NYSARC Trust Services supports TRC’s guardianship and recreation programs

The Resource Center was awarded $24,130 in grants from the Trustee Management Board of NYSARC Trust Services to support TRC’s guardianship and recreation programs in 2023.

NYSARC Trust Services administers supplemental needs trusts and pooled trusts that improve the lives of people with disabilities by enabling them to maintain eligibility for Medicaid and other means-tested government benefit programs.  For 2023, NYSARC Trust Services fulfilled its commitment to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities by awarding $2,697,980 to chapters of The Arc New York statewide.

The Resource Center received $10,400 to provide guardianship services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who would not otherwise have a legal guardian or advocate.  Supported by staff and community volunteers, The Resource Center’s guardianship program provides guardianship supports and services to two people and is ready to assist one more person as an alternate standby guardian.  TRC’s guardianship program supports these people by giving them a sense of family and belonging, conducting person-centered planning and advocating on their behalf.  TRC’s guardianship committee oversees their care and assists with making critical medical decisions.

Besides the grant money, there is no funding for TRC’s guardianship program.  As a result, TRC relies on financial support from families, particularly the families of those for whom TRC serves as standby guardian.  For more information about the guardianship program, phone 716-483-2344.

In addition to the guardianship money, NYSARC Trust Services awarded The Resource Center $13,730 to support recreational opportunities for more than 240 people with disabilities.  Uses of the money included attending baseball, football and hockey games; visiting the National Comedy Center and the Lucy Desi Museum; going to the Buffalo Zoo; riding on a train; sponsoring a performance by the band Flame; and buying games and recreation supplies.

The Resource Center has supported people with disabilities and their families in Chautauqua County since 1958.  To learn more about the services TRC provides, phone 716-483-2344 or visit www.resourcecenter.org.

NYSARC Trust Services has administered supplemental needs trusts since 1972, helping thousands of people with disabilities protect their eligibility for government benefits and improve their quality of life.  NYSARC Trust Services’ programs give people with disabilities the opportunity to remain in their communities with greater comfort and independence while providing peace of mind to their families and loved ones.

NYSARC Trust Services administers first- and third-party pooled supplemental needs trusts to help families plan for the future of a loved one with a disability, preserve income and assets for Medicaid planning purposes and long-term care, and protect unexpected monetary windfalls.  To learn more, phone 518-439-8323 or visit www.nysarctrustservices.org.

Marcia Restivo, Guardianship Coordinator, poses with Heather, one of the people who is supported by TRC’s Guardianship Program.