by MAKE IT SOAR | Mar 3, 2015 | What's Happening
Originally posted on www.postcrescent.com on 03/03/2015.
By Jim Collar
It’s been striking in my two years of covering social services in the Fox Valley to realize our issues and needs aren’t always so easy to notice.
Quite often, it’s because of the great work happening among agencies and volunteers to make sure those needs are well met.
That sense returned in recent weeks while writing about SOAR Fox Cities. I was familiar with the organization. There was still a lot to learn about the depth of their efforts.
SOAR, formerly the Arc Fox Cities, will begin a month long effort Thursday to bring their new name, story and greater awareness of developmental disabilities to our region. They’ll unveil a new logo and branding during their SOAR to the Stars event at Fox Cities Stadium in Grand Chute.
The organization has been with us since the mid 1950s, though “people still don’t know us,” executive director Sonia Barham said.
In that time, they’ve opened the world to those with developmental disabilities, provided advocacy and given support to families.
It’s easy for those of us unaffected by disability to lose sight of their important community role. Their efforts are bright and clear from one perspective.
We see those with developmental disabilities enjoying the community alongside us. They’re welcomed. They’re afforded dignity like never before. SOAR has played a key role.
Take a moment to get familiar with their work by visiting www.arcfoxcities.com. It’s a great time to contribute. A donor within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region has offered a $7,500 matching grant.
As the organization celebrates, there’s reason for us to do the same. We’re fortunate to have so many working diligently to meet the needs of neighbors.
Jim Collar: 9209931000, ext. 216, or [email protected]; on Twitter @JimCollar
by MAKE IT SOAR | Feb 26, 2015 | What's Happening
The Autism Society of the Fox Valley will be presenting “Ensuring Your Wishes for Their Future” on April 13, 2015 from 6:30-8:00pm at Miron Construction’s Main Office (1471 McMahon Road, Neenah, WI 54956). Bob Johnston, President/CEO of Special Needs Planning, LLC will be speaking. Topics discussed will be: ABLE Act of 2014, Government Benefit Eligibility, Guardianship & Guardian Ad Litem, Special Needs Trust & Letter of Intent, and Financial Security through Funding Options. To RSVP contact [email protected].
by MAKE IT SOAR | Feb 24, 2015 | What's Happening
The Community Action for Transition (CAT) will be offering a $300 scholarship to individuals with disabilities continuing their education after high school. The student with a documented disability needs to be in their last semester of high school while applying. The scholarship can be used at any accredited post-secondary institution for a certificate program or higher. The other criteria for applying are:
-Must be receiving special education services from a Wisconsin Public School District
-Must be in their last semester of high school while applying
-Have a 2.5 or greater cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
-Documented acceptance to an accredited post-secondary institution
-Available for those entering certificate programs and up to four year universities
-Performed a minimum of 10 volunteer hours
To print off the scholarship application, or read more information about it, please click on the link to the full application below:
CAT Scholarship Document
by MAKE IT SOAR | Feb 23, 2015 | What's Happening
The 2015-2017 Wisconsin Budget Proposal by Governor Walker contains many proposed changes to services provided by the State of Wisconsin. An important proposal in the draft is based on the changes to Medicaid programs. According to Disability Rights Wisconsin’s (DRW) article “Governor Walker 2015-2017 Budget Proposal Summary Provisions Impacting People with Disabilities – 2/16/2015”, they highlight that programs such as Family Care, IRIS, and BadgerCare will have significant changes. In the proposal, Family Care would be expanded statewide, and all counties would be required to participate in Family Care by January 1, 2017. If and when Family Care is expanded statewide, the State will eliminate all other long-term care programs and waivers, such as IRIS and other waiver programs. According to the DRW article, “Family Care will now incorporate acute and primary health care services, in addition to community-based long-term supports.” In result to the change of management to Managed Care Organizations (MCO’s), certain functions of Aging and Disabilities Resource Centers (ADRC’s) may be operated by for-profit entities. In DRW’s article, they also note a projected cut of $19 million to the personal care program. This program may also require an independent assessment, “for all fee-for-service personal care to ensure that the right amount of care is being provided” (DRW).
In terms of education, there will be no increase in funding for special education categorical aids, and a $150 cut per pupil (DRW). For employment, individuals with disabilities may have to go through drug testing for those applying for employment services through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). The budget also addresses transportation. There is no increase in transit funding from the previous budget. However, it is proposed to create four new shared ride taxi systems.
Please note that all information in this blog was extracted from Disability Rights Wisconsin’s article, “Governor Walker 2015-2017 Budget Proposal Summary Provisions Impacting People with Disabilities – 2/16/2015.” The article can be found by clicking the link below.
“Governor Walker 2015-2017 Budget Proposal Summary Provisions Impacting People with Disabilities – 2/16/2015”
by MAKE IT SOAR | Feb 19, 2015 | What's Happening
As a part of SOAR celebrating Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, we will be hosting our first ever, K.I.T.E Conference on Saturday, March 7th, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at St. Bernadette’s School (2331 East Lourdes Drive, Appleton, WI 54915). This conference is free, includes lunch, and will have 11 speakers coming to educate about Employment, Housing, and Guardianship. Child care will be on site for a fee. Please contact Mitch at (920) 731-9831 x111 or [email protected] to register for the conference. Please see the attached flyer for more information. We hope to see you there!
K.I.T.E Conference Flyer
by MAKE IT SOAR | Feb 16, 2015 | What's Happening
This past weekend, SOAR Fox Cities’ Community Education Program made it onto the front page of the Heart of the Valley Times-Villager! The article showcases Program Coordinator Mitch Cornils who was presenting to an 8th grade class at Little Chute Middle School about Disability Awareness during their Dignity Week. Please find the article attached in PDF Form.
Times-Villager Article:
Presentation Article 1
Presentation Article 2
