A $5,000 NYSARC, Inc. Trusts grant allowed the Herkimer ARC to expand recreational activities, including hosting Visiting Artist Megan Crimmins, left, to work with individuals with disabilities to create unique artwork. Artist Chris Sutton, right, shares his pottery that he made on a potter’s wheel. He was one of 25 artists who showed their pottery and art creations at a show at the Herkimer ARC’s Recreation Center.
Herkimer – Thanks to a $5,000 grant from the trustees of NYSARC Trust Services, children, teens, and adults enjoyed life enriching activities while participating in Herkimer ARC’s Recreation programs.
NYSARC Trust Services awarded the 2011 grant for the purpose of creating new or expanded recreation programs for people with intellectual or other developmental disabilities.
“With federal and state funding cuts, the NYSARC Trust Services recreation grant becomes even more vital to us to help provide additional fun and meaningful events for the individuals we support,” said Susan Streeter, Herkimer ARC VP Day & Community Supports. “The money allowed us to offer pottery classes with a visiting artist complete with art show, Tai Chi classes, and other art activities. Individuals, including those who normally would not get a opportunity to see Off-Broadway shows, went to see Grease, Beauty and the Beast, and The Lion King. Thanks to NYSARC, Inc., one of our most popular activities seemed to be ‘theme nights’ with snacks or a meals based upon the group’s chosen theme. Giving $5,000 to also allow staff to see faces light up with joy when individuals spin their first pieces on a potter’s wheel or to hear the laughter that goes along with theme nights—the money in the end is a truly a gift to all of us.”
