PROJECT CARE SERVICE EXPANSION FOR NORTH CAROLINA

GEM TO PRESENT PROGRAM ON THE PROJECT CARE SERVICE EXPANSION FOR NORTH
CAROLINA
Project CARE (Caregivers Alternatives to Running on Empty) is the only
state-funded, dementia-specific support for caregivers who take care of
family members
with Alzheimer's disease. Project CARE is a coordinated delivery system that
is responsive to the needs, values and preferences of families who take care
of family member's with Alzheimer's disease. The Family Consultant for
Eastern North Carolina, Rosalind Pugh will be visiting this region on
January 12th
to explain the expansion and how to use the monies.
GEM's Gail Sonnesso, Excellence in Care Specialist, will discuss other
funding streams available to caregivers of people living with dementia and
other
disabilities.
We will meet Thursday January 12, 2017, 1-3pm at Roosters Southern Kitchen,
Located at 804 S. Croatan Hwy Kill Devil Hills. There is no charge but space
is limited so call Gail @ 252-480-3354 or email
gsonnesso@gmail.com
to register by Monday Jan 9th.

The NC General Assembly in 2014 required the NC Department of Health and
Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult Services to develop the state's
first
strategic plan addressing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The
Division, in partnership with the NC Institute of Medicine, along with a 47
member
task force, completed a plan in March 2016 entitled "Dementia Capable NC."
The Governor and the NC General Assembly responded favorably to the
recommendation
to expand Project CARE, including offering respite care by appropriating
$550,000 in funding. We invite eligible caregivers and interested parties to
come
to this workshop and learn how to receive vouchers for respite care.
Vouchers can be used to provide in-home respite and/or respite in group
settings,
including Adult Day Care or Adult Day Health Care. Caregivers are reimbursed
as respite care is utilized within the timeframe and amount of the awarded
voucher.
GEM is a community based non-profit serving families caring for a person
living with dementia on the Outer Banks since 1997. Visit our website at
http://www.gemdayservices.org
To register for Rosalind's overview of Project CARE email Gail at
gsonnesso@gmail.com
or call her at 252-480-3354 by Monday Jan 9th.

Dare County Arts Council Unleashes The Power of Art

Dare County Arts Council Unleashes The Power of Art

Dare County Arts Council announces a new program called the Power of Art, serving special groups in need or with limited access to arts programming and education.

Made possible by a grant from the Outer Banks Community Foundation, the Power of Art's objective is to give those with disabilities and difficulties with self-expression the opportunity to create and make critical decisions through unique art programs.

"At the Community Foundation, we are thrilled to support this project because of its ability to use art to reach and empower so many diverse segments of our local population," said Outer Banks Community Foundation Executive Director Lorelei Costa.

The program was designed to utilize the fundamental power of art to create new outlets for the participants' memories, dreams and aspirations. Those interested in becoming involved as a volunteer for the Power of Art program are encouraged to call (252) 473-5558 or email DareArtsPrograms@gmail.com.

"The arts and creative exercises are invaluable tools for self-expression. In many cases, developmental issues and negative experiences have blocked or hindered traditional means of expression. Whether it is an adult with memory loss or a child with a developmental disability, something magical happens when they are creating - they are fully-abled and making critical artistic decisions. This is the Power of Art," said DCAC Programs Director Fay Davis Edwards.

Dare County Arts Council has partnered with local organizations to help meet the identified needs within the community. The initial groups participating in the Power of Art program are GEM Adult Day Services, the SNAP Group, the Monarch Beach Club and Outer Banks Hotline.

Through GEM Adult Day Services' Art in the Park program, DCAC recruited volunteer art instructors to work with adults with memory loss on activities including stained glass and jewelry making. Dare County Arts Council hosts one class per week for GEM Adult Day Services at various locations.

DCAC developed a series of classes and art experiences for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities through the local chapter of Special Need Ability Program (SNAP). Initial funding for this pilot program was provided by individual donors and the Pauline Wright Endowment.

DCAC partnered with the Monarch Beach Club to provide art instruction and activities to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental illness and substance abuse disorders. Once a month Dare County Arts Council hosts a workshop at the Monarch Beach Club.

In March 2016, DCAC hosted a Women's Empowerment Workshop with Outer Banks Hotline. DCAC has also provided art supplies to residents of Hotline's safe house and plans to continue to provide art opportunities to victims of domestic violence and their families.

Dare County Arts Council brings arts expertise, working relationships with art instructors, administrative ability and access to multiple venues for art instruction to the initiative. For more information about the Power of Art program, please call (252) 473-5558.

Dare County Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization dedicated to supporting the arts in Dare County. DCAC programming is supported by the North Carolina Arts Council.