Mountain Lake Services is proud to announce the receipt of significant grants from the Trustee Management Board of NYSARC Trust Services, funds that have greatly supported our recreation and guardianship programs for more than a decade. These grants play a crucial role in our mission to help people live their very best lives.
In 2023, Mountain Lake Services was awarded $65,560, allocated to both our recreation and guardianship programs. NYSARC Trust Services, known for administering supplemental needs trusts (SNTs) and pooled trusts, allocated a total of $2,697,980 to The Arc New York Chapters statewide, demonstrating their dedication to enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities. With $52,250 dedicated to our guardianship services, we have been able to support eleven individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who might not otherwise have a legal guardian or advocate. Our dedicated staff and community volunteers work tirelessly to provide essential guardianship support and services. An additional $13,310 was earmarked for enriching the lives of over 300 individuals through new recreational opportunities. This funding enabled us to acquire musical instruments, camping and boating equipment, and support various events and activities. Highlights included first-time concert and theater attendance, visits to amusement parks, and memorable agency-wide events such as Halloween and holiday celebrations, "The Music Guy" event, and Friendsgiving.
Looking ahead, we are thrilled to announce the allocation of $13,658 in recreation grant funds for 2024. An additional $52,250 for 2024 was received for the guardianship program. In rec, this year's focus is on enhancing accessibility within our recreational programs. We are collaborating with the Article 16 Clinic and expert Pam McDonald, SLP, to ensure our adaptive equipment and methods are effective and meet the current needs of our community. Our commitment to accessibility is not just about compliance with regulations; it is about fostering a community where everyone feels valued and included. In addition, grant funds will help maintain previously purchased items, such as camper site fees and boat storage. We are also exploring opportunities to host events featuring local talent, providing customized entertainment for the people we serve. With guardianship, these funds will be used to further support and enrich the lives of those we serve. We will organize special events for those in our guardianship program, including a holiday party, a summer ice cream social at the end of summer, and birthday gifts, ensuring that the individuals feel celebrated and valued throughout the year.
Our History of Fun
From a historical view over half a century, recreation has moved from those early days of neighborhood walks and van rides to climbing the 46 Peaks, to state-wide and even international Special Olympics, to individual vacations around the country and beyond, to enjoying campers and pontoon boats, to frequent dances at the agency’s Recreation Center or local village venues, and on and on. Discovering outdoor and indoor hobbies, artistic skill development, forming local bowling teams, and becoming part of local events have all helped to place people squarely and successfully into their communities, helping them keep fit and bringing enrichment into their lives.
