, Austin Le, Gentry Lovett, Zachary Lummus, Greg Morgan, Drew Morris, Mike Morrison, Hunter Overton, Brandon Pieternelle, Allison Pratt, Patty Carlisle, Seth and Gabriel Ward, James Watkins, Tamara Womack Committee Members~ Patrice Rabalais (Committee Chair), Amanda Baldwin, Connie Berry, Robert & Belinda Breaux, Gary, Kenneth & Maureen Gorsich, Sherri Frediu, Laura McMurray, Linda Davis Pate, Paula Pratt, Vickie Seymour

Alexander Family, Bowden Trucking, Robert & Belinda Breaux, Calvary Air, Cindy Bloodsworth, Charmaine Gernale, The Clark Family, Dr. Mark F. Bellard, Dr. K.C. Bitar, Dr. Carl Hubbell, Bath Junkie, Chick-Fil-A, Dillard’s, Dr. Joseph Holland, Cooks 2 Dozen, The Fredieu & The Baldwin Family, The Gorsich Family, Dr. J Coffy & Vivian Pieternelle, The Jowers Family, Kathy Morris: Igivu Wings, MCM Elegante Hotel & Conference Center, Kim & Laura McMurray, Linda Davis Pate, Lummus Trucking, Glen & Patrice Rabal- ais, Games People Play, Jason's Deli, Jenifer Le, Macy’s, Conn’s, Paula & Sam Pratt, RHEACO Oil Company Ltd, St. Giles Living Centers Inc., The Sudela Family, Suzanne Love- less, Texas HCS, Transit Mix, Tyrone & Pamela Cooper, West Brook Cookie Crew, West Brook Student Council, Rao’s, Sonic on Dowlen, Trendy's, Otis Spunkmeyer, Lott Con- struction, Oak Farms, Pepsi, Holiday Inn Beaumont Plaza, Community Bank of Texas, Texas Coffee Company, KFDM Channel 6, Fox 4, Charles & Kathleen Joachim, Dr. Leon M. Hicks, Exxon Mobil, James & Laura Bradley, Mike & Debbie Weston, Dr. S. Srinantha Kumar, Dr. William O’Mara, Deborah Parker, Kings Pharmacy, Petals Florist, Sam’s Package Store, Setzers Hardware, The Gourmet Cupboard, For Heaven’s Sake, The Collection, Fred Millers, Chula Vista, Z-Tech, The Tamale King, Lovoi & Sons Pharmacy

On May 14, 2010 The Arc hosts the second annual Stars of the Arc Celebrity Style Show and Dinner at The Holiday Inn Beaumont Plaza. This exciting event will Welcome New Arc Members include amazing food, summer styles brought to us by Dillard’s and modeled by Arc members, and some special award winners. We are currently seeking spon- Amber Armentrout sors for this fund raising event. Ticket information will be published soon. Shelby Evans * Super Nova $5,000 Belinda & Kenneth Mitchell Priority seating & dinner for 20. Full page ad in event program and Linda Pate 1 year advertising on the Arc website home page. Dana Pitman * Shooting Star $2,000 The Schreck Family Optimal seating & dinner for 20. Half page ad in event program and 1 year advertising on the Arc website home page. Lisa & Tim Sudela * Gold Star $1,500 Dr. Paul & Connie Szuch Excellent seating & dinner for 10. Quarter page ad in event program Johnny Todd 6 month advertising on the Arc website home page. Become a Member today and receive the * Silver Star $1,000 Best Seating & dinner for 10. Quarter page ad in event program. following benefits ...... Reduced... fees for events, first pick on limited admission events, up-to- * Model Sponsor $100 date information on Arc of Texas and Arc of Recognition in event program and while model is on stage. U.S. information, and much much more! To become a Sponsor please call the Arc Administrative Office (409)784-5556 The Arc of Greater Beaumont Board of Directors Officers Shaun Davis Honorariums & Memorial Contributions Paula Pratt Tanya Goldbeck, Ed. D. Honor a friend, colleague or loved one or pay homage President Mary Hendrick Brenda Sullivan to someone's memory in a unique and wonderful way. Gary Hidalgo Immediate Past President Make an honorarium or memorial contribution to The Carl Hubbell. MD Cindy Bloodsworth Arc of Greater Beaumont, a non-profit 501(c)(3) agency. Vice President Sharon Kruger Kathy Catalano Laura McMurray Secretary Tam Mire In Memory of Nancy Hidalgo Jada Kelley Kay Moffitt Treasurer Guy Morris Catherine & Mike Morrison Brandi Herron Dave Mulcahy Mrs. Ann O’Neill Self Advocate Representative Patrice Rabalais Patrice Rabalais Board Members Janice Watkins Toye Babb Mitch Watkins In Memory of Joseph J. Kaluza Laura Bowman Deedra Wilson The Kraemer Moffitt Family Robert Breaux Bill Wilson Christopher Madere Joey Catalano Thomas Neurauter Board Meetings: 2nd Monday of Each Month 5:30 p.m. at Arc Administrative Office Mr. & Mrs. B.J. Polk

Arc Administrative Office Hours Dan Warren Monday Thru Friday– 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Marilyn Bullard Caitlin Kruger– Office/Program Manager Phone Number-(409)784-5556 Gloria Settle, Glenda Crawford & Becky Homerstad Website: www.arcofbmt.org

Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Arc of Greater Beaumont

655 S. 8th St. Beaumont, TX 77701 (409)784-5556

www.arcofbmt.org Creating endless possibilities...