ARISE 2007 Annual Report - Pursuing Our Mission
OUR MISSION
MISSION
ARISE’s mission is to work with people of all abilities to create a fair and just community in which everyone can fully participate.
BRIEF HISTORY
One of New York State’s eight original Independent Living Centers, ARISE was founded in 1979 by advocates dedicated to the idea – which was revolutionary at the time – that people with disabilities should have equal rights. ARISE quickly grew to meet the demand for services, opening satellite offices in Onondaga, Oswego, and Madison Counties to more fully support people with disabilities living in Central New York.
In 1999, ARISE merged with Child and Family Service of Onondaga County – an agency that had provided social services to the community for more than 100 years – to become one of the leading agencies in Central New York that addresses the interests of people with all types of disabilities.
Today ARISE has over 450 staff members who advocate for the interests of people with disabilities, and who work to deliver more than 40 different programs and services.
IN MEMORIAM
On January 28, 2008, ARISE lost one of our longtime employees, Gerald Walsh. During Gerry’s eight years as a Medicaid Service Coordinator, his commitment to ARISE’s mission was exemplified through personal passion and devotion to the many people he assisted. We will miss him.
OUR MESSAGE
2007 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dan Mohr
President
Don Scholl
Vice President
Dale Fanning
Treasurer
Agnes McCray
Secretary
Tania Anderson
James Bertram
Matt Dadey
John Donovan
Sue Judge
Michael Klaehn
Mitch Mitchell
Keith Mulcahey
Ernie Wheeler
BOARD PRESIDENT & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
On March 17th, 2008, David Paterson was sworn in as New York’s 55th governor. What made the occasion remarkable is that Paterson not only is the state’s first African-American governor, but also is legally blind. Interestingly, media covering the event concentrated almost entirely on Governor Paterson’s sight impairment, which prompted numerous phone calls to ARISE from local reporters seeking comments.
It takes only a little research to understand that David Paterson, 53, rose to become one of our country’s leaders by making the most of his abilities. He attended mainstream schools, earned degrees from Columbia University and Hofstra Law School, and completed the New York City Marathon in 1999.
What comes to mind when thinking about Governor Paterson is that he embodies the philosophy that is the driving force behind ARISE. We work to ensure that people of all abilities have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. We advocate for the rights of people with disabilities, offer programs that maximize independence, and know that all people have the right to work towards their personal goals.
Today’s assistive technology eliminates the barriers that, in the past, prevented people with disabilities from fully participating in the workplace and the community. But one barrier often still exists: stereotypes. Many people still believe that people with disabilities “can’t do” what others can do.
So when reporters called for our comments in early March, we at ARISE responded with this message: our goal is to continue working toward the day when a person’s disability does not pose a barrier. Governor Paterson’s accomplishments are proof that our goal is attainable.
We hope that this annual report demonstrates our commitment to that goal.
Tom McKeown, Executive Director
Tabia Anderson, 2008 Board President
PROGRAMS & SERVICES
ARISE promotes the social, economic, educational, and individual interests of people with disabilities.
We are guided by the philosophy that individuals with disabilities have a right to dignity, personal responsibility, and self-determination.
Our programs and services include:
Accessibility Resource Center
Advocacy (Individual & Systems)
• Benefits
• Education
• Health Care
• Housing
Consumer-Directed Personal Assistance Program
Day Habilitation – Group & Individual
Employment Services
• Benefits Advisement
• Supported Employment
• Vocational Peer Mentoring
• 635 Staffing – Services for Business
High School Transition Program
Housing
• Home Accessibility
• Homeless Services
• Housing Search Assistance
• Rental Subsidies
Independent Living Skills Training
Information and Referral
Integrated Recreation
• ARISE & Fish
• ARISE & Ski
• ARISE at the Farm
Medicaid Service Coordination
Medical Equipment Loan Closet
Mental Health Services
• Child Abuse Prevention Services
• Counseling for Persons Who Are HIV+
• Crisis Pregnancy Counseling
• Domestic Violence Counseling
• School-Based Mental Health Program
• Individual, family & group therapy
Peer Counseling
Project Emerge – Working to End Violence Against Women with Disabilities
Regional Resource Development
Center for Persons with Brain Injury
Residential Habilitation
Respite Program – After School
Support & Advocacy Groups
ADVOCACY
FEDERAL INITIATIVES FACE SCRUTINY
In 2007, ARISE collaborated with Cornell University to sponsor a panel discussion on current federal disability initiatives. On July 24th, federal officials representing the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Federal Transit Administration, and the U.S. Access Board arrived from Washington, D.C., to field questions from Central New York disability advocates. More than 90 people questioned representatives about disability initiatives currently underway at the federal level.
ADA MARCH A MOVING EVENT
Each year, ARISE partners with local agencies to celebrate the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA celebration includes a march from ARISE’s James Street office to Syracuse’s downtown federal building for a proclamation by political officials of July as Disabilities Awareness month. On July 26th, with more than one hundred people looking on, several march participants took the microphone and talked openly about how the ADA has affected them personally. Their candor was met with rounds of applause by the audience, who sensed they were a part of a very special experience.
INDEPENENT LIVING
DAY HAB CELEBRATES FIFTH ANNIVERSARY
During 2007, ARISE’s Onondaga County-based individualized Day Hab program expanded by nearly 20 percent and now benefits 27 individuals with disabilities.
The year also marked the 5th anniversary of ARISE’s group Day Hab program, an occasion commemorated with a celebration attended by dozens of program participants, staff, and friends.
On May 19th, Day Hab also held its first Spring Fling Dance for adults with disabilities. More than 60 people enjoyed music, food, dancing, and a silent auction at the black tie affair.
AFTER-SCHOOL RESPITE PROGRAM EXPANDS
Launched in 2006, ARISE’s After-School Respite program focuses on meeting the needs of children with Autism.
With support from Madison County Family Support Services, After-School Respite expanded significantly in 2007 with the purchase of playground equipment,
a computer, and internet access.
Program expansion also resulted in nearly twice as many youth and their families now benefiting from respite services.
CONSUMER DIRECTED PERSONAL ASSISTANCE
ARISE’s Consumer Directed Personal Assistance (CDPAP) program, offered in both Onondaga and Oswego Counties, provides individuals with disabilities assistance completing everyday tasks.
In 2007, Oswego County CDPAP expanded and now has more than 60 staff members providing services for 100 consumers.
Onondaga County CDPAP also grew with the addition of a newly-created management position and an increase to 80 participants who collectively directed over 1,525 hours of personal assistance each month.
RESIDENTIAL HABILITATION
ARISE’s Residential Habilitation (Res Hab) program, provided in Onondaga, Oswego, and Madison Counties, helps people with disabilities increase their independence and reach personal goals.
ARISE’s Onondaga County Residential Habilitation program grew by nearly 30 percent in 2007 with the addition of a full-time assistant coordinator. Staff now work with approximately 50 individuals each year. The Oswego County Res Hab program participation increased by almost 15 percent, resulting in more than 60 participants benefiting each year.
MEDICAID SERVICE COORDINATION
Medicaid Service Coordination plays an active role in helping program participants develop an individualized plan and access needed community resources.
During 2007, ARISE’s Onondaga County Medicaid Service Coordination program grew by 10 percent with the addition of approximately 25 new participants. Nearly 180 individuals are now receiving services each year.
In Oswego County, Medicaid Service Coordinators worked with almost 240 people, an increase of nearly 20 more participants than in the previous year.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
ARISE JOINS DESIGNATED AIDS CENTER
ARISE has worked with individuals with HIV/AIDS for four years in collaboration with AIDS Community Resources.
In 2007, ARISE’s Outpatient Mental Health Clinic partnered with SUNY Upstate Medical University to provide services at SUNY’s Designated AIDS Center (DAC), which serves approximately 730 people from 15 counties each year.
An HIV+ diagnosis is a life changing experience. Approximately 60 percent of persons with HIV/AIDS have a mental health issue but face significant barriers to accessing services. An ARISE clinician joined the DAC to help individuals and families stabilize and become adjusted to the HIV+ diagnosis.
NEW LOCATIONS BRING SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY
With a focus on increasing access to services, ARISE established collaborations in 2007 that brought mental health services to several community locations.
An ARISE clinician is now located at the Huntington Family Centers in Syracuse, Grimshaw Elementary School in LaFayette, and at P.E.A.C.E., Inc.’s Family Resource Center in Tully.
Clinicians provide counseling, mental health assessments, and information and referral. The community-based locations give ARISE the ability to blend seamlessly with existing services and to meet people “where they are,” increasing their comfort level.
RESOURCE CENTER IMPROVES ACCESS
As the Regional Resource Development Center (RRDC) for Persons with Brain Injury for eight counties in the North County, Syracuse, and Utica areas, ARISE works to improve access to services.
The RRDC served over 200 individuals in 2007. Staff were also instrumental in developing a relationship with Belvedere of Albany, which is launching a substance abuse program in Syracuse for persons with brain injuries.
The RRDC helped facilitate the First Annual Providers Fair where over 200 attendees learned about services provided by 20 local providers.
UNIQUE GAINS PUBLIC RECOGNITION
UNIQUE, an annual art and literary publication showcasing the work of Central New York artists with disabilities, celebrated its sixth edition in 2007.
For the first time, ARISE held the unveiling of UNIQUE at the Delavan Art Gallery in Syracuse. More than 200 people, including artists and their family and friends, enjoyed an evening of art and music.
The Delavan is dedicated to supporting local artists, making UNIQUE a perfect fit with the gallery’s mission. Visitors enjoyed viewing UNIQUE artwork on display with several exhibitions by local artists.
PROJECT EMERGE TAKES THE LEAD
Project Emerge, a partnership between ARISE and Vera House, works to end violence against women with disabilities and Deaf women.
Now in its second year, the project is focusing on identifying barriers to services. Staff are conducting stakeholder interviews, administering surveys, and planning Listening Circles, which offer an opportunity for people to share their concerns.
The results will be used to develop a strategic plan for improving access to services.
OSWEGO COUNTY ARISE
NEW FULTON OFFICE MAKES IN-ROADS
ARISE opened our first satellite office in Oswego eleven years ago, followed by the opening of our Pulaski office in 2004.
In September of 2007, ARISE opened our third Oswego County satellite office in Fulton. Our newest location not only accommodates program growth, it provides easier access to services for families who live in the Fulton area.
Staffed by seven employees, ARISE’s Fulton location houses our Oswego County Consumer-Directed Personal Assistance and Residential Habilitation programs.
ACCESSIBILITY EFFORTS RAMP UP
Constructing ramps and making accessibility modifications ensures that people with disabilities can live independently in the community.
In 2007, the program was supported by Laborers Local 633, members of the First United Methodist Church, Carpenters Local 747, the United Way of Greater Oswego County, and donations from the community.
The generous contributions paid off. More than 23 families without the financial resources to construct a ramp or undertake modifications benefited from increased access to the community.
SIBSHOPS DEBUTS
September 2007 marked the launch of ARISE’s Oswego Sibshops, which gives youth who have a sibling with a disability a safe environment to share their feelings and talk about their experiences.
Frequently, brothers and sisters of a sibling with a disability report that they too need additional support. Often siblings cope with receiving less attention, teasing from peers, worrying about their sibling’s health, guilt, and additional responsibilities.
Under the leadership of specially-trained facilitators, 25 Sibshops participants benefit from games, crafts, role playing, refreshments, and a variety of other fun activities.
SOCIAL GROUP INITIATED
When members of SPECTRUM (a support group for parents who have children on the Autism Spectrum) suggested starting a social group, ARISE’s Oswego staff rose to the challenge.
The Central Square area offers relatively few opportunities for youth with disabilities. This new group focuses on improving social skills, which helps young people prepare for college and the work place.
Monthly meetings take place at the very accommodating First Universalist Church in Central Square, while social outings include bowling, pizza, and trips – such as to Lights on the Lake.
INTEGRATED RECREATION
ARISE & SKI CELEBRATES 11TH ANNIVERSARY
ARISE & Ski enjoyed another successful season with over 70 individuals with disabilities of all ages enjoying six weeks on the ski slopes.
The program has received support from Toggenburg Winter Sports Center in Fabius, NY, since its inception. In 2007, it received a boost from an Alliance Bank grant that helped purchase three new bi-skis, adult and child-sized outriggers, and a snow wing.
The season wrapped up with seven ARISE & Ski participants competing in the Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged in Lake Placid, NY.
RECREATION ACTIVITIES A HIT
When participants in ARISE at the Farm’s School Break Recreation program get together, just about anything can happen. During 2007, they decorated gingerbread houses, carved pumpkins, enjoyed a movie, rode horses, baked cookies, and played some rounds of miniature golf.
But perhaps their most distinctive activity was Broadway Stars. Funded by the Madison County Family Support Services Council, the event gave 12 youth, along with a family member, the opportunity to attend a live performance of Phantom of the Opera at the Syracuse Civic Center. What could beat that? A limousine ride and dinner out afterward!
EQUINE PROGRAMS EXPAND
The following is a short list of ARISE at the Farm’s 2007accomplishments:
• Three Adaptive Riding Program participants competed in the Independence Open Horse Show at Cazenovia College
• Horsemanship with a Twist was launched, which offers year-round training and socializing for equine program volunteers
• Over 100 youth attended summer camps, with dozens of their friends and family sharing the experience through volunteering
• Four Horsemanship Camps helped participants learn the basics of horse care and horseback riding
“MAKE-A-WISH” MAKES A DIFFERENCE
When the Make-A-Wish Foundation approached ARISE with a request from a 12-year-old boy, we were more than happy to help. The youth’s wish was to spend a long weekend at ARISE at the Farm. He arrived from Florida with his family on a Thursday afternoon in late autumn and spent four days enjoying everything the Farm has to offer.
In addition to helping with chores, family members participated in a barn dance, apple picking, bonfires, and sing-a-longs. And who could be on a horse farm without wearing cowboy boots and a hat? Certainly not this 12-year-old!
AROUND THE FARMYARD
With all that’s going on at ARISE at the Farm, it’s important to mention one of our latest additions: turkeys joined our petting zoo in 2007. The Petting Zoo also strutted its stuff at Arc of Onondaga County’s annual race, with a goat, miniature horse, ponies, and chickens heading out to Long Branch Park on race day to entertain the crowd.
September and October Costume Barn Dances were a hit, with everyone showing off their costumes, while our Fall Fest “Thanks to Our Community” event topped off the autumn season.
BOAT TOUR PROVIDES EDUCATION FOR YOUTH
ARISE & Fish partnered with the Liverpool Central School District and BOCES to give children a chance to tour Onondaga Lake and learn more about this local treasure.
EMP0LOYMENT SERVICES
PROGRAM BOOSTS JOB-SEEKING SUCCESS
Now in its ninth year of operation, the ARISE Employment Program that is funded by the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services underwent an overhaul in 2007.
Renamed 635 Staffing, the program implemented several marketing and branding initiatives, including a debut at the Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce Business Show.
635 Staffing is a full-fledged employment service that offers area businesses an inexpensive alternative for staff recruiting. The change gives 635 Staffing the ability to better serve program participants, while opening new opportunities for employers in need of qualified job candidates.
MENTORS SUPPORT PERSONAL GROWTH
ARISE’s Employment Peer Mentoring Program enjoyed a second successful year in 2007. Eight employment mentors worked with thirty-eight program participants, offering guidance and support throughout job preparation and search. Nine participants secured meaningful employment.
Program staff also facilitated a monthly speakers’ bureau that invites area business representatives to talk about career alternatives.
Mary Coogan, Program Manager, says, “I’m working with an awesome group of mentors who have never wavered in their dedication and commitment.”
THANK YOU
VOLUNTEERS
ARISE truly appreciates the hundreds of volunteers who offered their time and talent to ARISE programs during 2007.
Whether advocating for disability rights, supporting a Farm event, or working in our offices, your generosity helped make our community better for everyone. We thank you!
CONTRIBUTORS
We extend a heartfelt “thank you” to the individuals, companies, charitable organizations, and government agencies that provided financial and in-kind support in 2007. Your generosity helped us better advocate for the interests of individuals with disabilities who live in our community.
BUSINESSES & CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS
Alliance Bank
Carpenters Local 747
Community Health Foundation of Western & Central New York
Constellation Energy
DeFrancisco Arts, Culture and Heritage Grants of the Cultural Resources Council
Davis Walbridge, Inc.
First United Methodist Church of Oswego
First Universalist Church (Central Square)
Hawthorne Property Services, LLC
Hafner’s Red Barn
Inficon
Johnnie’s Pier 31
Laborers Local 633
Lighthouse Station
Longley Jones
National Grid
Oswego City-County Youth Bureau
P. Drescher Co., Inc.
Parents of Special Children, Inc.
Sunny Day Nursery School
Syracuse Community Health Center
Syracuse Corvette Club
Toggenburg Mountain
Tractor Supply Company
United Way of Central New York
United Way of Greater Oswego County
Welch Allyn E
CORPORATIONS & GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
Central Square Central School District
City of Syracuse Department of Community Development
Mexico Academy and Central School District
New York State Department of Health
New York State Department of Education - Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities
New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council
New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services
New York State Office of Children and Family Services
New York State Office of Mental Health
New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, Central New York Developmental Services Office
Onondaga County Community Development Department
Onondaga County Department of Mental Health
Onondaga County Department of Social Services
Onondaga County Parks
Syracuse City School District
U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Rehabilitation Services Administration
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
INDIVIDUALS
John Alissandrello
Tania Anderson
Patricia Anson
Mary Ann Anthony & Nicholas Fiore
Bonnie Backus
Takida Beckwith
Margaret Biddlecome
Sedalia Brown-Harrison
Stephen Butler
Callahan Family
Emanouela Canzano
James Capodagli
Arthur R. Cass
Joanne Cerrito
Jennifer Cohen
Dennis Coon
Russell Cooper
Richard & Lisa Cote, Jr.
Sunday M. Darling
Susan Dean
Anna P. Dennison
Tracy Diamond
Nora DiMeis
Patricia Duffy
James & Jo Ellen Dunlop
Diane Emm
Scott & Linda English
Jim & Mary Failing
Peggy Finch
Philip & Kelley Fraccola
Michael Garver
Cathy Georgianna
Terese Ginocchetti
Kelly Glisson
Katherine Guadagno & Camille Hicks
Debra & Matthew Gunter
William Guyder
Bernice S. Hall
Dawn Hannon
Jane Helmer
Kimberlee Hodge
John Hollerbush
John Honold
Cynthia L. Hubbard
Tamika E. Hudson
Linda Hughes
Kelly Jackson
Ann Janson
James Jones
Thomas Jones
Edwin J. & Susan L.
Kelley, Jr.
John Kilbourn
Brian Keys
Cynthia Kwiek
Laura Little
Paul Little
Laurie Luce
Rose Lumia
Karen Lynch
Jim Lyon
Richelle Maki
William Magnarelli
Mrs. Leonard C. (Anne) Maier, Jr.
Donna Marra
Wade & Patricia Marvin
Steve McBride
Kevin McCarthy
Nancy McCarty
Tom & Lynne McKeown
Robyn Mitchell
Dr. Nicholas Moffa
Colleen & Joseph Murphy
Karen Nardella
Deirdre C. Neilen
Alice Newgarden
Tracey Noel
Steven O’Keefe
Rosemary Oleson
Gary Panebianco
Terra Peckskamp
George & Mary Pelrah
Gerald & Christine Phelps
John Pike
Mary Ann Rodriguez
Sue Rogers
Victor Romaine
Brenda Rozzano
Ann Russell
Judy Ruston
Bryan Rutledge
Karen Santy
Donald & Anne Scholl
Nicholas Scheel
Jennifer Schulz
Carl Scouten
William & Martha Schaefer
Brian Sennett
Nancy Singer
James Skvorak
Thomas Slater
Richard C. Smardon
Deborah Snyder
Leonore (Lee) Sperino
Sharon Stack
Anne Stieber
Kathleen Stribley
Pamela Totonelly
Wendy M.H. Van Der Bogart
Linda Vanderhoof
Tammy Vecchiarelli
Alvar VonSneidern
Tim Walus
Ericka Whitney
Luanne Wilson
Florence Wright
Lisa Mae Yurtserver
Grace Zabel
Sharon Zimmerman
Diane & Dale Zych
FINANCIAL REPORT
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION1
| ASSETS | |
|---|---|
| Current Assets | 1,338,000 |
| Property & Equipment | 2,140,000 |
| Total Assets | 3,478,000 |
| LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS | |
| Current Liabilities | 987,000 |
| Long-Term Debt | 1,030,000 |
| Net Assets | 1,461,000 |
| Total Liabilities and Net Assets | 3,478,000 |
Note 1: figures rounded to the nearest thousand.
STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES
| SUPPORT AND REVENUE | |
|---|---|
| Grant Revenue | 1,859,000 |
| Program Revenue | 6,064,000 |
| United Way of Central New York | 213,000 |
| Donations | 30,000 |
| Other Income | 63,000 |
| Total Support and Revenue | 8,229,000 |
| EXPENSES | |
|---|---|
| Support Services | 3,143,000 |
| Oswego Operations | 1,996,000 |
| Mental Health Services | 1,234,000 |
| Employment Services | 492,000 |
| Integrated Recreation Services | 184,000 |
| Advocacy Services | 141,000 |
| Technology Services | 43,000 |
| General and Admin Services | 934,000 |
| Total Expenses | 8,167,000 |
| Change in Net Assets | 62,000 |
SUPPORT
WE WELCOME YOUR SUPPORT
You can support ARISE by volunteering your time, donating cash or in-kind gifts, or supporting our many events and activities. Your contribution ensures that people with disabilities have their rights respected and live as independently as possible. Please make checks payable to ARISE and mail to:
ARISE
635 James Street
Syracuse, NY 13203
You are also welcome to make a contribution on our secure web site at www.ariseinc.org
For information about volunteering, please call Human Resources at (315) 472-3171.
ARISE
ARISE MAIN OFFICE
Onondaga County
635 James Street
Syracuse, NY 13203
Phone: (315) 472-3171
TTY: (315) 479-6363
OSWEGO COUNTY OFFICE
9 Fourth Avenue
Oswego, NY 13126
Phone: (315) 342-4088
TTY: (315) 342-8696
PULASKI OFFICE
2 Broad Street
Pulaski, NY 13142
Phone: (315) 298-5726
FULTON OFFICE
113 Schuyler Street, Suite 1
Fulton, New York 13069
(315) 297-4149
MADISON COUNTY OFFICE
121 Oneida Street
Oneida, NY 13421
Phone: (315) 363-4672
TTY: (315) 363-2364
ARISE AT THE FARM
1972 New Boston Road
Chittenango, NY 13037
(315) 687-6727
ALTERNATIVE FORMATS
Portions of this publication are available in alternative formats upon request.
Please contact our Informationand Referral Specialist at (315) 472-3171.