Spotlight
For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Issue #56 01/16
RKGT Chairs Present Check to The Arc
The RKGT Committee gathered in Riley’s Pub at Valleybrook Country Club to present the proceeds of the 2015
tournament to The Arc. Chairs Patrick Riley, Don Foulk,
and Chair Emeritus, Dennis Riley gathered for a photo op
with Executive Director, Peggy Englebert. This donation
is so much more than a monetary contribution to our
agency, Englebert commented. It represents the belief
that The Arc is a meaningful part of its community, and
reflects the value of the services we provide.
The Arc of Camden County Chosen by Staples Associates To Receive $3500 Grant
The Arc of Camden County has been awarded $3500 by Staples Foundation, the private charitable arm of
Staples, Inc, under a program that lets Staples associates direct deposit donations. The grant proposal was
the brainchild of Julie Walz, the Arc’s Supported Employment Coordinator. A special thank you goes out to
Martin Slater, the General Manager of the Deptford Staples for nominating our program to have the opportunity to submit the grant proposal. Martin has hired two of our supported employment candidates as well
as offering tours, mock interviews and job shadowing experiences to individuals at his store. Additionally
he has enthusiastically advocated for our services to other Staples managers in the area.
The proceeds of this grant will be used to help fund equipment that will be used by individuals with disabilities for whom the agency’s “Help One Get Hired” department has developed creative employment opportunities through the “Customized Employment Program” process. Additionally funds will assist in purchasing items with the “Employment First” message to further NJ’s vision for individuals with disabilities
having employment as their primary objective for future planning and dreams.
These Staple Grants are part of a philanthropic initiative created by Staples Foundation
which allows Staples associates around the world to direct funding to non-profit organizations that are focused on education or job skills.
The program, called 2 Million and Change, awards funds to organizations around the
world, reaching more than $2 million in grants by the end of the year. In 2014, associates
globally directed more than $2.4 million of Staples Foundation grants to over 1,000 nonprofit organizations.
Employee News: Welcome to the following new employees who have recently joined The Arc of
Camden County: Suzanne Catarro, Administrative Assistant, Main Office - Latoya Harriott, Home
Health Aide, Amherst GH – Hawa Kassim, CNA, Berlin GH - Chantel Bullard, Residential Aide, Garden State GH - Jazmine Brown, Residential Aide, Garden State GH - Taisha Foxworth, ATS Instructor, Hammonton ATC - Lisa Santora, ATS Instructor, Hammonton ATC - Justina Rodriguez,
Residential Aide, Sherwood GH - Briana Robinson, Residential Aide, Voorhees GH.
ATC Christmas Party
On Friday December 4, 2015 the consumers and staff members from The Arc of
Camden County’s Adult Training Center Programs gathered at The Palace in
Blackwood to celebrate. Santa and Mrs. Claus stopped by and took time to greet
each guest. Our DJ kept everyone dancing with lots of holiday tunes and popular
favorites and the everyone enjoyed a delicious lunch. Consumers and staff members got the chance to catch up with old friends and to make new ones. Executive
Director, Peggy Englebert thanked everyone for a great year
and as is tradition mentioned those employees who celebrated milestone anniversaries during this year. Everyone enjoyed the festivities and are looking forward to next year.
Residential Christmas Party
DJ Dave Michaels provided great entertainment to accompany the delicious dinner at the annual Residential
Christmas Party held at Lucien’s Manor in Berlin. Pictured are the residents of the Supported Living Program,
along with staff, and special invited guests who were
able to join us for this year’s party. Lucien’s provides a
beautiful setting for the meal, and DJ Dave gets everyone on the floor moving to the music for a great event!
Donations To The Arc
In The Name of:
By:
Frank Datillo
Frank Datillo
For the Pennsauken ATC
Anthony Datillo
Dr. Bruno Dattilo
William Gordon
Dorothy & Michael Bonadies
Enterprise Holdings Foundation
Michael Kapral
Todd Mielewski
Brenda Pinto
Our deep appreciation goes to all those who support The Arc of Camden County through
Newsletter Editor-June Kushner: Next Edition March 2016: Articles due on April 8th, 2016
Congratulations to
The Arc of Camden County
for being awarded the
Orion Fleet Intelligence
LEADERSHIP in Fleet Safety Award for 2015!
In recognition of your organization’s demonstrated ongoing commitment to fleet safety, you have
been given this award to share with your colleagues, customers, consumers, passengers, drivers
and the community that you so proudly serve.
This award is part of Orion Fleet Intelligence’s Annual Fleet Safety Awards. Orion Fleet Intelligence, the leader in products and services to help companies manage the safety and efficiency of
their fleet, released its 2015 Fleet Safety Awards, highlighting organizations that have a measurable and proven track record of providing consistently high-quality safe and secure transportation
environments throughout the year.
These awards are presented to organizations that operate commercial auto fleets as part of their
business. To be considered, an organization must be deployed with a qualified fleet safety program during the entire calendar year and demonstrate high levels of safety performance relative
to industry benchmarks. Fleets are scored based on specific speeding and aggressive driving data
weighted by severity and normalized on a per-mile-traveled basis.
Orion is proud that its deployed customers have performed on average 48.1% better than the industry average this year, a testament to the quality of Orion’s service as well as the importance
its customers place on safety.
You’ve worked hard this year to maintain your good safety record. Please share this good news
with your colleagues and followers. We, at Orion Fleet Intelligence, congratulate you on your ongoing commitment and your recognition in our annual awards this year. Great job to you all!
With appreciation,
The Orion Fleet Safety Team
The Arc’s Circle of Family & Friends
This has been a busy season for The Arc’s Circle of Family & Friends. The fall fund raiser, held at
the Moose Lodge in Lindenwold on November 9th was a great success with over 75 guests and
more then 35 gift baskets raffled off. The Circle sponsored a Christmas Party at Adelphia’s restaurant on the first Sunday in December. There was music, dancing and a visit from a special
guest. This year Santa was able to bring one of his elves to help out. The Special Olympics Bowling season is well under way with more bowlers then ever before. Circle Volunteers also host a
Canteen Dance each month and will be sponsoring softball beginning in the spring. The Circle of
Family and Friends meets on the second Monday of each month at 7:30 pm in the main office conference room and are always welcoming new members.
Walk a thon 2016
The Arc of Camden County Website
We are now at your finger tips; please
check us out at www.arccamden.org. You
will be able to get information on our programs, memberships, Action Alerts, newsletter, weekly menu’s consumer monthly
calendars, apply for employment and view
many of the other links to services you
may be in need of, as well as current
events. Check back often!
215 W. White Horse Pike
Berlin, NJ 08009
STEP UP FOR THE ARC 2016
Lace up those sneakers, put together your
team and get ready for our annual Walk!!!
WHERE: Lindenwold Park
WHEN: Sunday, May 15th rain or shine
11:00 AM registration
12:00 noon Walk
WHY: To Raise Money for The Arc Programs
AND TO HAVE A GREAT TIME!!
Atco&GarvinATC
ThemonthofOctoberbroughtbeautifulweatherthatenabledourconsumerstoenjoy
manyoutingsthismonth,includingtripstoarearestaurantsforlunch,whichwasenjoyedby
all.MoviesattheRitzandtheHammontoncentercombinedwithlunchatMcDonaldsand
Pizzashopswereatreatformany,aswell.OurannualtriptoJohnson’scornerincludeda
hayrideandpumpkinpickingwhichwedecoratedforhome.Shoppingatareafoodstores
enabledourkitchengroupstobakefortheholidayandtotrynewrecipesforfuturelunches.
OurcraftsforthemonthcenteredonHalloweenandhelpedustodecoratethecentersforour
annualHalloweenDanceParty,forwhichmanyofourconsumersandstaffdressedincostume.
NovemberwasamonthofthanksandwecenteredourcraftsonTheThanksgiving
holiday.Weenjoyedweeklybowling,tripstothemall,outingstofoodstoresandarea
restaurantsforlunch,andThanksgivingFeastincludingturkeyandallthefixings.Moviesatthe
HammontonCenterareamonthlytripthatallwelookforwardto,because,inadditiontothe
movie,weenjoythecompanyofeveryoneattheHammontonCenter.
DecemberwasafullmonthofChristmasShopping,lunchesinthecommunity,bowling,
shoppingatthemallsandholidayparties.WeallenjoyedtheannualChristmaspartywhichwe
celebratedatanewlocation,ThePalace,inBlackwood,NJ.Adeliciouslunch,dancingtotheir
favoritemusicandavisitfromSantamadethedayonetoremember.TheAtcoandGarvin
CentershadanadditionalChristmasPartyatthecenterwhichincludedanothervisitfromSanta
whobroughtgiftsandtreatsforeveryone.
WearenowlookingforwardtoagreatNewYearin2016
BERLINATC
EveryoneatBerlinCenterspentthemonthofOctobercreatingbeautifuldecorations
whichtheydisplayedthroughoutthecenter.Pumpkins,witches,batsandghostscovered
windowsandwalls.Thesedecorationswereinadvanceoftheannualcostumepartywhichwas
heldintheannexoftheBerlinCenteron10/29/15.TheBATCCommunityIntegration
participantshostedtheparty.CIPsdecoratedtheannexwithwitches,goblinsandallthings
Halloween.Lunchwasmeatballsandwichesandsalads,followedbybirthdaycakeandice
cream.Thepartyincludedacostumeparade,catchthedonutandcreateyourowngoodiebag.
Thankstosomegenerousfamilydonationswewerereallyabletosplurge!Theotherhighlight
ofOctoberistakingtripstoDuffield’sFarmwherehayridesandpumpkinpickingmake
everyoneappreciatetheFallseason.BerlinCenterwasdelightedtoreceive20newchairs
complimentsoftheArcofCamdenCounty-WalkathonGrant!
InNovember,activitiesatthecenterfocusedonVeteransDayandappreciationforour
soldiersaswellasThanksgiving.GroupsdiscussedwhatwearethankfulforandThanksgiving
foodfavorites.Consumerscreatedflags,turkeys,pilgrims,andcornucopiasinavarietyofart
formswhichtheydisplayedthroughoutthecenterandtookhometodecoratetheirown
homes.WejoinedtogetherinaturkeylunchwithallthetrimmingsonNovember20thinour
annex.Everyonehadtomakethedifficultdecisionofpumpkin,appleorcherrypiefordessert.
OnDecember4ththeBerlinCenterjoinedtheirfriendsfromfiveothercentersattending
theAnnualArcHolidayParty.Thisyearthepartywasatanewvenue,ThePalace,inBlackwood.
Everyoneenjoyedthebeautifulambianceanddeliciousthreecourselunchofbroccolisoup,
pastaandmeatballsandcakeandicecream.ADJaddedtothefunasdidthearrivaloftheman
intheredsuit.ASantaShoppe,hostedbytheCommunityIntegrationparticipantswassetupin
BERLINATCCon’t
BerlinATSgarageon12/15whereconsumersselectedgiftsfortheirPollyannaexchange.We
endedthemonthwithahamdinneronthe18thinthecenterannex,Pollyannaexchangeand
pizzapartyonthe23rdandabuildyourownsundaesbeforea1:00dismissalonthe24th.Weare
alllookingforwardtoawonderful2016!
HammontonATC
ThefallmonthswerefilledwithmanymemoriesforeveryoneattheHammontonAdult
TrainingCenter.
OctoberwasourmonthtocelebrateHalloweenwithacostumeparadeandapizza,and
icecreampartyonOctober28th.
ThemonthofNovemberwasfilledwithautumnalfunaswepreparedforourAnnual
HarvestLuncheonbycraftingspecialholidaypins,heldonThursdayNovember19,2016.Once
againweateadeliciousThanksgivingFeastatRocco’sTownhouseindowntownHammonton
andstaffhonoredeachindividualwithanawardinAdaptability.Whenwereturnedfromour
Thanksgivingholidaybreak,allthoughtsturnedtowardsChristmasandtheexcitementthat
comeswiththeholiday.
ThemonthofDecemberwasfilledwiththegladnessandjoyoftheseason.Wekicked
offourholidaywithafestiveAgencyChristmasPartyatPalaceCaterersinBlackwood.Everyone
enjoyedagreatmeal,socializingwithfriendsanddancingthedayaway.AvisitfromSantawas
thehighlightoftheday.ThefollowingweekswepreparedfortheChristmasholidayby
decoratingtheCenter’streewithhandmadeornaments.EveryonedrewnamesforaPollyanna
giftexchange,shoppingforthreegifts,agiftforthemselves,apeer,andatoyforToysforTots.
OurPizzaPollyannaPartywasheldonThursdayDecember17th,wasagreatdayfilledwith
yummyfood,includingicecreamcake,andtheexchangeofgifts.Thisyear,thankstoavery
successfulFallYankeeCandleFundraiser,eachconsumerwasgivenasweatshirtwiththe
Center’slogoonit.Thiswillbeagiftwornallthroughoutthecoldwinterseason.Thelastthree
daysbeforetheholidaybreak,wecelebratedwithallthespecialactivitiesthatmakethe
holidayssomeaningful,includingmanycrafts,singingChristmassongs,bakingcookies,and
watchingbelovedholidaymovies.Wehopeeveryonehadamemorableholidayseason,and
welookforwardtoallthenewmemoriesthatwillbemadeintheNewYear.
MortkaATC
TheMarieMortkaCenteronceagainhostedtheBlackwoodFireDepartmentasthey
visitedthecenterforourannualOctoberFirePreventionDay.Ourconsumershadthe
opportunitytoinspectthefiretruckandemergencyequipmentup-closeandalsowatchafilm
onfiresafety.DuringOctober,allofourconsumershadachancetodecoratepumpkinsand
sometookthemhome.OurHalloweenpartyincludedanimals,monsters,andsuper-hero’s.
ThankstoFredD.fromtheKnightsofColumbusforhisgenerousdonationofcandyforour
party.AgrantfromtheArc’sWalkathonCommitteeallowedustopurchaseasodamachinefor
thecenter.Thankyoutothecommittee.AsThanksgivingarrived,ourstaffworkedtirelesslyto
puttogetherafullThanksgivingdinner-for-lunchwithallthefixin’sforallatthecenter.It’s
wonderfultoseeeveryoneenjoyahotdeliciousmealanddeserttoo.Wehavemuchtobe
thankfulfor. MortkaATCCon’t
Ourgangalwayslooksforwardtothebigholidaypartywheretheymeetupwiththeir
friendsfromtheothercenters.Thisyear,theannualATSChristmasPartywasheldatthePalace
inBlackwood.Consumersenjoyedthecateredlunch,DJ,musicandavisitfromSantaandMrs.
Claus.AttheMortkaCenter,theconsumersalltookhomea
freshpoinsettiaplant.Weconductedanothersuccessful
Giambri’schocolatepretzelfundraiser.Wemadeenoughto
purchasepoloshirtsforourconsumersforChristmas.The
shirtsareembroideredwiththeArclogoandtheMarie
Mortkaname.Astheyearwascomingtoaclose,weagain
heldourMortkaCenterChristmasPizzaPartywithaspecial
visitagainfromSantaandMrs.Claus.Santagaveoutcandy
canes,cookiesandicecream.
PennsaukenATC
WewouldliketowelcomeJulieW.toourPennsaukenfamily.Juliehasquicklymadea
lotofnewfriendsandsaysshelovescomingtotheCentereveryday.Herfavoritepartofthe
dayiswhensheisinthecomputerlabrefiningherskillsinthegameWheelofFortune.
WetookadvantageoftheniceweatherinOctoberbygoingonseveralpumpkinpicking
hayridesatSpringdaleFarms.WealsotookadvantageofgolflessonsattheCamdenCounty
GolfAcademywhereMatthewS.,AnthonyP.andThomasK.showedofftheirimpeccableskills
ontheputtingcourse.
ButthehighlightofOctoberwasourannualAllCentertriptoPlaydromebowling.Every
singleConsumertookatleastonetryonthelanesandprovedtobequitetheathletesin
bowling.CongratulationstoVickyH.,LisaM.,CathyO.,AndrewM.,JamesR.,PeterB.and
MatthewS.whowonagainsttheiropponentsineachoftheirgames.Butabigkudosgoesout
toDarleneT.whotriedbowlingforthefirsttimeandgotastrikeonherveryfirstball!
WeendedthemonthwithourannualHarvestpartywhereeveryonegottopaintand
decoratedtheirownpumpkinsafterenjoyingavarietyofsnacksandjuicewhileshowingoff
theircostumesforthecamera.
Novemberdidn’tstopusfromenjoyingavegetablepickinghayrideatJohnsonsFarm.
Everyonedismountedthetractorto“harvest”somesweetpotatoes,broccoliandpoppingcorn.
Thedayendedwithappleciderdonutsandjuice.
WeendedthemonthwithourannualThanksgivingluncheonandnoonewas
disappointedwithafullmenuincorporatingeveryone’sholidayfavoritesincludingroasted
turkey,cornbreadstuffing,macaroniandcheese,collardgreens,greenbeanswithbacon,
cranberrysauceand,ofcourse,applepiefordessert.WehavetothankNekiaDiggsforallof
herhardworkinpreparingsuchadeliciousfeastforalltoenjoy.
WeendedtheyearwithallofourtraditionsincludingourannualToysforTotsdrive.
Thankyoutoeveryonewhohelpedtocontributethisyeartomakethedriveanotherhuge
success.WeliketosendaspecialrecognitiontoDavidO.forspearheadingthedriveagainthis
year.
PennsaukenATCCon’t
Ofcourse,thehighlightofthemonthwastheArcofCamdenCounty’sannualChristmas
party.EveryonewasdressedtoimpressastheyenjoyseeingfriendsfromotherCentersaswell
asthemanofthehour,Santa!
Wishingeveryoneahappyandhealthy2016fromthePennsaukenAdultTrainingCenter.