Media Contact:
Dr. Richard Lecher
President and CEO
973-383-7442
[email protected]
SCARC WINS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
FOR ITS EMPLOYEES’ INCREDIBLE WORK DURING THE PANDEMIC
Augusta, NJ (April 6, 2021) – SCARC, Sussex County’s primary provider of services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities, is honored to announce that it has been recognized by the New Jersey Statewide Self-Advocacy Network (NJSSAN) for its virtual day-habilitation program. Dubbed, “Day-Hab Goes Digital,” the virtual day program is the collective brainchild of the organization’s dedicated employees, who came together to develop ingenious online ways to connect with and support the individuals they serve.
When the state shut down in March 2020, so did all of SCARC’s in-person programs, including its in-person day programs for adults with developmental disabilities. The individuals SCARC serves thrive on the engaging, fun activities SCARC provides, which lend structure and routine to their days.
Intent on bringing the education and fun of “day-hab” to these individuals, SCARC’s staff spent many hours developing a varied and exciting curriculum that could easily be executed online. With help from local organizations, SCARC distributed laptops and tablets to every individual who needed a device to participate and provided tech support to families to ensure they were able to get up, running, and connected. Day-hab employees also prepared kits with supplies for families that contained everything needed to complete crafts and other hands-on activities.
Ready for business, Day-Hab Goes Digital began in May of last year. It served as an expansion and, eventually, a replacement for Zoom at Noon, a one-hour-per-weekday program offered by SCARC Foundation staffers that had begun in April. SCARC ultimately enhanced and expanded its online Day-Hab Goes Digital curriculum to include five hours of daily activities, which the organization continues to offer today.
The sessions are incredibly popular: Each weekday, 120 to 130 individuals participate in Day-Hab Goes Digital via Zoom, where they enjoy engaging with a wide range of topics and themes. Activities include book club, talent shows, money-management discussions, sign language education, yoga, boxing, healthy cooking, meditation, and much more. Families of individuals continue to pick up packaged craft supplies from SCARC twice monthly.
In recognition of the tremendous efforts of SCARC’s dedicated staff (and the generous supporters that make programs like Day-Hab Goes Digital possible), the NJSSAN has opted to grant the Group Achievement Award to SCARC. The award will be presented via Zoom at the Spring into Action Awards Luncheon on April 17th.
“We are very grateful and proud to be recognized with this award,” remarked Dr. Richard Lecher, SCARC’s president and CEO. “We thank all of our staff and supervisors, including Liza Fiebert, Luann Salvatoriello, Brooke Ulikowski, Angelique Kobylinski, Nora Chatterton, and Sue Connors, along with many other “behind-the-scenes” support professionals, who work so hard to make Day-Hab Goes Digital possible.”
Please visit www.scarc.org to learn more about SCARC’s work on behalf of individuals with developmental disabilities, the various ways the nonprofit contributes to the Sussex County community, and how you can support the organization.
About SCARC, Inc.
Originally established in 1957 by a group of families seeking services for their own children with developmental disabilities, SCARC has grown to serve more than 650 adults and children with developmental disabilities each year, offering a wealth of opportunities for them to live with purpose and value in the community. Currently, the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offers employment, recreation, and family services and operates many group homes, supported living apartments, and day programs throughout Sussex County in order to fulfill its mission to provide high-quality services and supports to people with developmental disabilities and their families. Please visit www.scarc.org to learn more.
