Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Autism resource library open to general public

The Resource Library at The Autism Center at Ontario ARC is now open to the general public.  Its wide collection of books, journals, DVDs and sensory toys are available to borrow by registering with The Autism Center.

Books are available to borrow for two weeks and DVDs are available for a one week period.  Internet access and a television with DVD player are also available at the library.  The library's regular hours are 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Among the library's vast collection are:
  • Special Children, Challenged Parents: The Struggles and Rewards of Raising a Child with a Disability by Robert A. Naseef, Ph.D.
  • The Game of My Life: A True Story of Challenge, Triumph and Growing Up Autistic by Jason "J-Mac" McElwain
  • Temple Grandin -- the HBO biopic featuring Claire Danes as renowned Dr. Temple Grandin and her challenges growing up with autism.
  • House Rules by Jodi Picoult, a fictional account of a teenager with Asperger's Syndrome and his experience with the legal system.
The Autism Center and its Resource Library are located with Ontario ARC's Main Facility in the Ontario County Complex.  Looking for books or information?  Contact The Autism Center at 585-919-2188 or theautismcenter@ontarioarc.org.

Friday, July 15, 2011

Community Experience Volunteers at Purple Haze Center


Pictured left to right Angel and Jerrell

The Community Experience individuals volunteer at Purple Haze Center once a month. Purple Haze is located next to Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack in Farmington. The organization assists with adoption through The Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program of retired race horses. The Community Experience individuals assist with cleaning the horse stalls by wiping down the doors and bars to the stalls. We also spend time with the horses petting and feeding them peppermints. The Community Experience individuals enjoy volunteering in the community.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Making people happy!


The individuals at the HWS College Experience like to make people happy, so this month they made lots of greeting cards for the residents at the Geneva Living Center South.

The individuals were very excited to deliver cards to another ARC participant recovering from surgery at the Living Center.

The staff at the Living Center are very grateful for the cards that the College Experience makes. They told them they really make the residents happy when they deliver the cards to them.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Ontario ARC seeks volunteers for 14th annual carnival

Ontario ARC is currently seeking volunteers for its annual Eberhardt Center’s carnival on July 21.

To assist the agency with the carnival, interested individuals must be at least 14 years old and able to work in between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4 p.m.  Volunteers will be assigned to run games and activities, as well as assist with the set-up and break down of the carnival.  The even will feature music, dancing, and festive games.

For more information how on to get involved with the “Seuss Carnival,” contact Amanda Moore at 585-919-2058 or Heidi Keiser at 585-396-3060.


Details are also posted on our Facebook Page's event section.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Find Us On Facebook!


I'm excited to announce that Ontario ARC has officially launched its very own Facebook Page!  The page, so far, features events -- like our upcoming Cruisin' for a Cause -- newsletters, and interesting tidbits from the World Wide Web.

If you are a Facebook member, we hope you'll "like" us and share with your family, friends and colleagues.  Help us grow as we begin this new journey with social media. 

As always, thank you for your support!  See you on Facebook!

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Congratulations, Barb Davis!

In our upcoming issue of ARC Life (June / July), you are going to read about many staff changes going on in the agency.  One of those changes, revolves around the retirement of Barb Davis, who served Ontario ARC for 28 years.  She is enjoying her first Monday morning as a retired person.  Barb was the agency's director of quality assurance and staff development.  But she wasn't always a director...Barb was worked in different departments within the agency, including transportation.  She is always the first person to volunteer and help out whenever necessary -- a true example of Teamwork, one of the agency's Values.

And, even though she's not working here, we all know we will see Barb around -- whether she's just dropping by the Main Facility, helping out with our annual residential camp, going to the Eberhardt Carnival or visiting our participants.  And, I'm sure we'll see her at the agency's major fundraiser, Cruisin' for a Cause.  We all wish her the best as she enjoy this time with her friends and family.

See you around, Barb!