Good Cause Gifts is a unique gift shop that offers one-of-a-kind items including jewelry, scarves, pottery from local artisans, baby items; stonewall kitchen products and holiday merchandise. Every item sold at the store benefits individuals living with disabilities by providing employment/training opportunities, supporting local artisans with merchandise in the store, or by sponsoring fundraising events for not-for-profit programs, such as Manes & Motions. Organizations that hold shopping events at Good Cause Gifts receive a portion of the proceeds from the event’s sales. The money recently raised for Manes & Motions will go specifically to its campaign for a new indoor riding arena in Middletown.

Good Cause Gifts is a Division of Futures Inc., a non-profit agency, dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities live fully-integrated lives within their local community, by offering employment opportunities and social activities. Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding Center is also dedicated to improving the well being of children and adults living with physical, cognitive and/or emotional special needs through the benefits of equine-assisted activities.

Currently, Manes & Motions has no indoor accommodation for riders, forcing this program to shut down for five and a half months each winter, and during inclement weather. The money raised with Good Cause Gifts will support the Manes & Motions Indoor Arena Campaign. The site plan calls for a 10,580 square-foot indoor riding arena, a new covered walkway to the stable, a classroom, observation area, offices and restrooms, at a cost of $600,000. The addition of an indoor arena will afford riders year-round participation, and opens the door for improved and enhanced services for Manes & Motions. This will increase ridership by an estimated 50 percent over five years, virtually eliminating cancellations due to weather conditions. There will no longer be shutdown periods during the winter months and inclement weather. And in summer, the indoor arena will provide shade for therapy horses, and riders who are sensitive to the intense heat of the sun. It is the only way to ensure the growth, and future, of this most important program.

If you are interested in hosting a fundraiser at Good Cause Gifts in Berlin, please call the store at (860) 828-1752.

• Highly Qualified Trained Tutors Offering a 1:1 or 2:1 Student to Teacher Ratios
• An Experienced Connecticut State Approved SES Provider Since 2003
• A Non Profit Special Education School Approved by the Department of Education

Who We Serve:

• K-12 Students
• English Language Learners
• Special Education Students

Where We Tutor:

• Homes
• Schools
• Libraries

What We Offer:

• 1:1 or 2:1 Student to Teacher Ratios
• Individualized Quality Learning Plans in Reading, Writing and Mathematics
• A Variety Of Curricula to Meet Your Child’s Needs
• Flexible and Individualized Sessions with Ongoing Parent Communication
• Tutors Can Provide Transportation To and From Sessions

The Futures Advantage:

-100% of Parents Responded In a Survey That They Would Choose Futures Again!
-Tutors Can Provide Transportation To and From Sessions

Colchester Gift Shop Supports Individuals with Disabilities
While fueling those Far Away 

November 22, 2010, Colchester, CT. – Supporting a good cause close to home will now be easy. Good Cause Gifts located at 119 Lebanon Avenue in Colchester is a local shop supported by Futures, Inc. Futures, Inc is a non-profit agency with a 20-year history of providing customized one-on-one special education programs and services for students and adults in their own home community. The store will hold their Grand Opening on Wednesday, December 1st from 3:00 – 6:00 pm. 

Good Cause Gifts mission is to create employment opportunities for South Eastern Connecticut residents with disabilities, many of whom are clients of Futures, Inc. The work opportunities presented will allow these individuals to work close to home and establish a strong presence where one and all are accepted. In addition, the store will house a recreation area where Futures’ clients can meet and socialize. 

The shop will offer “merchandise for a cause” and will support charities such as cancer research and education. A wide selection of merchandise will be offered including, women’s accessories: such as jewelry and purses, and  home furnishings; including hostess gifts and specialty foods. Store merchandise will change each season. 

Proceeds from the store will benefit Futures clients from South Eastern Connecticut.  In addition to the employment opportunities created, social gatherings, special outings, computer equipment, and store supplies will be purchased with the proceeds from the store. 

Good Cause Gifts holiday hours will be Tuesday, Wednesday, & Friday 10- 4:00 pm, Thursday, 10 – 5:00 pm and Saturday 11 – 2:00 pm.  Private appointments can be scheduled and donations will be accepted by calling Gail Woodcock at (860) 347-5099 ext. 500. 

Futures mission is to empower individuals with disabilities to pursue life to its fullest and know the satisfaction of personal achievement. 

For Further information contact Pamela DonAroma, Executive Director, Futures, Inc  

860-347-5099 ext. 226. ###

Contact: Pamela DonAroma
Executive Director
860-347-5099 ext. 226
pdonaroma@futures-ct.org

GOOD CAUSE GIFTS AND BERLIN FOOD PANTRY TEAM-UP
FOR GOOD CAUSE 
Food drive aims to stock shelves of Berlin Food Pantry

November 2, 2010, Good Cause Gifts on Mill Street in Berlin and the Berlin Food Pantry are asking residents to donate canned food items which will be available to citizens in need during the holiday season.

The canned food collection will take place during the month of November.  Donations can be dropped off at Good Cause Gifts located at 150 Mill Street.

Those donating canned food items will receive a coupon good for 10% off the price of any single item available at Good Cause Gifts. The store is located at 150 Mill Street, behind The Cutting Edge in Berlin.

For further information contact Mary Greene at 860-347-5099 ext. 211 or mgreene@futures-ct.org.

Local Gift Shop Supports Berlin’s own While fueling those Far Away

September 3, 2010, Berlin Ct. – Supporting a good cause close to home will now be easy. Good Cause Gifts located at 150 Mill Street in Berlin is a local shop supported by Futures, Inc packed with unique gifts for family and friends. The store will host an open house Thursday, September 9th 2010 from 4:00 – 8:00 pm.

Good Cause Gifts mission is to create competitive employment opportunities for Berlin residents with disabilities, many of whom are from the Berlin Out & About Club. The work opportunities presented will allow these young adults to work in their home community and establish a strong presence where one and all are accepted. For many this may be the only employment opportunity they are afforded. In addition, the store will house a recreation area where members of the Out & About club can meet and socialize in their own community.

The shop will offer “merchandise for a cause” and will support charities such as cancer research and education. Products will come from local sources and from as far away as Africa. A wide selection of merchandise will be offered including, women’s accessories: such as jewelry and purses, home furnishings; including hostess gifts and gardening products, and specialty foods. Store merchandise will change each season.

Proceeds from the store will benefit Out & About club members & Futures consumers from the Berlin community. Social gatherings and meetings for the Out & About group members will be held at the store. In addition to employment opportunities, social gatherings, special outings, computer equipment, and store supplies will be purchased with the proceeds from the store.

Good Cause Gifts will be open Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 11- 5:00 pm, Thursday, 12 – 8:00 pm and Saturday 11 – 2:00 pm. Private appointments can be scheduled and donations will be accepted by calling Mary Greene at (860) 347-5099 ext. 211.

Futures, Inc is a non-profit agency with a 20-year history of providing customized one-on-one special education programs and services for students and young adults in their own home community. Futures mission is to empower individuals with disabilities to pursue life to its fullest and know the satisfaction of personal achievement.

 For Further information contact Pamela DonAroma, Executive Director, Futures, Inc. 860-347-5099 ext. 226. ###

Contact: Pamela DonAroma
Executive Director
860-347-5099 ext. 226
pdonaroma@futures-ct.org

Wine Tasting to Benefit Computer Campaign for Local Students & Adults with Disabilities

October 29, 2010, Simsbury, CT, On November 13th, Futures, Inc of Middletown, CT & Old Cider Mill Wine & Spirits of Avon, CT will host their second annual Wine Tasting. The event will take place from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the home of Karen Carchidi, 8 Rosewood Drive, Simsbury, CT, owner of Old Cider Mill Wine & Spirits, Avon, CT.

All money raised through this event will go towards Futures computer campaign and will benefit over 50 students and adults with disabilities, many of whom are from economically disadvantaged families. “Our goal is to provide every student and client from Futures, access to a computer for their academic and vocational endeavors, something every individual should be afforded”, said Pam DonAroma, Executive Director of Futures, Inc.

Attendees will experience a wide selection of wines from around the world, Distributed by Hartley & Parker Limited, Inc. alongside some sample pairings from renowned Chef Carl Ciarcia III.

Chef Carl Ciarcia III will bring a unique culinary experience to guests with his one of a kind pumpkin ravioli and rolled turkey breast. Having received his culinary training in Italy and at Connecticut Culinary Institute, he specializes in bringing great old style Italian food with a new age spin.

Tickets can be purchased for $30 from Old Cider Mill Wine & Spirits, 144 Simsbury Road, Avon, CT, 860-677-8989 or from Futures, Inc by calling 860-347-5099 ext 211.

Futures, Inc is a not for profit agency empowering students and adults with disabilities throughout Connecticut to pursue life to its fullest and know the satisfaction of personal achievement.

The graduation ceremony took place at the Pond House Café, 1555 Asylum Avenue in West Hartford. The graduates all reside in surrounding communities including Canton, Southington and East and West Hartford.  Following a buffet breakfast students were presented with a diploma from the school district they reside in, a certificate from the school, and a small gift from Futures. 

Futures school prepares students academically and socially for adulthood. An academic curriculum, employment skills, independent living skills, and community participation encompass the curriculum at the school.  Futures school is located at 641 Farminton Ave, Hartford, CT.

Raising over $1600 this truly was a successful event. The money will be used for social events and outings for special needs young adults in and around the Berlin community.

Lawrence, Olivia. “Out & About breakfast puts social connections on the front burner.” The Berlin Citizen, May 6, 2010.  Click on the link to read the complete article:  http://issuu.com/berlincitizen/docs/berlincitizen5-6-10/1

 Futures Program was noted for strength in the following:

•  Curriculum materials were tied to Connecticut Standards
• The program was meeting all requirements of the approved application
• Student goals were tied to IEP’s
• Communication with parents was frequent

 Futures commitment to supporting the schools, students, and parents throughout the state continues. Futures was one of the first providers approved by the Department of Education and has consistently served CT students since its inception. To learn more about Futures Supplemental Education Services contact Amy Eaton at aeaton@futures-ct.org or Shellie Zaniewski at  szaniewski@futures-ct.org

It was a cool clear morning, spring was upon us, and one of Futures dearest clients would take the stand and testify on a bill that has made a profound difference in his life.  Standing by his side was Futures, Executive Director, Pam DonAroma and staff members who believe this pilot program established in 2000 has and will continue to change the lives of many disabled individuals throughout the state.

His name is JB and he is a 26-year-old Male.  He was born in Connecticut and placed into foster care upon birth.  Within days of his birth he experienced a seizure that led to brain injury. His life would change forever.  In and out of foster care for many years the DCF decided to temporarily send him to an institution in New York until they found a new foster home for him.  Lost in the system, JB stayed in New York for several years, no schooling, minimal privileges, and no new home. What was meant to be a temporary situation was not.

Several years later, JB turned 21 and the NY Institution called the DCF, to let them know they were releasing him. Everything started to unravel.  A system in place to protect our youth, failed. While in New York JB did not receive the schooling he should have, he did not receive the home he was promised, he was lost in the system.  A judge ruled, JB needed to be provided educational services and appointed an agency that would provide transitional services.  Futures, Directions program was that agency

After leaving the NY Institution, JB received his high school diploma from Futures School, with the help of Directions staff members he established a life, including steady employment, a home to call his own, and friends. Pilot program 06-126 made this possible. JB’s dependency on entitlement programs is reduced.  He has become a taxpayer versus a tax burden.

READ JB’s TESTIMONY BELOW 

READ PAM DONAROMA’S TESTIMONY BELOW

JB, Futures Client, Testimony on Senate Bill 422

“Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen”

 “My name is JB, I am 26 years old, I live in my own apartment in Connecticut and I work for Capital Cleaning at the Department of Transportation headquarters in Newington, CT.  I have been employed as a Janitorial worker since November of 2007.   This job has provided me with opportunities to live independent of Federal and State Assistance. Before I was employed at Capital Cleaning, I was eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits, Rent Subsidy from “Deemas” and Food Stamps. 

Now and most importantly, because I have this job I am able to pay my rent and other bills on time and I am able to be a productive part of society despite having a disability.  Less than 5 years ago no one, including myself, could have predicted that I would be in the situation that I am in now.  Then, I was living in an institution in New York where everything I did was controlled.   I had to earn my privileges like going out to eat and even having the freedom to watch TV.  Today I have more choices and a greater sense of self-respect than I’ve ever had in my life.  I know I am a quite capable man and this program has given me the chance to prove it.  As a member of the Union (32SBJ) I am receiving a living wage and some benefits, which I did not get from my previous employers. 

For the past 2 years I have felt more independent and I am allowed to make my own choices and options of how I want to live my life.  I have made friends at work with my fellow co-workers, many of whose lives have also been positively affected by being part of this pilot project. Thank you for your time this morning.”

Pam DonAroma’s, Executive Director, Futures, Testimony Senate Bill 422

My name is Pam DonAroma and I am the Executive Director with Futures, Inc. I am testifying for the record on Raised Bill No. 422.

I support Raised Bill 422. It allows individuals with disabilities, the opportunity to utilize their work skills in real employment situations, enabling them to create a work history, and become productive members of society. The legislation that first made this possible was Public Act 06-126.   Nothing can compare with the personal satisfaction and self-pride of having a decent job that pays a living wage and provides a sense of meaning to ones life. By continuing this program, we will enable more individuals with disabilities the opportunity to reach this goal. For many, without this bill these opportunities would not exist.

Futures, Inc is a non-profit agency providing services throughout Connecticut. We offer unique training and mentoring programs that provide individualized support services to help adults with disabilities live, grow, and prosper within their own home communities. Futures is a participant in the State Preferred Purchasing Program through the Connecticut Community Providers Association. We have placed 24 people with disabilities, making $12-15 per hour in standard wage janitorial positions.

To ensure the momentum stays strong and new opportunities are created, I strongly encourage the continuation of this pilot program. For many, the programs success, which its participants have achieved, has reduced their dependency on entitlement program such as Food Stamps, rent subsidies, welfare and converted several from tax-burdens to tax payers.

In addition, the integration of individuals with disabilities into a typical workforce has fostered a wonderful relationship between a non-profit agency and a major employer in Connecticut. Together we have been able to create a win, win situation for consumers of our agency and the employer.

In closing, the continuation of this pilot project benefits individuals with disabilities, non-profit agencies, employers, and tax payers.  Please support raised Bill No. 422.