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–by Karen Fetter
According to Michael Lowry,
you will find some of the
greatest people in the world
by visiting Westmoreland
Arc. Michael is a Waiver
Services Coordinator at
Westmoreland Arc and has
worked among people with
developmental and cognitive
disabilities for over seven
years. From his experiences
Michael will tell you that
his clients have a lot to
offer with their
perseverance, perspective,
and patience.
Westmoreland Arc is a
non-profit volunteer driven
agency that provides
services and programs for
individuals with
disabilities and their
families in Westmoreland
County. The agency serves
clients from children to
senior citizens.
“There are so many things
they can accomplish that I
would love to see more of
them integrated into our
communities,” said Michael.
One way Westmoreland Arc
helps make this possible is
through its workshops. In a
workshop each individual is
trained to go into the
community to work. Skills
that are learned include
cleaning, packaging, and
more. Learning skills like
this helps to build
confidence and enables the
person to be integrated into
the community.
Another way Westmoreland Arc
helps its clients is through
residential programs. Groups
of clients live in one home
that is staffed 24/7 by
trained professionals. While
in the home, each individual
is trained in life skills
such as how to make a meal,
balancing a checkbook and
managing money. This gives
each person freedom, but in
a controlled environment.
Michael says that families
are a large part of the
success of the programs.
Parents and volunteers
organize several activities
that take place each month
such as bingo, a dance, and
a leisure activity. In fact,
parents of children with
disabilities were the
founders of the national ARC
program over 50 years ago.
At that time there wasn’t
any type of support for
people with disabilities.
Parents got together and
founded the Association of
Retarded Citizens (ARC) and
it soon became nationwide.
Shortly after, the
Westmoreland ARC was born.
“Our goal is the help
develop independence and
work skills for individuals
to live life to the
fullest,” said Michael. “We
focus on the similarities
rather than the differences
here because in reality we
are all only one accident
away from losing what we
take for granted every day.”
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Westmoreland Arc also has an
early childhood development
program called Proserv Child
Development Program. The
program is a family-focused
early intervention from
birth to age three. There
are over 24 licensed
therapists that specialize
in working with young
children with all levels of
delay. The service takes
place in the home so the
child has a safe, familiar
environment. Early
detection makes the chances
of integration even better.
If you think your child may
be in this category then
call the Westmoreland Case
Management & Supports, Inc.
at 724-837-1808 to see if
your child is eligible for
services. Services offered
by the Proserv Child
Development Program include
special development,
occupational therapy,
physical therapy, vision
therapy, speech therapy,
nutrition and hearing
therapy.
One source of funding
through the state is the
person/family directed
support waiver program.
This program allows funds
for transportation, outings,
group outings, workshops and
community involvement to
further help each individual
where families may not be
able to assist. This is one
way in which clients can
receive help to participate
in workshops and activities
that require money.
What are ways in which you
can help the Westmoreland
Arc? Become a member
of the Total Quality
Employment program.
Westmoreland Arc is looking
for businesses that can
benefit from having a
pre-screened applicant who
has the skills needed to
fill a position. There is
no fee for the employer or
for the applicant. An
employment specialist
determines the demands of
the position and matches it
with a trained worker.
Positions include
assembler/packer, bagger,
cashier, dishwasher, clerk
typist, warehouse assistant
and more.
Internship
Opportunity
Westmoreland Arc has an
undergraduate internship
program that provides a
valuable experience for
students studying the
field. Students will be
trained, taught and mentored
in the field of
disabilities. While filling
college requirements you
will also be making a
difference in someone else’s
life. Opportunities are
available in all areas of
Westmoreland Arc.
Funding
Westmoreland Arc puts the
client first. However, the
demand for disability
services is high. Those in
need are on waiting lists
because funding is needed to
support the programs. If
you or your business can
help in any way with a
donation you will be making
a difference in the world.
Public Speaking
Educating the community on
Westmoreland Arc and its
clients are vital to helping
them become integrated into
the community. If you know
of a group or business that
would like to arrange for a
guest speaker from
Westmoreland Arc please
contact 724-837-8159 ext,
225 for more information.
Westmoreland Arc is a part
of the Westmoreland County
community. It has kept
people first for over 50
years and continues to do
so. For more information on
any of the programs or
services offered please
contact 724-837-8159 ext.
225.
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