Arc Fundraiser Set to Support Mentally Challenged

Imagine being the caretaker of a mentally disabled child or adult, never having a break, and living with that child until you're too old to care for him. That is the reality many residents face, but are given hope by the Arc of Southington.

The Arc has been serving the mentally disabled population since the 1950's, providing service in and outside of group homes, running recreation programs, and providing advocacy and respite services.

Helping about 100 residents annually, the Arc's staff members can be found working in many different capacities each day. Whether attending a school planning and placement team meeting, taking clients on an outing, or helping parents transition their child from school to work, Arc workers say the need is ever growing.

Kathy Pannella sought the help of Arc when trying to place her son, Christopher in a work program. Arc helps parents find out what their rights are and what programs are available.

"It was very frustrating, we tried a few places when he was in school and we did try a couple of agencies who had work on sight, and we eventually ended up placing him through Karen Employment," Pannella said.

Arc of Southington Executive Director Sandy Amato said the respite services, which gives caretakers a brief break by taking clients out for group activities and even a vacation in the summer, are important as well. Especially for parents living with adult children all their lives.

"Caretakers need a break," Amato said. "It’s surprising but a lot of parents keep them home, and come to us saying now I’m in my 70’s and I have to find somewhere for them to go."

Recently Amato and Arc Program Director Tricia Gibney proposed a program that would have helped parents of special needs students by busing kids to the YMCA and then bringing in staff to watch them after school, but there wasn’t enough funding. Gibney said the town has a big need for services helping children with special needs, including a town transportation system.

"One of the huge needs in town is that there is nothing for families who have children with special needs in the school system," Gibney said. "Some parents may be fortunate enough to stay home with their kids but for some it’s difficult, and a lot of parents are out there on their own."

Although Amato said Arc receives the generous support of town entities like the Calvanese Foundation, the Knights of Columbus and the United Way, fundraising has become a challenge with the weakened economy.

The Arc’s annual dinner dance, its biggest fundraiser of the year, will be held Sat., Mar. 19 from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Aqua Turf Club, featuring guest speaker Rev. Will Marotti of WTIC 1080. Tickets can be purchased by calling (860) 628- 9220 x 310.