A Vision For A Life Like Yours: Creating A System Of  Community Living Options

Richmond, June 19, 2007

The Arc of Virginia released its position paper entitled “A Vision For A Life Like Yours: Creating A System Of Community Living Options” today.  The Arc developed the position paper to guide its 2007-08 advocacy efforts and to serve as an educational document for its members, for state and local elected officials and for the general public. 

The Arc of Virginia recognizes that our state government is currently undertaking a number of important activities that will provide the framework for key policy and funding choices.  These activities include major federal grants that have been awarded to Virginia for a Systems Transformation project and for a Money Follows the Person (MFP) project.  In addition, major reports on the future direction of state-funded services are being developed by state agencies and advisory groups for the Governor’s 2008-10 budget proposals or in response to state legislative direction.

The recommendations from all these activities will lead to decisions by the Governor and General Assembly at the 2008 legislative session.  These decisions will have a profound impact on the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.  The Arc wants to ensure that its vision for a “Life Like Yours” in the community is widely distributed to all persons and organizations involved in making our Commonwealth’s final recommendations and decisions. 
 

The Arc of Virginia Announces New Executive Director

Richmond, June 15, 2007. 

The Arc of Virginia today announced the appointment of Ms. Jamie Trosclair as its new Executive Director.  The Arc of Virginia is a statewide advocacy organization working to create "A Life Like Yours" in the community for people who have intellectual and other developmental disabilities. 

Ms. Trosclair is currently on loan from The Arc of Northern Virginia to the state Arc serving as the Coordinator of Chapter Development.  She has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from James Madison University and a Master’s degree in Social Work from George Mason University.  She has previous experience as a residential counselor both in a facility in Maryland and with the Alexandria Community Services Board.  Ms. Trosclair has been the Advocacy Coordinator with The Arc of Northern Virginia.  In that position she worked to obtain legislative support at the 2007 General Assembly session for a rate differential to offset the high cost of living in Northern Virginia.  She also has other work experience in programs serving persons with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.  Ms. Trosclair will assume her new duties in August.

According to Jill Eglé, a self-advocate leader,  "Jamie is a wonderful advocate and she has been a great mentor and teacher.  I wish her all the best of luck in her new role.” 

"Jamie has the energy, knowledge and most importantly the passion to move Virginia from 47th in the Nation in community funding to at least the top ten.  Jamie will be working and living in Richmond as Executive Director of The Arc of Virginia but Jamie is always welcome to call The Arc of Northern Virginia her home.  I think very soon every other local chapter of The Arc will feel the same way,” stated Nancy Mercer, Executive Director of The Arc of Northern Virginia.

The Arc of Virginia also announced plans to release next week its recently adopted Position Paper, entitled, “A Vision For A Life Like Yours: Creating A System of Community Living Options.”  The Position Paper will guide The Arc in its educational and advocacy efforts for the 2008 General Assembly session.

Revised 09/18/2007