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Mobile Sensory Tent to Launch at Operation Cow Drop
For some people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, attending large-scale events, fairs and festivals in the community can be an overwhelming experience -- and we are blessed in Hanover with so many great community events! Sometimes, there are just too many sights, sounds, smells, and new activity that it can all become too much, even if it's an enjoyable event.
We are working diligently on a new project to help increase engagement in the community event setting: A Mobile Sensory Tent!
We will be hosting the tent at the Chick-fil-A Operation Cow Drop, in cooperation with our partners at Grace Christian School, THIS SATURDAY, May 3rd, from 10AM - 3PM at the Hanover County Airport. Visit our Events tab for details and to sign up to join us, whether in the Sensory Tent or at our resource table.
We are building our Sensory Tent as a place of retreat, calm, safety and engagement with things to help an individual regulate and restore the body's responses to the stimulating environment at the event. We hope this will provide a place for families and caregivers to support their loved ones and guests and that time here will foster a return to the event that everyone came out to enjoy.
We hope to see you at Operation Cow Drop.
If you can provide any of the items above to help us get the tent up and going, we would appreciate your support. Contact Diane at 804-798-2400 (PRESS ONE) to arrange for drop off at The Arc of Hanover Thrift Store or another location. You can also use our DONATE button at the menu bar to support this effort financially.
THANK YOU!
"The Journeyers" joins The Arc
Since May 2021, The Journeyers has provided a supportive outlet for parents and caregivers of loved ones with disabilities. Born out of the pandemic, the support group has provided a place for an exchange of information, ideas, recommendations and just plain talk.
Originator and facilitator of The Journeyers, Sue Jeantheau (now on the Board of The Arc of Hanover), has brought the group to The Arc with the intent of solidifying and expanding it to reach more of Hanover County.
"The Journeyers is open to anyone who has a child or adult of any age with a disability," says Sue. "This is not a clinical support group but a group for those who not only need the support but can often provide the best support to others."
The group meets monthly (except for December), generally on a weeknight. The April meeting will be THIS TUESDAY NIGHT, April 29th, from 7-8:30 PM at The Arc of Hanover offices (in The Arc of Hanover Thrift Store). For more information, contact Sue Jeantheau.
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Help for Respite
We have a huge heart for our families in Hanover County who are advocating for their loved ones and navigating all of the roads that come with taking care of an individual with a disability. It is never just a straight walk, and working through the barriers drains the ability to approach the work with a positive outlook, strength, and ability to acquire the knowledge or connections needed for the immediate need or for the future.
The Arc of Hanover is hopeful to distribute funding to 20 people to help provide what's needed for respite -- time to recharge and step out of that day-to-day. Thanks to generous donation from Shady Grove United Methodist Church, Mechanicsville and an anonymous donor, we are able to offer $500 in funding to be put toward respite services or summer camp fees.
More information on our Google Form/Application:
This funding is only available for Hanover County residents. There is no deadline to submit for funding, but once we have given awards to 20 people, this offering will close. For more information, contact Diane Gallegos, Executive Director of The Arc of Hanover.
Recent Testimonial: "I was advised to contact Diane at The Arc of Hanover to see if she could assist in our family’s crisis situation. We had run out of placement options for our son who is on the autism spectrum, and we were worried and scared for his future. Diane worked tirelessly to help our son and because of her efforts and advocacy, his future is now secure and promising. Our family is extremely grateful for Diane and The Arc of Hanover. What a blessing to have them in our corner!” -- Melody