Press and Media Contact: Matt Haviland, Fund Development Associate The Arc of Atlantic County Phone: 609-926-0800, Ext. 149 Fax: 609-926-9554 Email: arcmatthaviland@yahoo.com
MARCH IS MENTAL RETARDATION AWARENESS MONTH The Arc of Atlantic County Plans Local Events to Increase Public Awareness Somers Point, NJ – March 1, 2005 – The Arc of Atlantic County, an affiliated chapter of the nation's largest volunteer-based organization devoted to life-long issues of mental retardation, marks National Mental Retardation Awareness Month in March. During March, The Arc of Atlantic County joins chapters of The Arc around the country in a media and public awareness campaign aimed at bringing attention to issues concerning people with mental retardation and their families for the 26 th consecutive year. To recognize Mental Retardation Awareness Month, The Arc of Atlantic County will host a workshop titled, “What Siblings Need To Know.” The seminar taught by S. Paul Prior, Esq. will teach siblings of individuals with disabilities how to support their loved ones. The event takes place on Wednesday, March 9 th at 7 PM at The Arc of Atlantic County offices at 101 Shore Road, Somers Point, NJ. Call Roxanne at (609) 926-0800 if you wish to attend. Mental Retardation Awareness Month also includes a Sabbath/Sunday event on the weekend of March 12-13, during which chapters of The Arc encourage churches, synagogues, and other places of worship to welcome people with mental retardation into the spiritual life of the community. “National Mental Retardation Awareness Month is an opportunity for our community to find out more about mental retardation and related developmental disabilities. It's also a great chance to learn more about the importance of full inclusion in community life and how diversity is essential to our culture and to our neighborhoods,” said Deborah Davies, CEO. “The Arc takes this opportunity to express our thanks to those in our community who've been our strong supporters, and to invite others to learn more about us and our mission during March and every month of the year.” For more information about The Arc of Atlantic County, visit our web site at www.arcatlantic.org or call (609) 926-0800. ### |