Programs and Initiatives:

1. Shelter and Relief: We provide shelter, food, and essential supplies to those affected by homelessness, natural disasters, and other crises. Our “Shelter and Relief” program aims to offer immediate support and create a safe environment for individuals and families in need.
2. Education Empowerment: Education is a powerful tool for transformation. Through our “Education Empowerment” initiative, we strive to ensure access to quality education for underprivileged children and youth. We establish schools, offer scholarships, and provide educational resources to empower individuals with knowledge and skills.
3. Health and Wellness: We prioritize the well-being of individuals and communities. Our “Health and Wellness” program focuses on providing medical assistance, organizing health camps, and promoting preventive healthcare. We aim to improve healthcare access and raise awareness about healthy living practices.
4. Skill Development: We believe in equipping individuals with skills for self-sustainability. Our “Skill Development” initiative offers vocational training, entrepreneurship programs, and mentorship to empower individuals to secure better livelihood opportunities and break the cycle of poverty.
5. Community Development: We work closely with communities to address their specific needs and foster their development. Our “Community Development” efforts involve infrastructure improvement, clean water projects, and promoting social cohesion through cultural and recreational activities.

Programs and Initiatives:

1. Education for All: We believe in the transformative power of education. Through our “Education for All” program, we strive to ensure that every child has access to quality education. We establish schools, provide scholarships, and offer educational resources to empower young minds.
2. Health and Wellness: We prioritize the health and well-being of individuals and communities. Our “Health and Wellness” initiative focuses on providing medical assistance, conducting health camps, promoting hygiene, and raising awareness about preventive healthcare practices.
3. Sustainable Livelihoods: We are committed to reducing poverty and promoting sustainable livelihoods. Through vocational training programs, microfinance support, and entrepreneurship development, we empower individuals to become self-reliant and create a positive impact in their communities.
4. Environmental Conservation: Protecting our planet is crucial for future generations. Our “Environmental Conservation” efforts involve tree planting drives, waste management programs, and advocating for sustainable practices. We collaborate with local communities to create a greener and cleaner environment.
5. Disaster Relief: In times of natural disasters and emergencies, we respond swiftly to provide immediate relief and support. Our disaster relief initiatives focus on distributing essential supplies, offering temporary shelters, and facilitating rehabilitation efforts.

Join Us: We believe that together, we can make a difference. You can support our cause by volunteering your time, making donations, or spreading awareness about our initiatives. Together, we can empower individuals, build resilient communities, and shape a brighter tomorrow.

Visitation in Residential Facilities

STATEMENT OF POLICY

It is the policy of The Arc of Putnam County to maintain an open door policy in all its residential facilities to allow free access to all visitors, based on the preferences of each individual resident.

ISSUE

It is an essential quality of any home setting that the resident can entertain visits from people s/he chooses to see at times determined by the resident.

POSITION

To assure that residents of Arc/Putnam homes are able to entertain visits from friends, family, and service providers at times of their choosing, all agency facilities will comply with the following:

1. No residential facility will post or enforce any limitations on visitors between the hours of 7:00 am and 9:00 pm. Exceptions to these times of visitation may be allowed, if the visit does not negatively impact the privacy or need to rest for others in the home.

• All visitors will be warmly received by staff and every effort will be made to accommodate a comfortable and, if desired, private place for the visit including, but not limited to, the resident’s bedroom, the office, common areas of the house, porches or patios, or the external grounds.

• Visitors will be asked to sign the guest book upon each visit.

• Although visits rarely impact the home in any negative way, the following circumstances require staff to advise supervisory staff as soon as possible:
• Visits that impact the preferences of other residents, such as excessive noise after some residents have gone to bed.
• Loud or belligerent behavior by the visitor.
• Any action by the visitor which interferes with the privacy of any resident.

• In the event that any visitor, in the estimation of staff, presents the possibility of jeopardizing the safety of residents or staff, the visitor will be asked to leave the premises and the on-call supervisor or other supervisory staff will be notified immediately. This may include obvious signs of intoxication, threatening behavior, the presence of a weapon, or the destruction of any facility property. If, under these or similar circumstances, the visitor does not immediately comply with staff request to leave the premises, staff should immediately request support from law enforcement.

• Any limitations on who may visit residents or when residents may have visitors, established by the resident’s legal guardian empowered to make such decisions, will be strictly enforced.

• A resident may designate a visitor who is a family member, friend, guardian, or other individual as an essential caregiver.  The visitation by the essential caregiver will be allowed for at least 2 hours daily in addition to any other visitation authorized by the residence.   The essential caregiver will not be required to provide necessary care to the resident during the visit.

• In person visitation will be allowed for the circumstances listed below, unless the resident objects, for a resident experiencing:

•  end of life situations
•  The need to make more than one major medical decision,
• a struggle with the change in environment and lack of in-person support,
• needed encouragement by caregiver for activities of daily living when cues were previously provided by a family member or friend. 
• isolation from the community and activities and is seldom speaking,
• emotional distress at the death of a family member or friend.
• needed support for medical appointments from a family member or friend.

• Subject to the limitations set forth herein, every resident shall have the right to unrestricted private communication including receiving and sending unopened correspondence, access to the telephone and visitation with persons of his or her choice. 

Infection Control:

The Arc of Putnam County will assure that all staff are trained and knowledgeable in infection control (i.e. hand washing, sanitizing, required PPE, social distancing) necessary to facilitate safe social activity and visitation for residents as indicated by community conditions and any declared state of emergency.  The protocols will not prohibit consensual physical contact between a resident and visitor.    At no time will the provider staff or administrator ask for proof of vaccination or immunization.  Group Home Managers are responsible for ensuring adherence to this policy. 

Updated 3/23

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