The Marilyn Lichtman Foundation awards $25,000 to The Arc of Monroe to support its Direct Support Professional Training Program
ROCHESTER, NY - The Arc of Monroe has been awarded a $25,000 grant by The Marilyn Lichtman Foundation towards its DSP-in-Training program.
The Arc’s DSP in-Training Program is an innovative workforce solution to the lack of professional DSP (Direct Support Professional) caregivers. This involves a paid five-week course with Bryan & Stratton College after which students are deployed to one of their day or residential sites. The Arc of Monroe provides individualized support and services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
The DSP In-Training Program increases the quantity and quality of workers who enter and succeed in vacant caregiver jobs that then provides clear and vital benefits to its organization and the people it supports by providing staff with increased competency and productivity. It also aids in decreased program limitations or closures, allowing for more choices and options for individuals with IDD to explore their gifts and abilities, interests, and employment options.
“Thousands of people with developmental disabilities rely on DSPs every day for help with life’s essential activities. These include getting out of bed, getting dressed, going to the bathroom, finding a job, and getting to work,” said Tracy Crosby, executive director of The Arc Foundation of Monroe. “This generous grant from The Marilyn Lichtman Foundation will help us continue our journey of training people to become skilled DSPs, thus ensuring the lives of the people we support can continue to be rich and fulfilling.
The Arc of Monroe is one of the largest Arc chapters in New York State, serving adults with a range of disabilities, including autism, Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, gait abnormalities, blindness, hearing loss, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. With over 45 locations throughout Monroe County, The Arc of Monroe has been offering a variety of programs and services for nearly 70 years. The agency currently serves over 1,500 adults through the operation of 29 residential homes.
About The Marilyn Lichtman Foundation
Created by Marilyn Lichtman, her legacy is now maintained by the Board of Directors of The Marilyn Lichtman Foundation, who continue her spirit of philanthropy. The organization’s mission is to contribute funds to our community; to both those in need and those rendering aid and services
Pictured: Tracy Petrichick, President and CEO of The Arc of Monroe; Rich Yarmel, Secretary, The Marilyn Lichtman Foundation; Tracy Crosby, Executive Director of The Arc Foundation of Monroe; Karen Oliveri, Chief Human Resources Officer of The Arc of Monroe.