For the 3rd year, The Trustees of the NYSARC Trust approved a remainder fund grant of $8,000 per chapter to provide recreational opportunities for the people they support. In 2015, Saratoga Bridges (Saratoga County Chapter of NYSARC, Inc.) offered several initiatives with this grant including:
- 5 widely popular dances for adults held at the Saratoga Springs Knights of Columbus with live entertainment and refreshments. Individuals who live in residences operated by local agencies and those that live on their own or with their families attended. The dances are organized by Tina Lomaestro, Saratoga Bridges Coordinator of our Social Club Program. They served close to 350 adults in 2015.
- 5 sessions of children’s yoga were offered again. 10 children participated and were taught by a Certified Yoga Instructor and one of our Occupational Therapy Assistants who is certified in yoga for special needs children.
- Next Chapter Book Clubs were able to purchase new books. The people who engage in these Book Clubs have the opportunity at the completion of each book to purchase the book at a very low cost. This created the necessity to replenish books so that others have the opportunity of reading enjoyment.
- During February school vacation, a creative arts program was held for children
with special needs ages 8-15. 10 children participated in a variety of fun-filled activities including arts & crafts, music, photography, dance, Autism Movement Therapy and 2 educational programs presented by the Saratoga Children’s Museum.
In addition, remainder grants totaling $1,466,000 were awarded to support NYSARC Guardianship programs statewide. A total of $1,874,000 in remainder grants was awarded in 2015 to support recreation and guardianship statewide. NYSARC Trust Services administer supplemental needs trusts that enable people with disabilities to remain in their home and community while retaining their Medicaid eligible services other government benefits. Information on how NYSARC Trust Services may beneficial, visit their website at www.nysarctrustservices.org, call 518-439-8323 or 800-735-8924 or email at info@nysarctrustservices.org.