Community Support
Sharing Tree
Sharing Tree is a program sponsored by Voluntary Action Center where community members volunteer to purchase a needed item as a Christmas present for an individual who is financially unable to purchase it him or herself. A staff member of The Arc of Midland submits requests to Voluntary Action Center and distributes these gifts to individuals.
Day of Caring
Day of Caring is an event sponsored by Voluntary Action Center that occurs twice yearly, in the spring and in the fall. Volunteers from the community commit a couple of hours of their time to help individuals with disabilities with many homeownership tasks that they may be unable to do. Such tasks include yard work, painting, repairing, etc.
Dental Services
The Helping Hands Dental Center opened in December 2004. Staffed by volunteer dentists and funded by foundations, churches and service organizations, the Center treats Medicaid eligible adults who reside in Midland County. The fee is $20 per visit. Provided services include examinations, cleanings, fillings and extractions. The Center is located at 1509 Washington Street, Midland in the Midland Towne Center Plaza. Appointments are necessary and can be made by calling (989) - 837-9740.
Gas Station Assistance
The fast growing trend to replace full-serve gasoline stations with self-serve ones has made it very difficult - if not impossible - for travelers with disabilities to refuel their vehicles. Even if a person has the upper body strength and dexterity needed to pump gas, doing so is difficult - and often structural barriers make it impossible. The majority of people with mobility impairment are not able to pump gas for themselves.
To address this issue, Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America has teamed up with the Associated Petroleum Industries of Michigan to create an online "pump guide" for the state of Michigan. The guide lists gas stations throughout Michigan that offer refueling assistance to disabled drivers at the posted self-service price.
To qualify for refueling assistance, drivers are required to display a state-issued handicapped parking license plate or placard.
While there are more than 500 gas stations throughout Michigan listed on the pump guide, this list is continuing to grow. If your gas station isn't on the pump guide, please tell them about the program.
If a gas station on the pump guide doesn't live up to their agreement, contact Michael Harris at 1-800-638-MPVA (in Michigan), or 248-476-9000 or mharris@michiganpva.org.
Access the Pump Guide at http://www.ThePumpGuide.com.