for people with intellectual
and developmental disabilities
The Arc, Ocean County 2011 Annual Appeal
Supports and services where you choose to live, work and play.
The journey here has not always been easy for the Blooms; throughout their lives the boys’ needs were the priority that drove most decisions. When their children were younger; the Blooms moved half way around the world to Taiwan to provide their sons with the best supports possible. They moved several times throughout their lives researching programs in various countries and states to benefit their sons.
Fifteen years ago the Blooms began their relationship with The Arc and a very special person came into their life . Steve Lazar, an instructor at The Arc began providing respite care to the family. He would spend Saturday evenings with Richard, giving Richard’s parents the opportunity to go to dinner.
His family and The Arc knew the transition would be a challenge; Richard was frightened, timid and overwhelmed. The Arc staff, with Steve in the lead, was committed to helping Richard through this transition. When Richard entered his program each morning he immediately isolated himself. He did not like loud noises and there were many new faces to take in. One of the first successes, with perseverance and a treat or two, was getting Richard to venture outside to the swings.
Today, Richard is comfortable with the staff he works with and enjoys trips in the community. Fifteen years after meeting him, Steve says “For Richard, it was about building trust. He went from not wanting to be around anyone but his mom and dad to being able to enjoy a whole day with other people in Atlantic City. We spent the time to show him he could trust us and now he is open to new experiences.”
According to Mrs. Bloom, “God took one Steven away from us and gave us another. It is amazing how they took to each other. They are like brothers. Richard is no longer afraid.”
It is the hardest decision a parent can make to realize that they can no longer care for their child in the way he may need. The Blooms have faced that decision twice in their lives. By having Donald move into the Hunterdon Developmental Center where he would receive the round the clock medical care that he needs and then years later when deciding to place their youngest son Richard into a home managed by The Arc.
Although her sons no longer live with her, Mrs. Bloom is a tireless advocate on their behalf and both Donald and Richard are a huge part of her life. The relationship Mrs. Bloom and Richard have developed with the staff at The Arc through the years has helped change both their lives. No one may ever take care of a child as well as mom and dad did, but it is a good feeling to know that there are people in your child’s life who will love and support him too!
Our mission at The Arc, Ocean County Chapter is to provide supports necessary for all individuals with developmental disabilities to be accepted and valued as citizens of the communities in which they live, learn, work and play. What does that mean for a family?
For the Bloom family it means everything. Mrs. Bloom has dedicated her life to taking care of her family which included her husband Larry now deceased, her son Steven, who tragically drowned in a boating accident at the age of 19 and her two sons Donald and Richard. Both Donald and Richard have profound developmental disabilities and require round the clock care. Today, Donald resides in the Hunterdon Developmental Center and Richard lives in one of the The Arc’s medical group homes and attends the Lakewood ATC for his day program.
Your gift today will help us provide support to more families like The Blooms