Due to our agency name change to SOAR Fox Cities, Inc., we have also decided to change the name of our SOAR program. Our SOAR program has been dedicated to 16-26 year olds, and has included many activities from their own camp experience, to many different recreational activities and projects. While keeping these fun activities, this group will also be adding programs focused on advocacy and becoming a more influential community member. The new name for this program, as voted on by its participants, will be “Able and Active.” “Able” highlights the variety of different activities that this group will do and has done; and “Active” highlights the frequent involvement and participation from this group’s members. I look forward to seeing familiar faces at these program’s activities, alongside hopefully many new faces as well.
In collaboration with the Poygan Conservation Club and Little Lakes Ranch, we are able to offer a possible once in a lifetime experience to one of our participants. Cory and his family will be able to enjoy a relaxing, exciting, and unbelievable weekend in October at Little Lakes Ranch in Irma, Wisconsin. Being fully paid for by the Poygan Conservation Club, Cory will be able to bring his family for a weekend away, which will include a free deer hunt of a trophy buck, and a weekend in a beautiful lodge. Posted below is a picture of Cory’s dad, Cory, and Todd Schmidt of the Poygan Conservation Club. We are very grateful for the generosity of both organizations.
As briefly posted about in the August Newsletter, Wisconsin has made the updates and changes to HCBS 1915(c) and 1915(i). These new changes will put restrictions on Sheltered Workshops such as Valley Packaging, and Lakeside Packaging Plus, and housing situations such as group homes. As noted in the newsletter article, individuals leaving high school and entering the workforce will have to participate in activities through the Department of Vocational Rehab before being able to enter working in a sheltered workshop. This plan is also trying to ensure that IRIS dollars are being spent on the most integrated, and least segregated settings as possible. The changes also include differences in the ways group homes might operate. Residents of group homes will now have more options, such as roommates, doors with locks, what they watch on TV, and what they eat. At the bottom of this post is a link that will direct you to the State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services page that contains the 5 year transition plan for these changes, and information on who to contact with your feelings or opinions about the changes and/or plan. The state will be taking comments on this topic until September 2, 2014.
If you are interested in reviewing any of the documents on the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Plan and Comment Page:
Dear Members and Participants of The Arc Fox Cities:
The Executive Board is pleased to announce the Agency’s new name!
SOAR Fox Cities, Inc.
Empowering People with Differing Abilities
Thank you to everyone who provided input and feedback regarding the proposed names under consideration for the name change. Responses indicated overwhelming support in favor of a name change with a clear preference for SOAR Fox Cities, Inc. The Selection Committee met for a final time on May 25, 2014 and received final board approval on July 9, 2014.
So… we have a new name. But, there is still a lot to do. During the coming months we will be updating our logo and website to reflect our new name. The SOAR Fox Cities, Inc. (formerly the Arc Fox Cities, Inc.) staff will be updating all stationary, business cards, the website, Facebook page, and other marketing materials they use. Our plan is to notify donors, vendors and other organizations of the new name, along with introducing SOAR Fox Cities, Inc. to the public, all with the intent of completing the entire process by January 1, 2015.
Thank you again for your support and continued participation in SOAR Fox Cities’ activities.
Arc’s Walkabout To Happen in September! – Please see the enclosed information regarding the 2014 Walkabout! We’ve made a shift to September and we’re planning on it being just as fun as always! PLEASE complete a pledge form, even if you cannot participate with us! It’s just another way of ensuring quality programs! Thank you!
2014 Self-Determination Conference, November 10-12—Held at Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells, this conference invites adults and transition-aged youth with disabilities (and their family members), service providers, educators, state employees, IRIS staff, MCO staff, ADRC staff, county staff and support brokers to attend. Early bird registration is due by August 29, 2014. Contact our Arc office at 725-0943 for additional information.
Across the Lifespan Conference, November 13-14—Held at Glacier Canyon Lodge in Wisconsin Dells, this conference is created to “Bring the Best together”. All age groups are targeted with hundreds of networking opportunities available. Please contact our Arc office for more information or visit www.atacrosslifespan.org
Daytime activities—Have you noticed the recent increase in activities, especially during the day? Be sure to read the adult calendar very closely as it boasts some activities to keep participants involved while not working, etc. We are SO happy to be able to serve more needs!
In the News—If you have not heard yet, there are some important policy changes that have taken effect in the past month. The first one is that President Obama signed a bill limiting eligibility for working in sheltered workshops. In summary, for individuals under 24, they will not be eligible for sheltered workshops unless they have gone through vocational rehab services, and searched for jobs first. The second piece is that there are new changes coming to HCBS (Home Community Based Services) 1915i and 1915c. These changes will limit the amount of spending, people receiving certain benefits from the government on services. The goal of this is mainly focused on making employment and housing as least segregated as possible. Community integration and participation is a main focus of this change. If you have questions about these pieces of policy, or would be interested in gathering at the Arc offices with other families and parents/caregivers regarding these changes, please let Mitch Cornils know at [email protected] or (920)731-9831 x111.
