North Country Arc awarded $60K for guardianship

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities often rely on guardianship services to help navigate healthcare decisions, finances, housing, and legal matters. In rural regions, access to these supports can be limited, creating gaps in advocacy for individuals who need it most.

On December 13, NYSARC Trust Services awarded a $60,110 grant to The Arc Jefferson–St. Lawrence to strengthen its guardianship program serving Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties in New York’s North Country.

Guardianship programs support individuals who do not have family members able to serve in a legal decision-making role. Guardians help protect rights and assist with informed choices related to medical care, benefits, housing, and long-term planning.

The grant will help The Arc Jefferson–St. Lawrence maintain and expand these services in a region where geographic distance and limited resources can make consistent advocacy more difficult.

NYSARC Trust Services administers supplemental needs and pooled trusts that help individuals preserve public benefit eligibility while improving quality of life. Each year, it provides grants to Arc chapters across New York State to strengthen advocacy and long-term supports.

As the IDD system faces growing workforce and service pressures, continued investment in guardianship programs helps ensure individuals have the protection and representation they need to live safely and with dignity.