AT&T Supports Arc's Mission and Those Served by The Agency

(Kurt delivering for Meals on Wheels)

AT&T has been very supportive of The Arc of Orleans County for many years and 2014 marked the fifth year that the organization has received a generous contribution from the company to assist the organization in its mission of ensuring that people with disabilities and their families have the opportunity to pursue their desired quality of life.  Over the past five years AT&T has contributed $74,000.

In February of 2014, The Arc of Orleans County received $16,000 for the Family Support Transitioning program, marking the fourth year that we have received a contribution from AT&T to support this important program.  The purpose of the contribution is to support the Transitioning into Adulthood program that helps individuals with disabilities successfully transition from school to the workforce.  It has given the program the ability to purchase many resources that are used on a daily basis to assist the people we serve into a successful transition. 

The support for The Arc of Orleans County is part of AT&T Aspire, the company’s $350 million commitment to education. With more than 1 million students impacted since its launch in 2008, Aspire is one of the nation’s largest corporate commitments focused on helping more students graduate from high school ready for college and careers. 

Kurt Hoffman is one of the individuals we serve who has been helped immensely by this funding.  The resources provided by AT&T’s generous contribution assisted us in working with Kurt’s Circle of Support in the development of a comprehensive Person Centered Plan while he was in school.  This process led to obtaining a service plan designed specifically for Hoffman that would support him in addressing his needs and give him the opportunity to work on the outcomes him and his family desire for his life.

Hoffman has had many great outcomes over the last several years.  He successfully transitioned from school into the community and into the workforce.  He is making a difference in the community by volunteering his time at various organizations and businesses. Hoffman is also employed at Save-A-Lot.

Hoffman has been able to maintain existing relationships from school that are important to him as well as made new friendships in his community.  Hoffman has truly become a successful member of his community and has reached many of his desired outcomes. In April 2014, he received the 2013 Arc of Orleans Community Service Award in recognition of his outstanding volunteer participation and contributions to the community. 

Hoffman’s ability to overcome difficulties along with a willing spirit and positive attitude has enabled him to make valuable contributions to the community, foster community integration, and broader support from the community.  People with disabilities encounter many different forms of attitudinal barriers.  Hoffman is an Ambassador to show that those with differing abilities have valuable talents, skills, and enthusiasm to contribute to the betterment of their communities.  Hoffman’s helping hands; winning smile and warm nature have changed perceptions that people with differing abilities can be service providers, and are not just the recipients of service.

We are truly grateful to the AT&T for their continued support.  Hoffman is a glowing example of how their support has made an important impact on an individual and on a community.

 

(Kurt working at Save-A-Lot)