Growing up was a challenge for Midge and Karen, just a year apart in age, they both have developmental disabilities. Midge recalled when they rode the school bus sometimes other kids would make fun or tease Karen, when that happened Midge would step in and tell the other students to “get away” or “mind your own business”.  Midge, the older of the two, takes a great deal of pride in looking out for her younger sister.

“I would take good care of Karen, we are best friends” and Karen adds, “Me and you, buddy, buddy!”

For over forty years, the two sisters lived together in the family home with their father. It was when he grew frail that concern was raised. Midge did her best caring for her dad, making meals, and keeping up with the housework. Eventually though, his care became too great for her to manage on her own and Karen’s needs were such that she needed help too. It was at that time Midge and Karen, after over forty years of living together, went their separate ways.

It was Karen who left the home first, she moved into a residence operated by The Arc Oneida Lewis in Oneida County.

Shortly after, Midge was introduced to Bethann and Andrew Szewczyk from Hamilton through the Family Care Program at Madison Cortland ARC.  The Family Care Program is a certified program that matches dedicated families with individuals who have a developmental disability and who are unable to live independently.

Midge assimilated very well as the Szewczyk’s became her new family. She has her own room, helps out around the house, goes on family vacations, and enjoys all the animals at her new home.  But, there was always something missing and that was her sister Karen.

Bethann and Andy knew the sisters missed each other. They would make sure that Midge and Karen would stay in touch by telephone and get together at least once a month. But it still wasn’t the same, the miles between them created a void, they missed each other immensely. They did the best they could as the years passed by.

When Karen and Midge did get together, there is one thing that they would always do, giggle constantly. Their sisterly love for each other was overwhelming.  This was something that Bethann and Andy observed time and time again. As they watched, a seed was planted.

The Family Care Program at Madison Cortland ARC again worked with the Szewczyk’s to approve them to have another person move in with them. They had someone in mind, but they knew that it would take time and paperwork to make things happen so they didn’t say a word to Midge until they knew for sure.

Then one day earlier this year, Bethann said to Midge, “How would you like to have your sister move in?” and Midge replied with a big grin, “oh, that would be perfect.”  Midge says that she will never forget that day.

On September 29, 2011, Midge and Karen were reunited as sisters living together again after so many years apart. They each have their own room and they help around the house.  Midge takes care of her guinea pig, Peanut Butter, and Karen takes care of the family cat, Barker.  They also help to take care of the family chickens, guinea hens, ducks, three dogs, and a peacock named Pete.

During the day, Karen attends the Arc Oneida Lewis, Kirkland Day Habilitation Program, and Midge goes to either Madison Cortland ARC or Heritage Farm. When they arrive home they help around the house, feed their pets, have dinner, and share special activities. Wednesday night is game night at the Szewczyk’s, Karen is the champion of Old Maid, and Midge is the champion of the game Operation.

“They are like two peas in a pod.” said Andy “They always have a good time together.”

There is a lot of laughter and smiles in the Szewczyk’s home. Two sisters, who talk at the same time but understand exactly what each other is saying, and who missed each other terribly are now together again. This coming Christmas morning will be the first Christmas morning that they have spent together in many years, as they both said at the same time, “We can’t wait!”.

When asked about the Family Care Program, Bethann says, “it’s 300% more than what I thought it was. I can’t imagine my life without Midge or Karen. We are a family.”  The Family Care Program focuses on meaningful relationships as demonstrated by the Szewczyk family.

As Karen and Midge sat next to each other they locked their fingers together and Midge said, “finger friends forever!” and Karen replied “Sisters together!”, both smiling from ear to ear.

Dr. Bennett will talk about Autism and answer questions from parents, care providers, or advocates. The event is free and coffee will be served. Individuals can R.S.V.P. by Dec. 7 by calling Carolyn Roy at (315) 574-7780 or email: croy@herkimerarc.org.

Dr. Bennett provides counseling, and consultative and evaluation services as part of the Clinton Therapy and Testing Center in Clinton, NY. He has over 30 plus years assisting parents, schools, and other paraprofessionals in addressing behavioral needs of children, teens, and adults.

The program offers families skills to re-direct unique behavior patterns in their children.

“Sometimes, parents have situations to deal with at home that they may feel uncomfortable talking about with anyone. This is a perfect opportunity to network with other parents and professionals,” explains Kim Powers, Behavior Specialist at Madison Cortland ARC, who leads the training sessions, “This is an exciting time to work with people who have Autism because there is so much information out there.”

The program is offered through Madison Cortland ARC’s clinic, and is open to all OPWDD eligible families. Families will receive six weekly 90-minute trainings lead by Madison Cortland ARC Behavior Specialists. After the six classes, families may opt to receive additional one-on-one counseling, or attend more training sessions.

For more information on these training sessions, contact Jackie Hoyt, Clinic Manager at (315) 363-9281.

The second program is Family Care in Cortland County. The program provides an opportunity for a family to open their home and make a difference in the life of a person with a developmental disability, whether they are a friend or a family member.

Do you already have a person with a developmental disability living with you who is not your child? Call the Family Care Coordinator to find out if you are eligible.

The program matches families with individuals who are unable to live independently. Family Care is a certified, State-operated program that provides a safe family atmosphere.

If you have space in your life and home for a new friend, please consider becoming a Family Care provider. The Family Care Program will offer you help with household expenses and support from trained staff.

For information and eligibility requirements, please call the Family Care Coordinator at (607) 756-2015.

The free workshop, which falls during area schools break, is open to brothers and sisters, ages 8 to 13, of siblings with developmental disabilities. Sibling enrollment in Herkimer ARC programs is not required to attend. The Sibshop will be held at HARC’s Recreation Activity Center at 320 North Prospect Street in Herkimer, NY, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch will be provided and transportation is available, if needed.

Sibshops recognize that children who have special needs siblings have needs of their own. The Herkimer ARC workshop provides brothers and sisters not only the opportunity to enjoy an exciting, fast-paced program which includes recreational activities in a relaxed setting, but also to meet other siblings.

The goals of Sibshops are to provide brothers and sisters opportunities to discuss common joys and concerns with other siblings; to provide opportunities to learn how to handle situations commonly experienced by siblings of children with special needs; and opportunities to learn more about the implications of their siblings’ special needs with the assistance of certified providers.

For more information regarding the Sibshop, contact Jo Anna Keeler, Community Supports supervisor, at (315) 574-7846 or jkeeler@herkimerarc.org. Please R.S.V.P. by Monday, February 21 as space is limited.

The Herkimer ARC enables individuals with disabilities, and others in our community, to achieve full potential and to live enriched lives. Respite services for infants, children and teens are available either one-on-one or in groups with age-appropriate recreation and activities. Programs include in-home or community respite, after school, weekends, and even includes school vacation and summer camp respite services.

For more information regarding services, contact Monalisa Fermin, Herkimer ARC Outreach coordinator, at (315) 574-7822 or mfermin@herkimerarc.org. For more information regarding HARC and the agency’s programs to empower people and enrich lives, visit www.herkimerarc.org.

For the Hall brothers, meeting Santa up close and personal was a magical experience.

Approximately 40 children gathered at the Fulton Moose Lodge to play games, enjoy snacks, and do holiday craft projects. The afternoon was topped off by the arrival of Santa, who brought presents for all the children. Many of the presents were donated by staff at ARC of Oswego County and its sister agency, Oswego Industries, Inc., to assist families in need.

The Early Intervention program works with infants and toddlers who have been diagnosed with, or suspected of, developmental delays. Therapists and teachers in the program visit children in the family’s home and teach parents and siblings how to help their child learn and grow through play. If a child with a developmental disability is reached before the age of 3 with appropriate services, that child will need half the services over the course of their lifetime as a similar child who does not receive services. ARC of Oswego County is a private nonprofit agency which has been providing services to individuals with disabilities since 1955.

From left, HARC Day & Clinical Services Direct Support Professionals Cindy Dodson, Missy Douglas, and Laurie Kimbrell load a vehicle with gift boxes, which included a turkey or a ham and all the fixings for ten families who receive HARC services.

The project, conceived by Day & Clinical Services classroom staff, was supported throughout the agency by employees and consumers. Ten gift boxes were filled with a turkey or a ham for those “non-traditionalists” and “all the fixings” to make a holiday meal. The groceries were delivered on Friday, November 19, to ten homes throughout Herkimer County.

Cindy Dodson, an HARC support professional and one of the leaders of the project, said, “Last year I met a family who did not have a Thanksgiving meal because it did not fit in their budget. I shared this story with other staff, and this year we took it on as a classroom project. We wanted to help families to have a meaningful meal together. Both staff and consumers helped shop, pack and deliver the holiday boxes. We are thankful to everyone who donated their time and money, and the families are grateful to others who thought of them in such a special way.”

HARC’s mission is to enable people with disabilities and others in the community to achieve their full potential and to live enriched lives. For more information regarding HARC, visit www.herkimerarc.org or call (315) 574-7000.