‘Means the world’: Arc of Hancock County creates community for caregivers - Greenfield Daily Reporter

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Caroline Harper gets a massage from Sandy Panzer, a massage therapist from Indianapolis. Harper attended a Mousse & Massages event Thursday, offered by Arc of Hancock County for caregivers of individuals with disabilities. Harper’s daughter has spina bifida.
Shelley Swift | Daily Reporter


MT. COMFORT — Caroline Harper was excited to enjoy a little mommy time.

As the mother of a 10-year-old daughter with disabilities, she happily took up the offer to enjoy a free massage Thursday night at a program hosted by the Arc of Hancock County.

The Mousse & Massages event took place at Chapple House Therapies, a behavioral health center just off Mt. Comfort Road and County Road 300 North. The free event included childcare provided by Chapple’s certified staff.

Thursday’s event is one of many programs offered through the local ARC chapter, which dates back to 1961.

The chapter is part of Arc of Indiana, which advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The organization has a long history of supporting not only individuals with disabilities, but also the people who care for them.

Liz Subrin, a board member and past director of the local chapter, said this week’s event was a perfect example of how the nonprofit strives to support people who dedicate themselves to those with disabilities.

The program is part of the nonprofit’s Self-Care Series.

Harper and her mom, Cindy Carden — both of McCordsville — jumped at the chance to enjoy a spa-like night away from home.

Both women help care for Harper’s daughter, Amelia, who has spina bifida and other physical impairments.

On Thursday they were each treated to a seated massage before enjoying some downtime noshing on chocolate mousse while coloring adult coloring pages, in a softly lit room filled with spa-like music.

“It’s so peaceful. I’ve never been offered anything like this before,” Harper said with a broad smile.

“What I love about it is the childcare they offer, which I would say is the main obstacle for parents to be able to focus on themselves.”

While Harper left her daughter at home with her husband that night, she appreciates the fact the childcare makes a night out possible for caregivers with limited options.

Cindy Carden of McCordsville enjoys some downtime while listening to relaxing music at a Mousse & Massages event Arc of Hancock County hosted Thursday, for caregivers of individuals with disabilities. Carden’s 10-year-old granddaughter, Amelia, has spina bifida.
Shelley Swift | Daily Reporter

Subrin said that community mindset is what the Arc of Hancock County is all about.

“We want to build that community and really show that we’re here for everyone, and that there is a whole team of people here for people with disabilities that is caring for them and giving them the individual attention they need,” she said.

Subrin said the same goes for their caregivers, who can find a sense of camaraderie and belonging among a group of people experiencing the same challenges.

The Irvington woman knows that need for support first hand. Her 11-year-old daughter, Margaux, is autistic and has a rare genetic disorder called Duplication 15q syndrome, which requires round-the-clock care.

Subrin started volunteering with the local Arc chapter five years ago and eventually became director, taking over for Dennis Porter, who led the organization for 25 years.

During her tenure, she created a number of programs designed to support people with disabilities and those who support them: a self-care series, adaptive ballet, adaptive dance, a quarterly professional speakers series, and a self-advocacy club for those with disabilities, ages 15 and up.

Aubrey Quinn, board president of Arc of Hancock County, chats with Liz Subrin, board member and past director of the Arc of Hancock County. Arc offered a spa-like event Thursday for caregivers of individuals with disabilities.
Shelley Swift | Daily Reporter

Subrin stepped down as director earlier this year after getting pregnant with her third child. Her family is on the hunt for a home in New Palestine.

The nonprofit recently welcomed a new director, Joanne Tedesco, who also has a daughter with disabilities.

Subrin said both she and Tedesco can relate to the challenges of raising a child with an elevated level of needs, which is why she thinks self-care programs like Mousse & Massages are so important.

“Burnout for caregivers is pretty extreme. There’s no respite, and not a lot of resources are available,” Subrin said. “Just having some time where it’s quiet and you’re doing something for yourself, even if it’s just 30 minutes, can really change your whole attitude.”

Aubrey Quinn, board president for Arc of Hancock County, said she hopes the nonprofit can provide a respite for caregivers as well as foster a community in which they can navigate their challenges together.

Face masks and facial rollers were among the giveaways at Mousse & Massages, an event Arc of Hancock County hosted Feb. 27 for caregivers of individuals with disabilities.
Shelley Swift | Daily Reporter

“I want to help provide that community and the chance for parents to support each other, and for individuals to have safe places to go and make friends and build relationships,” she said. “We want to help build those relationships that support and promote inclusion.”

Quinn said she and fellow board members, along with their new director, look forward to supporting individuals with disabilities and their caregivers for years to come.

The nonprofit’s recently expanded programming requires expanded funds to sustain them, she said. Corporate and private donations are always welcome.

All programs are offered free of charge.

“I think our main focus right now is getting more people to know about us and our events and hopefully come and have a good time,” Tedesco said.

Harper, whose daughter attends adaptive dance classes provided by Arc, expressed her gratitude to those who organized Thursday’s spa night for caregivers.

“It just means a lot to have that support, you know? Because it really is true, if you don’t take care of yourself, how could you possibly take care of your loved one? So it means the world that a program like this was put in place,” she said.

DANCE AND MORE

The Arc of Hancock County will offer a free adaptive dance class, for individuals with disabilities and their families, at 5 p.m. March 6 at Hancock Wellness Center in McCordsville. Other classes will take place April 3 and May 1.

To register or learn more about the nonprofit’s programs, call 317-462-3727, email [email protected] or visit thearcofhancockcounty.com.