FY2001 11/21/2000
1!lannp 1.. J{olbage
BRANCH OFFICE
3117 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY
MARAlHON, FLORIDA 33050
TEL. (305) 289-6027
FAX (305) 289-1745
CLERK OF TIlE CIRCUIT COURT
MONROE COUNTY
500 WHITEHEAD STREET
KEY WEST, FLORIDA 33040
TEL. (305) 292-3550
FAX (305) 295-3660
BRANCH OFFICE
88820 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY
PLANTATION KEY, FLORIDA 33070
TEL. (305) 852-7145
FAX (305) 852-7146
MEMORANDUM
DATE:
November 30, 2000
TO:
Jennifer Hill, Budget Director
Office of Management & Budget
ATTN:
Dave Owens
Grants Administrator
Pamela G. Hanco~
Deputy Clerk U
FROM:
At the November 21,2000, Board of County Commissioner's meeting the Board granted
approval and authorized execution of the following:
Fiscal Year 2001 Funds Agreement between Monroe County and Historic Florida Keys
Foundation, Inc. to provide funding.
Fiscal Year 200 1 Human Organization Agreement between Monroe County and the
following:
Greater Miami and Keys American Red Cross
Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Monroe County, Florida
Caring Friends for Seniors, Inc.
Domestic Abuse Shelter, Inc.
Florida Keys Children's Shelter, Inc.
Florida Keys Outreach Coalition, Inc.
U.S. Fellowship of Florida, Inc. a/kJa Heron and Heron/Peacock
Hospice of the Florida Keys, Inc.
Literacy Volunteers of America - Monroe County, Inc.
Monroe Association for Retarded Citizens
Wesley House
Fiscal Year 2001 Funds Agreement between Monroe County and Monroe Council of the
Arts to provide funding.
Enclosed please find a duplicate original of each Agreement for your handling. Should
you have any questions please feel free to contact this office.
Cc: County Administrator w/o documents
County Attorney
Finance
File
AGREEMENT
MARC
This Agreement is made and entered into thiSUJ- day of rv~ Wfl E;~. ' 2000
between the BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA,
hereinafter referred to as "Board" or "County," and the MONROE ASSOCIATION FOR RETARDED
CITIZENS, hereinafter referred to as "Provider."
WHEREAS, the Board is authorized by Chapter 70.290, Laws of Florida, 1970, to expend from
the Board's general revenue fund such sums as are deemed necessary and advisable for the care,
treatment, and rehabilitation of retarded citizens, and
WHEREAS, the Provider provides residential care, training, schools, diagnostic and evaluation
services, parent counseling and other programs for retarded adults of Monroe County, and
WHEREAS, the Board wishes for the Provider to provide such services to the retarded adults
of Monroe County on a free and unrestricted basis as an aid in the Board's overall mental health
program, now, therefore,
IN CONSIDERATION of the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, it is agreed as
follows:
1. AMOUNT OF AGREEMENT. The Board, in consideration of the Provider substantially
and satisfactorily performing and carrying out the duties of the Board as to rendering services in
matters of care, treatment and rehabilitation of retarded adults in Monroe County, shall pay to the
Provider the sum of THIRTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($30,000.00) for payment of personnel and
operating expenses for fiscal year 2000-2001.
2. TERM. This Agreement shall commence on October 1, 2000, and terminate
September 30, 2001, unless earlier terminated pursuant to other provisions herein.
3. PAYMENT. Payment will be paid periodically, but no more frequently than monthly as
hereinafter set forth. Reimbursement requests will be submitted to the Board via the Clerk's Finance
Office. The County shall only reimburse, subject to the funded amounts below, those reimbursable
expenses which are reviewed and approved as complying with Florida Statutes 112.061 and
Attachment A - Expense Reimbursement Requirements. Evidence of payment by the Provider shall
be in the form of a letter, summarizing the expenses, with supporting documentatiQn attac~d. The
letter should contain a certification statement as well as a notary stamp and Signa~re~Al1CQxa~le
of a reimbursement request cover letter is included as Attachment B. :UC);- g Pl
After the Clerk of the Board examines and approves the request for re~se~nt,~~he
Board shall reimburse the Provider. However, the total of said reimbursement ex~,-pa-doen~ in
the aggregate sum shall not exceed the total amount of $30,000.00 during ~::;term of::this
agreement. -l L,_' J:lD ::::J
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4. SCOPE OF SERVICES. The Provider, for the consideration nama;t: cive~ts~nd
agrees with the Board to substantially and satisfactorily perform and carry out the' dutiQ'g oft:1!he
Board in providing services in the area of:
(a) Residential care
(b) Diagnostic and evaluation services
(c) Sheltered workshop
(d) Case work service
(e) Training schools
(f) Other related services for retarded citizens of Monroe County, as far as practical with the
funds to be provided by the Board. Said services shall include, but are not limited to, those
services described in Provider's Details of Specific Program for Which Funding is Requested,
attached hereto as Exhibit C and incorporated herein.
5. STANDARD OF CARE. The services provided shall meet the standards of the State
Department of Health & Rehabilitative Services, Division of Developmental Service.
6. RECORDS. The Provider shall maintain appropriate records to insure a proper
accounting of all funds and expenditures, and shall provide a clear financial audit trail to allow for full
accountability of funds received from said Board, Access to these records shall be provided during
weekdays, 8 a,m. to 5 p.m., upon request of the Board, the State of Florida, or authorized agents
and representatives of the Board or State. The Provider shall be responsible for repayment of any
and all audit exceptions which are identified by the Auditor General of the State of Florida, the Clerk
of Court for Monroe County, an independent auditor, or their agents and representatives, In the
event of an audit exception, the current fiscal year contract amount or subsequent fiscal year
contract amounts shall be offset by the amount of the audit exception. In the event this agreement
is not renewed or continued in subsequent years through new or amended contracts, the Provider
shall be billed by the Board for the amount of the audit exception and the Provider shall promptly
repay any audit exception.
7. INDEMNIFICATION AND HOLD HARMLESS. The Provider covenants and agrees to
indemnify and hold harmless Monroe County Board of County Commissioners. from any and all claims
for bodily injury (including death), personal injury, and property damage (including property owned
by Monroe County) and any other losses, damages, and expenses (including attorney's fees) which
arise out of, in connection with, or by reason of services provided by the Provider occasioned by the
negligence, errors, or other wrongful act or omission of the Provider's employees, agents, or
volunteers.
8. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. At all times and for all purposes hereunder, the
Provider is an independent contractor and not an employee of the Board. No statement contained in
this agreement shall be construed so as to find the Provider or any of its employees, contractors,
servants or agents to be employees of the Board.
9. COMPLIANCE WITH LAW. In providing all services pursuant to this agreement, the
Provider shall abide by all statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations pertaining to or regulating the
provision of such services, including those now in effect and hereinafter adopted. Any violation of
said statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations shall constitute a material breach of this agreement
and shall entitle the Board to terminate this contract immediately upon delivery of written notice of
termination to the Provider,
10. COMPLIANCE WITH COUNTY GUIDELINES. The Provider demonstrate and sustain
compliance with:
(a) SOl(c)(3) Registration;
(b) Board of Directors of seven or more;
(c) Annual election of Officers and Director;
(d) Annual provision of annual report to County;
(e) Corporate Bylaws;
(f) Corporate Policies and Procedures Manual;
(g) Hiring policies for all staff;
(h) Cooperate with County monitoring visits; and
(I) Semi-annual performance reports to be presented to County,
11. PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND LICENSING. The Provider shall assure
that all professionals have current and appropriate professional licenses and professional liability
insurance coverage, Funding by the Board is contingent upon retention of appropriate local, state
and/or federal certification and/or licensure of the Provider's program and staff,
2
12. MODIFICATIONS AND AMENDMENTS. Any and all modifications of the services
and/or reimbursement of services shall be amended by an agreement amendment, which must be
approved in writing by the Board.
13. NO ASSIGNMENT. The Provider shall not assign this agreement except in writing
and with the prior written approval of the Board, which approval shall be subject to such conditions
and provisions as the Board may deem necessary. This agreement shall be incorporated by
reference into any assignment and any assignee shall comply with all of the provisions herein.
Unless expressly provided for therein, such approval shall in no manner or event be deemed to
impose any obligation upon the Board in addition to the total agreed upon reimbursement amount
for the services of the Provider.
14. NON-DISCRIMINATION. The Provider shall not discriminate against any person on
the basis race, creed, color, national origin, sex or sexual orientation, age, physical handicap, or any
other characteristic or aspect which is not job-related in its recruiting, hiring, promoting, terminating
or any other area affecting employment under this agreement. At all times, the Provider shall
comply with all applicable laws and regulations with regard to employing the most qualified
person(s) for positions under this agreement. The Provider shall not discriminate against any person
on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex or sexual orientation, .age, physical handicap,
financial status or any characteristic or aspect in its providing of services.
15. AUTHORIZED SIGNATURES. The signatory for the Provider below, certifies and
warrants that:
(a) The Provider's name in this agreement is the full name as designated in its corporate
charter, if a corporation, or the full name under which the Provider is authorized to do business in
the State of Florida.
(b) He or she is empowered to act and contract for the Provider; and
(c) This agreement has been approved by the Board of Directors of the Provider if the
Provider is a corporation.
16. NOTICE. Any notice required or permitted under this agreement shall be in writing
and hand-delivered or mailed, postage pre-paid, by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the
other party as follows:
For Board:
Monroe County Attorney
PO Box 1026
Key West, FL 33041
and
Louis LaTorre, Social Services Director
Public Service Building
5100 College Road
Key West, FL 33040
For Provider:
M.A.R.C.
Post Office Box 428
Key West, Florida 33041
17. CONSENT TO JURISDICTION. This agreement shall be construed by and governed
under the laws of the State of Florida and venue for any action arising under this agreement shall be
in Monroe County, Florida.
18. NON-WAIVER. Any waiver of any breach of covenants herein contained to be kept
and performed by the Provider shall not be deemed or considered as a continuing waiver and shall
not operate to bar or prevent the Board from declaring a forfeiture for any succeeding breach, either
of the same conditions or covenants or otherwise.
19. AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS. If funds cannot be obtained or cannot be continued at
a level sufficient to allow for continued reimbursement of expenditures for services specified herein,
this agreement may be terminated immediately at the option of the Board by written notice of
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termination delivered to the Provider. The Board shall not be obligated to pay for any services or
goods provided by the Provider after the Provider has received written notice of termination, unless
otherwise required by law.
20. PURCHASE OF PROPERTY. All property, whether real or personal, purchased with
funds provided under this agreement, shall become the property of Monroe County and shall be
accounted for pursuant to statutory requirements.
21. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the
parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any and all prior
agreements with respect to such subject matter between the Provider and the Board.
ESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused these presents to be executed as of
~ irst written above.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
~ONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
<- ~ J3 ~>-~ct
y e l~
Mayor/Chairman
Witness
MONROE ASSOCIATION
OF RETARDED CITIZENS
(Federal ID No. S1--~3/C~
)
~~
Q)~@~~-
Executive Director
jdconmarc
4
AlTACHMENT A
Exoense Reimbursement Reauirements
This document is intended to provide "basic" guidelines to Human Service Organizations, county
travelers, and contractual parties who have reimbursable expenses associated with Monroe County
business. These guidelines, as they relate to travel, are from FS 112.061, which is attached for
reference,
A cover letter summarizing the major line items on the reimbursable expense request should also
contain a certified statement such as:
I certify that the attached expenses are accurate and in agreement with the records of this
organization, Furthermore, these expenses are in compliance with this organization's contract with
the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners.
Invoices should be billed to the contracting agency. Third party payments will not be considered
for reimbursement. Remember, the expenses should be paid prior to requesting a reimbursement.
Only current charges will be considered, no previous balances.
Reimbursement requests will be monitored in accordance with the level of detail in the contract.
This document should not be considered all-inclusive. The Clerk's Finance Department reserves the
right to review reimbursement requests on an individual basis. Any questions regarding these
guidelines should be directed to 305/292-3528.
pavroll
A certified statement verifying the accuracy and authenticity of the payroll expenses,
If a Payroll Journal is provided, it should include:
Payroll Journal dates, employee name, salary, or hourly rate, hours worked during the payroll
journal dates, with holdings where appropriate, check number and check amount
If a Payroll Journal is not provided, the following must be listed:
Check number, date, payee, check amount, support for applicable payroll taxes
Original vendor invoices must be submitted for Worker's Compensation and Liability insurance
coverage.
Teleohone Exoenses
A user log of pertinent information must be remitted; the party called, the caller, the telephone
number, the date, and the purpose of the call must be identified.
Telefax. fax. etc.
A fax log is required. The log must define the sender, the intended recipient, the date, the number
called, and the reason for sending the fax,
Suoolies. services. etc.
For supplies or services ordered, the County requires the original vendor invoice.
Rents. leases. etc.
A copy of the rental agreement or lease is required. Deposits and advance payments will not be
allowable expenses.
Postaae, overniaht deliveries. courier. etc.
A log of all postage expenses as it relates to the County contract is required for reimbursement,
For overnight or express deliveries, the original vendor invoice must be included.
Reoroductions, cooies, etc.
A log of copy expenses as it relates to the County contract is required for reimbursement. The log
must define the date, number of copies made, source document, purpose, and recipient. A
reasonable fee for copy expenses will be allowable. For vendor services, the original vendor invoice
is required and a sample of the finished product.
Travel Exoenses: Please refer to Florida Statute 112.061.
Travel expenses must be submitted on a State of Florida Voucher for Reimbursement of Travel
Expenses. Credit card statements are not acceptable documentation for reimbursement.
Airfare reimbursement requires the original passenger receipt portion of the airline ticket. A travel
itinerary is appreciated to facilitate the audit trail.
Auto rental reimbursement requires the original vendor invoice. Fuel purchases should be
documented with original paid receipts.
Original taxi receipts should be provided, However, reasonable fares will be reimbursed without
receipts. Taxis are not reimbursed if taken to arrive at a departure point:' 'for example, taking a
taxi from one's residence to the airport for a business trip is not reimbursable.
Original toll receipts should be provided. However, reasonable tolls will be reimbursed without
receipts.
Parking is considered a reimbursable travel expense at the destination. Airport parking during a
business trip is not.
Lodging reimbursement requires a detailed listing of charges. The original lodging invoice must be
submitted, The County will only reimburse the actual room and related bed tax. Room service,
movies, and personal telephone calls (see previous guidelines) are not allowable expenses. Per
diem lodging expenses may apply, Again, refer to Florida Statute 112.061.
Meal reimbursement is breakfast at $3.00, lunch at $6,00, and dinner at $12.00, Meal guidelines
are that travel must begin prior to 6:00 a.m. for breakfast reimbursement, before noon and end
after 2:00 p.m, for lunch reimbursement, and before 6:00 p.m. and after 8:00 p.m. for dinner
reimbursement.
Mileage reimbursement is calculated at 29 cents per mile for personal auto mileage while on county
business. An odometer reading must be included on the state travel voucher for vicinity travel. A
mileage map is available for reference to allowable miles from various Florida destinations.
Mileage is not allowed from a residence or office to a point of departure: for example, driving from
one's home to the airport for a business trip is not a reimbursable expense.
Data orocessina. PC time. etc,
The original vendor invoice is required for reimbursement, Intercompany allocations are not
considered reimbursable expenditures unless appropriate payroll journals for the charging
department (see Payroll above) are attached and certified.
The followina are not allowable for reimbursement:
Penalties and fines
Non-sufficient check charges
Fundraising
Contributions
Capital outlay expenditures (unless specifically included in the contract)
Depreciation expenses (unless specifically included in the contract)
ATIACHMENT B
HUMAN SERVICE ORGANIZATION LETTERHEAD
Monroe County Board
of County Commissioners
Finance Department
500 Whitehead Street
key West, Florida 33040
(Date)
The following is a summary of the expenses for (Human Service Oraanization name) for the
time period of to
Check # Pavee Reason Amount
101 A Company Rent $xxxx.xx
102 B Company Utilities $xxxx.xx
103 D Company Phone . $xxxx.xx
104 Person A Payroll $xxxx.xx
105 Person B Payroll $xxxx.xx
(A) Total $xxxx.xx
-------
-------
(B) Total prior payments $xxxx,xx
(C) Total requested and paid (A + B) $xxxx.xx
(D) Total contract amount $xxxx,xx
Balance of contract (D - C) $xxxx.xx
-------
-------
I certify that the above checks have been submitted to the vendors as noted and that the expenses
are accurate and in agreement with the records of this organization. Furthermore, these expenses
are in compliance with this organization's contract with the Monroe County Board of Commissioners
and will not be submitted for reimbursement to any other funding source.
Executive Director
Attachments (supporting documentation)
STATE OF FLORIDA
COUNTY OF MONROE
SWORN TO AND SUBSCRIBED before me this _ day of , 200_ by
(Event Contact Person) who is personally known
to me
presented as identification:
Notary Public, State of Florida at Large
My Commission Expires:
Jdconhsoex
IJ-rf, L- '
MONROE ASSOCIATION FOR RETARDED CITIZENS, INC.
Diana Flenard-Moore
Executive Director
P.O. Box 428
Key West, Florida 33041-0428
305-294-9526
Leighton Morse
President
Board of Directors
2000-2001
M.A.R.C., A COMl\fiJNITY SERVICE
Description or Services
mSTORY:
MARC is most commonly known as the "MARC HOUSE" or the MARC Family, here in the Key West area.
We prefer the latter, with its implications of INTENT TO BE A COMMUNITY INVOLVED FAMILY.
Many of our Clients have no other Family...some have known ONLY institutional settings until coming to MARC...some may
live with their OWN Families, but approach a time when that setting will no longer be available.
MARC makes every effort to create a sense of Family in ALL its operations.
Having begun with the humblest of ambitions, MARC has entered its 35th year of service to this County and Key West
Community. It has grown in size and complexity, but still makes a sincere effort to remain in touch with its beginnings and
history.
SMALL AND HUMBLE is nofan 'apOlogy.... but a belief in.very perSonalized ~ic#~!tiPOO:D.tJ~~2~,;;{~~~m'i", -~), ~ '
" , "': h , _';::7-~? :'~.:f.r'~~~~~!1i.t-;{';',~':~!';'J:~'r' ';':;,' ",,;
The Florida Keys are the PRIMARY REASON that so many opportunities for the MARC Farilil}''eiist. ~We8re aCcePted as a -
reliable business entity (we pay our bills) with good credit.. .our clients are seen in every form of social participation through oW'
fine Recreational Community Inclusion program... we WORK all around the Community...
Our PEOPLE are accepted!
SO, WHAT DO WE DO..?
One of the reasons we are referred to as the MARC HOUSE, by many of this community, is due to having operated a fine GROUP
HOME for many years.
RESIDENTIAL SERVICE:
A very respected "old fashioned" Group Home that serves 15 Developmentally Disabled adults, is located at 1106 Windsor Lane,
here in Key West
In 1996, MARC purchased another property to become our first Women's Group Home, which serves 5 women and one respite
bed.
It took MANY YEARS for MARC to achieve a financial stability that would allow the purchase and renovation of these
properties, located within nice residential NEIGHBORHOODS.
Both are viewed as a REAL CREDITS to those neighborhoods!
In recent years, there has been a slight shift in the perception of GROUP HOMES. In the past, they were viewed as permanent
residences for almost ALL of our residential placements.
With the advent of SUPPORTED INDEPENDENT LIVING, they are more commonly viewed as RESIDENTIAL TRAINING
centers, from which movement into higher levels of independent living is possible.
That WORKS!
SUPPORTED LIVING
With the opening of the Don Moore Apartments at Poinciana, we now have 13 FORMER GROUP HOME RESIDENTS, some of
whom started their lives in the Florida Farm Colony For The Feebleminded and Epileptic (a real title, I am sorry to say).. . and 40+
years ago... who live in their own off-site apartments.
They are now SUCCESSFUL apartment dwellers just like many of us. They pay their rent. shop, cook, move about on their own
schedules, attend recreational events and generally participate in LIFE in a most normal manner.
They DO HAVE SUPERVISION in the form of one or more specialists, who assist the individuals to the extent it is needed.
MARC anticipates much more of this approach, with only a few individuals (with complex problems) who may stay on a more or
less permanent basis in the Group Home.
This implied "graduation" also liberates more placements for NEW Clients without the great expense of Group Home start-ups for
ALL residential need.
It is economic as well as EFFECI'IVE AND HUMANE!
There will always be a NEED for one or more Group Homes. They make common sense for those who can be determined to need
such structure as can best be provided in a congregate setting.
We anticipate the continuation of the MARC Group Homes and the expansion of Supported Living opportunities in Key West and
Monroe County.
MARC has historically been able to provide high quality care for a wide range of disability. Our Clients range in age from late
teens to early 70's.. .and from Profound to Borderline in intellectual ability. .
We have learned the HARD WAY, that we have limitations!
MARC does NOT produce good results for the person with need for highly controlled behavioral programs.
The hustle and bustle of a large Group Home and Work oriented ADT produces too many variables to easily integrate an isolated
behavioral program. and expect good results.
For that reason. individuals who WISH TO BE HERE, experience the most opportunity and resulting positive effects.
RESIDENTIAL TRANSITION
Most new Clients will benefit for some adjustment and training at a Group Home. Some will stay a SHORT time before moving
on to SIL situations. Some will stay a longer time.
ALL will receive specific independence training to include the many normal activities that sustain a person in his or her own place.
Cooking, shopping, handling money, using the transportation system...all are parts of that transitional training.
RESPITE
We have been able to provide overnight supportive care and supervision of clients at our Group Homes when their primary family
member was unable to do so. This enables families to take a brief vacation or absence from the home for emergencies without
worrying about the care of their loved ones.
ADULT DAY TRAINING
MARC has operated Day Training activities for 35 years.
In large part. due to the absence of affordable facilities, MARC found it necessary to utilize the Community as a Workshop
without walls long before Supported Employment became commonplace in South Florida.
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To this day. Community integration marks ADT philosophy and activity.
A fine central location to the city of Key West. the Old Harris School. provides a convenient location to carry out those portions of
the ADT program which need a facility base. This Workshop is viewed by the Community as a prominent feature of the MARC
entity.
Mobile work crews originate from this site. to work all over the city in a variety of enterprises.
Various therapies from an active Arts and Crafts program to functional Academics supplement the more active areas of
Horticulture and Food Service training.
MARC operates a Retail Plant Outlet Store on this site. where the Client products from their horticulture work can be sold. This
retail venture brings many Citizens onto the property for comfortable interaction with Clients.
Incomes generated by this activity go directly into the operation of the agency AND provide incomes for Clients,
Landscape maintenance is an on-going work opportunity. along with the machine maintenance that accompanies such work.
MARC has maintained the local City Cemetery for many years. a source of income AND prime work adjustment training setting.
Active and out-of.door work is one of the best ways to maintain physical fitness for our clients.
At this moment 50 individuals attend the Key West based Workshop. attending daily from as far away as Marathon. To
accomplish this. MARC operates a van service twice a day between Big Pine and Key West. a round trip distance of70 miles.
We average carrying 12 persons on the daily route.
MARC SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAM...
Adult Day Training
MARC has maintained and developed an exciting day program for MOST of the Developmental Services referrals and candidates.
MOST. but with a glaring exception. NOT ALL!
For the moment, we are simply calling those people who have disabilities that have previously kept them OUT of MARC
programs, SPECIAL NEEDS. .
In the summer of 1997. a special appeal emerged from the MARC Board Of Directors. with the Special Education representatives
(Monroe School District)... requesting that consideration be give to students who would soon graduate from the public schools
with NO PLACE TO RECEIVE MUCH NEEDED SERVICES.
THEY ARE THOSE INDIVIDUALS WITH THE GREATEST LEVEL OF IMPAIRMENT.... TO INCLUDE A VARIETY OF
BEHAVIORS WInCH DEMAND CONSTANT ATTENTION. SPECIALIZED MEANS OF TRAINING. AND LIMITED
ABILITY TO FUNCTION EFFECTIVELY WITHIN A LARGE "TRAINING GROUP".
It is very expensive to provide service that is virtually one-on-one. and NOT truly integrated with the existing program.
That cost has been the sole reason to exclude participation for this small group of individuals... making it all the more
unacceptable to REJECT THOSE WITH THE GREATEST NEED... BECAUSE IT WAS TOO COSTLY TO PROVIDE WHAT
THEY NEED.
MOST CERTAINLY AN UNCOMFORTABLE SCENARIO AND NOT SOMETHING FOR MARC OR CHILDREN AND
FAMILIES TO BE PROUD OF!!!!
With all of that in mind. MARC established this important target as a main thrust of the 1998 year and it is now an integral part of
our A.D.T.
Using transitional students from the public schools to orient BOTH MARC AND INDIVIDUALS TO THE NEW
CONDITIONS.... And with help of school teachers as escort /teacher/models... MARC provided limited but significantly new
service to these individuals.
3
We have established ... a principal SPECIAL NEEDS TEACHERfI'RAINER WITH TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE AND
EMPLOYED FULL TIME... AND, A SPECIFIC AIDE ASSIGNMENT TO SUPPORT THE TEACHER AND THE
PROGRAM.
Space for their activities was necessary.... So, an existing room had to be equipped and prepared for those few individuals...
along with the materials and equipment to bring it all to life.
SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT
Our work based model at the A.D.T. has led to the successful employment of several of our folks. We employ one full time
specialist to help our folks find and maintain jobs in the community. The acceptance we have found in the Keys has fostered many
job oppourtunities for our clients.
TRANSPORTATION
As mentioned, MARC does a LOT of driving, with the Big Pine route. Additionally, MARC maintains a fleet of 6 vehicles to
complete its transportation needs. Daily transportation from the Group Home to the Workshop and to Supported Employment and
Community Inclusion sites is provided. But with the increase in clients served and activities, we will need to add another vehicle
this year. Community based transportation is limited to a small bus system and several tourist oriented taxi companies. Both are
unreliable.
Clients DO use the bus line where it is appropriate. Taxi service is very expensive and used only when necessary.
Transportation costs have been among the most rapidly escalating expenses for the MARC agency of any single category.
UPPER KEYS
Transportation is a big expense in this area from Grassy Key to Key Largo, where Clients are geographically scattered. Numbers
of Clients and potential Clients are so small that incomes are difficult to generate sufficiently to produce most conventio~ :: .::":
programming.
In lieu of facility based programs (as in ADT) MARC utilized the homes of cooperative Families for activity programs and as a
point of departure for Community involvements. This limited service worked for some time and was an obvious provision of
service to the individual.... a must
Simultaneously, however, and with likely far-reaching effects... is the ability to provide a BETTER AND MORE
INDIVIDUALIZED PROGRAM FOR OTHERS, ALREADY IN THAT LIMITED PROGRAM. At least, there would be
socialization, work-like activities, arts and crafts.... Some good things!
To call that a complete program... however, was not accurate... with too much time killing and ease of management a part of
choices that were being made.
Two years ago, a new advocacy group formed the ARC of the Keys. This group is providing valuable input and support for those
individuals and their program needs. A classroom/activities site has been found through the efforts of ARC of the Keys, and is a
welcome community asset to the MARC program.
Two part-time staff gave life to this limited 2-day a week program, working with Parents and Families, transporting to events and
medical appointments, holding Day programs in various settings, creating Field Trips and utilizing the Community at its
maximum.
This humble and limited program has expanded to 4 days a week with a mix of facility based and community involvement. The
need for a 5 day a week workshop IA.D.T. has been proposed up there but limited dollars and resources made it unattainable.
NOW.... We hope to have something more serious to offer .., with training goals and mission that truly reflect the specific needs
of the individual and will occur at a facility five days a week.
Yes, it will take financial resources from other deserving clients... in one narrow sense of interpretation.... BUT DON'T
FORGET THAT IT WILL IMPROVE SERVICE TO OTHERS WHO HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY UNDESERVED.
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It is never easy to bring new programs into being... they take start-up time and capital to get off the ground... always lose money
that could have been used for proven services and needs that also remain unresolved.
It is, however, an ethical decision in the interest of a need/group... that would likely continue to be unmet without an entity
advocate such as MARC. Making ethical over financial decisions is a necessary part of being a not for profit service provider in
the 501- C-3 arena.
COMMUNITY INCLUSION
Perhaps the STANDOUT feature of MARC... and LIVING IN THE KEYS...is the abundance of Community based recreational
events, entities and natural resources that are available to the MARC Family!
Starting with a humble after hours and weekend program to enable Clients to BETTER USE their leisure time.... MARC is now
involved in many wonderful activities, through Community Inclusion.
Active Community Inclusion involves two 40 hour per week specialists who, again, utilize the Community to the maximum degree
in providing meaningful and integrated personal recreational activities and social training.
MARC now has two Bocci teams, one of which is in its glh year of evening participation. This is NOT a Special Olympics form of
specialized sport, rather one of simply competing in an open community forum.
As much as any single activity, this exemplifies the MARC intent and the Community RESPONSE to that intent.
a. Individual and small group outings into the normal realm of the Community and its special attractions.
b. Specialized individual attention to those with pronounced need for interaction, and for whom group activity is less than
comfortable.
c. Participation in league sports (now in our glb year of fielding two teams in the Southernmost Bocce Leaguel) ::~i.~
d. Community Service projects, as in Environmental and Festival events.
e. BOATING AND FISHING...MARC owns a sailboat and powerboat, having received the same through kind donations. They
provide many hours of FUN on the water for all Clients who wish to participate.
f. Swimming and watersports.
g. Hobbies.
h. EATING OUT.... (A favorite to all).
And...much more!
This program has shown us the incredibly available training opportunities that exist OUTSIDE the confines of a residential, or
workshop circumstance.
It is efficient, meaningful and FUN!
As much as any other program at MARC, this is a program of almost unlimited service potential.
Due to the circumstances of living WHERE we do...and having such a wonderfully accepting HOST COMMUNITY, the
opportunity to reach the goal of a most normal life.. .. is a particular BLESSING to the MARC FAMILY.
If you wish to know more about MARC, feel free to VISIT or give a call.
We ENJOY visitors!
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