The Arc Report
A monthly series addressing the needs of the disabled, on the 3rd Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m., hosted by Arc representatives Bill Gordon and Lisa Conley.
Recent Podcasts
The most recent podcasts are shown here. To access older podcasts, you will need to subscribe using a podcast client such as Juice or iTunes.
Host Bill Gordon and cohost Lisa Conley spoke with Lynne Robinson, Executive Director of PAWS for People and her Golden Retriever, Sunny. PAWS for People, which began with 21 owner-pet teams and has now grown to almost 350 therapy teams, is an organization that uses pet therapy to help bring love and affection to individuals. Robinson talked about the different types of animals used in PAWS for People and the types of people they visit--from Autistic children to adults with Alzheimer's Disease.
Hosts Lisa Conley and Bill Gordon spoke with Robyn Blanchard, RN, The Arc Gloucester's Agency Nurse about the HealthMeet Project, designed to help indetify health disparities in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Blanchard discussed what will be checked during the free health assesment and how they can get further treatment if needed.
Tara Baresel-Dennen, Assistant Executive Director for the Arc Gloucester, joined host Lisa Conley and co-host Bill Gordon to discuss the relocation of the Arc Gloucester's Paulsboro Adult Training Center from Paulsboro to Gibbstown. Baresel-Dennen explained what is offered at the Arc Gloucester's adult training programs and some of the services they provide. She also talked about the benefits and challenges of moving locations and retention of long-time customers.
Lisa Foster, program director of the Arc Gloucester's Family Intervention Program joined host Bill Gordon to discuss the Family Intervention Program and some of the services they provide. Whether sanctioned by the court, or there on their own mandate, the Family Intervention Program aims to help families function healthily function. Foster also discussed their Pregnant Pause program, a service that helps mothers have healthy pregnancies. For more information, visit www.thearcgloucester.org.
Troy Memis and his daughter Kayla of Harrison Township's TOP Soccer joined host Bill Gordon and co-host Lisa Conley to discuss the soccer program they developed in their town. TOP Soccer, a program for children to disabilities, in it's first season started out with 22 players and grew to 38 players, 50 volunteer "buddies" and 8 coaches. Kayla discussed the importance of the buddies and how they are assigned to each player to help guide them throughout the game.
Leona Mather, Director of the Gloucester County Division of Disability joined host Lisa Conley and co-host Bill Gordon to discuss emergency management. Mather spoke about the impact of Hurricane Sandy in our area and how her office prepares for emergencies. Mather also discussed what people should do before an emergency, including making sure you have a shelter and enough medication.
Carrie Ruffin, Director of Southern Regional Services for the Family Resource Network, an agency that serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, joined host Bill Gordon and cohost Lisa Conley to discuss the services provided as well as Autism Family Services and how they serve individuals and their families.
June Bretz, executive director of the volunteer center of Gloucester County, joined hosts Bill Gordon and Lisa Conley to discuss the changes in the volunteer center and various programs the volunteer center does. Bretz also explained how the center matches volunteers to various volunteer groups. Finally, Bretz promoted upcoming events including a free event about how to get males involved in community service and a harvest social happy hour.
Host, Lisa Conley, and cohost, Bill Gordon, talked with Dan Dalton, former Secretary of State to discuss the 40th Aniversary of the Bill Dalton Golf Tournament. Dalton shared the story behind the golf tournament's inception. Dalton also spoke about his father's passion for giving back to the community. Finally, Dalton shared the specifics of this year's tournament.
Jill Mansor, owner of Raise Your Dreams Horse Farm, and Timmy Osbourne, a worker at the farm, joined hosts Lisa Conley and Bill Gordon to talk about the horse farm. Mansor, who began riding horses after college, opened Raise Your Dreams horse farm in 2002. Mansor spoke of the benefits of equine therapy on the children who come to the farm. Later, Timmy shared his responsibilities he has on the farm as well as his future dreams.
Host Bill Gordon and co-host Lisa Conley sat down with Robyn Blanchord, RN, agency nurse as well as a teacher, trainer, fundraiser and all-around cheerleader for the Arc's consumers. Blanchord discussed the numerous activities she's involved with for the Arc including a healthy eating course and a beauty class. She also speaks of the most rewarding part of her job.
Hosts Lisa Conley and Bill Gordon spoke with Andrew Perrone, Assistant Director of Rowan University's Office of Service Learning, Volunteerism and Community Engagement. Perrone discussed various projects that thousands of Rowan University students are involved in as well as international service trips over winter and spring breaks. He also discussed the amount of work different clubs, sororities and fraternities complete in order to maintain their charter.
Stephanie Littleton, Fine Arts instructor in the Arc Gloucester's Life Long Learning Program and 2012 Education Professional of the Year joined hosts Bill Conley and Lisa Gordon to discuss her award as Education Professional of the Year as well as the work her students have done. Littleton explained how Life Long Learning, a seven week program for adults with special needs, is her calling.
Rita Feldhaus, the 2011 Teacher of the Year for the Arc Gloucester and the Arc of New Jersey and a Life Long Learning instructor joined hosts Lisa Conley and Bill Gordon to discuss her history in special-education teaching. She mentioned former students and fond memories she shared with them. In addition, Conley spoke about upcoming Arc Gloucester events including the annual dinner on March 29th and a pancake breakfast with the Easter bunny on March 31st.
Diane Pison and Guy Lyles joined host Bill Gordon to discuss the Challenger League, a local baseball team for children with handicaps. They gave background on the league and how it has helped their son and other children with disabilities. Also, "buddies" or chaperons accompany the children on the field. Opening day is April 15th at 2pm at Alcyon Park in Pitman.
Hosts Lisa Conley and Bill Gordon spoke with Karen Merriell and Joe Barry. Merrill, director of the Arc Gloucester's Supportive Living program spoke about the details of the Supportive Living program and her role in the program. Later, Barry--a recent inductee in the New Jersey Special Olympics Hall of Fame--discussed his impressive past in sports. In addition, Conley and Gordon gave details on upcoming Arc Gloucester events.
Ellen Nalven, Executive Director of Plan NJ joined Bill Gordon and Lisa Conley to talk about to helping families secure the future for their loved ones with disabilities and mental health challenges. Plan NJ ensure a safe, enriched and happy life for these individuals by advocating for a place to rest their head, a place to challenge their mind, a place to earn a living and a friend to call their own. For more information you can log onto www.plannj.org
Lisa Conley and Bill Gordon sat down with Jack Thompson and John Walsh from the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Thompson and Walsh explained the types of services the commission offers. A recent teachers' convention for instructors who teach visually impaired students was spoken about. More information can be found at cbvi.nj.gov.
Tina Grant, Director of Donor and Agency Relations at the United Way of Gloucester County sat down with Bill Gordon and Lisa Conley to talk about past and upcoming fundraising United Way events. Grant also discussed a brief history of the United Way and what they do.
A monthly series addressing the needs of the disabled, on the 3rd Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m., hosted by Arc representatives Bill Gordon and Lisa Conley. This week, Lisa and Bill discuss upcoming fundraising events in the South Jersey area.
Hosts Lisa Conley and Bill Gordon spoke with Brenda Powell, Arc Gloucester Director of Development, and Genna Melanson, a member of Aktion Club. The Arc Gloucester and Greater Woodbury Kiwanis are working to form Aktion Club, a community service group open to young adults from 18 to 35 living with disabilities.
Lisa Conley and Bill Gordon spoke with Tara Baresel-Dennen, assistant executive director at the Arc Gloucester. Baresel-Dennen described Arc Gloucester services and updated the audience on upcoming organizational events. She also explained how consumers can get involved with numerous skill-building activities.
Host Bill Gordon spoke with Jessica Oppenheim, the director of the Developmentally Disabled Offenders Program. Oppenheim detailed a name change involving the DDOP and the types of services the program provides. She talked about the reasoning behind a lack of programs around the country similar to the DDOP.
Arc Gloucester Representatives and hosts Lisa Conley and Bill Gordon spoke with Mark Adler, proprietor of Adlers Pharmacy. The group discusses the ins and outs of the pharmaceutical business and the ways Adlers Pharmacy helps the Arc Gloucester.
Hosts Lisa Conley and Bill Gordon are joined by Theresa Kucowski and Ed Kay from Rells Ranch to talk about Foundation Smiles. This foundation helps kids with special needs visit their ranch to have a day away from the problems in their everyday lives.
Bill Gordon and Lisa Conley talk to Celine Fortin, Associate Director of the Arc of New Jersey, about the changes the Arc has recently undergone, including a new national brand, logo, and tag line.
Arc Gloucester Representatives and hosts Lisa Conley and Bill Gordon spoke with Susan Rose, founder of the Lauren Rose Albert Foundation, an organization that helps mothers in need.
Arc Gloucester Representatives and hosts Lisa Conley and Bill Gordon spoke to the Executive Director of the Volunteer Center of Gloucester County June Bretz about the importance of helping the community during economic turmoil and about the many programs the Volunteer Center organizes in order help direct people to fulfilling volunteering opportunities.
Arc Gloucester Representatives and hosts Lisa Conley and Bill Gordon spoke to Executive Director of Down-Syndrome Pregnancy, Inc. Nancy Iaonnone about resources for families expecting a child with down-syndrome.
Arc Gloucester Representatives and Hosts Lisa Conley and Bill Gordon spoke to Mickey Johnson from ARC Paulsboro Adult Training Center about ARC Angels Christmas Caroling events and Terry Walters about the work of the ARC Free Labor Program.
Arc Gloucester Representatives and hosts Bill Gordon and Lisa Conley spoke to Liberty Boxing Trainer Matthew Rich and trainee Brian Moore. Both men have cerebral palsy and made extraordinary strides to overcome their disability through physical training and teamwork.
Lisa Conley and Bill Gordon speak with Trudy Lawrence, executive director of Literacy Volunteers of Gloucester County about the group's tutoring services for youth and adults
Hosts Bill Gordon and Lisa Conley speak to Scott Reiner about safety classes for families with Autistic children.
Hosts Bill Gordon and Lisa Conley spoke with Terry Wilson about the new building, camp activities and volunteering opportunities at Camp Sun 'n' Fun.
Host Bill Gordon speaks with Brenda Powell about recent grants, their presence at Gloucester County College and programs in place to help students transition from high school to the adult world.
Bill Gordon and Lisa Conley talk to a musician and performer who has a son with autism. The three talk about advocacy for people with developmental disabilities.
Host Lisa Conley and co-host Bill Gordon talk to Sheryl Santos from Child's Play Therapeutics. The purpose of the program is to involve parents and families in helping their children, and help children be creative and socialize.
Host Bill Gordon and co-host Lisa Conley of the Arc Gloucester sat down with Leona Mather, supervisor of the Glouster County Therapeutic Recreation program. The group discussed the recreation program and what it means to the county's mentally handicapped residents.
Brenda Scardafield joins hosts Lisa Conley and Bill Gordon to discuss the family support programs at the Arc Gloucester. These programs are designed to help families care for their loved ones with developmental disabilities.
Jen Birdman talks about the Takahoe housing program and how it helps the community.
Guest Lin Roberson and her golden retriever talks about what P.A.W. is and what people can do to help spread love to people in need.
Host Bill Gordon talks with Howard Shoals about the need to provide personal trainers for people with disabilities. Even though it may take more work it is a necessity for their well-being and development, just as much as anyone else.
Host Bill Gordon talks with Fred Keating, director of the Gloucester County Department of Education and Disabilities.
Guest Kathy Woodside discusses new special needs dance class at Let's Dance Studio. She also talks about their new facility which is currently being built.
Host Bill Gordon talks to director of development at Arc Gloucester, Brenda Pal, and public affairs director, Lisa Conley, about funding, volunteer recruitment, grants and membership
Host Bill Gordon speaks with Linda Moore and Eileen Keel of the Arc Gloucester. Linda and Eileen talk to Bill about the Arc's book exchange and special needs programs.
Lisa Conley discusses the Arc Gloucester's Camp Sun and Fun program.
Host Bill Gordon speaks with Irene Thomas, Family Support Coordinator, and Lisa Conley, Director of Public Affairs, from the Arc Gloucester.
Barbara Coppens, President of the NJ Self-Advocacy Project, and Sam Bonavita, Outreach and Communications Specialist, join Lisa to speak about the program run by the Arc of NJ and why it is so important to the many individuals it serves.
Kim Kelly and Laurie Wells of KIIDS speak about how the organization helps individuals and families affected by down syndrome.
Kay Drissel, President of Shadow Equestrian, shares information about the organization, which provides therapeutic riding instruction for special needs children at a low cost.
Guests Clinton Harris and Deb Jastrebski speak about the organization devoted to helping adults and children with disabilities receive quality medical and dental care with care and respect.
Bill Gordon & Lisa Conley interview Fran Hinshillwood, who is the supervisor for crew labor at Camp Sun & Fun. Fran speaks about the new dining hall project at Camp Sun and Fun.
Richard Brightsmen (past president of the Reaching Out for Rights Self Advocacy Group) and Donna Nolan (supervisor and advisor) share information about the group and how consumers also are self advocates.
Karen Zumowski, the employmeny specialist manager at the Arc, shares information about how the program offers job opportunities and training to the many consumers it serves.
Vanessa Young and Alexandra Block of VSA Arts of NJ share information about the artwork they promote. VSA Arts encourages and assists young artists with autism and other disabilities to display, enjoy, and participate in creativity.
The Seeds to Success program supports high school students with special needs. By partnering with local schools, the team trains students to plant vegetables and sell them at produce stands as a job. Students learn about retail and farming as well as basic life and social skills as well.
Host Bill Gordon speaks with Rich Bellamente of the Greater Woodbury Chamber of Commerce. They discuss the upcoming third annual Gloucester County Dancing with the Stars and how it benefits local non profit organizations in the area.
Host Lisa Conley speaks with Bill Gordon to discuss Camp Sun & Fun and upcoming activities. They also discuss progress on the project to build a new dining hall.
Host Bil Gordon speaks with Brenda Powell and Terry Wilson about Camp Sun and Fun. They discuss its history as well as up and coming events.
Host Bill Gordon speaks with associate director of the Arc of New Jersey, Celine Fortin. They discuss how the Arc raises awareness for healthcare and diabetes affecting consumers.
Host Bill Gordon speaks with Brenda Powell and Bernise Magess about the organization, Real Life Choice and the opportunities it provides.
Host Bill Gordon discusses ballot question #4 on the upcoming election with Jessica Ganz and Robin Blanchard. He also discusses care for consumers at the ARC.
Host Lisa Conley sits down with Nancy Iaonie. Iaonie is a contributor to the book, Gifts: How children with Down syndrome have enriched our lives, she shares how her experiences were expressed in these stories. Nancy also offers support and advice.
Liz Shea of the Arc of New Jersey discussed what the organization does to help people. Shea also talked about her background and the organization's relationships with other chapters in the state.
Host Lisa Conley sat with Gina Ridge and Mary Love to discuss SERV.
Juan Santiago from the Arc of New Jersey's Developmentally Disabled Offender's Program sat down with Host Bill Gordon. Santiago discussed how the program works and what consumers can expect.
Host Lisa Conley sat down with Theresa Matcheck and Linda Moore to discuss the different services offered by the Arc Gloucester. Matcheck discussed the Arc Bakery and Moore detailed the Special Needs program and book exchange.
Host Lisa Conley welcomed guest Nate Terrell, a parent of a daughter with a developmental disability. Nate spoke about his personal experiences, and explained how his wife and he adjusted their lives to better their daughter's.
Host Bill Gordon spoke with Bill Marker and Rick DiCosta. They covered the transportation of Arc consumers. Each guest explained what is included in the transportation process and how it is helpful to seniors.
The month of October is Disability Awareness Month. Bill Gordon and his guest Lisa Forster and Leona Mather talk about theraputic recreation, summer day camps, and the Rolling Thunder Run. They also have prom dances and overnight and day trips. They speak about the West Deptford disabled community and the information table they set up at West Deptford Day.
