Parish President Proposes Plan To Assist The ARC
St. James Parish President Peter Dufresne and his staff have found sources of funding which will assist the St. James ARC. The ARC has long depended on federal, state and other sources to operate the facility in Vacherie which serves special needs adults throughout the parish. Additional funding from United Way, business, industry and the proceeds of a local festival has helped to keep the facility financially solvent over the years. Facing additional funding challenges, the ARC board met with Dufresne for assistance. Dufresne told the mem-bers of the St. James Parish Council last week that he and his staff can reallocate funds already in the budget to pay the salaries of the ARC staff. By doing so, Dufresne said the parish will be assisting the ARC budget, as well as reducing staff turnover by offering health insurance, retirement and others benefits enjoyed by other parish employees. Dufresne said there will be no changes to the operation of the adult center or the store. He said the only noticeable change will be the new uniforms worn by the staff.
