Treasurer Folwell to Kick Off NC ABLE Awareness Campaign | Eastern NC Now

Press Release:

    (Raleigh, N.C.)     The number five has taken on scientific and cultural significance through the ages. It has been considered a lucky number. It was appropriated for the name of a popular perfume - Chanel No. 5. It signifies success in a high five. And it is the number of toes, fingers and senses that humans possess. For the NC ABLE program at the Department of State Treasurer (DST), it is the basis of a POWER of FIVE campaign.

    State Treasurer Dale R. Folwell, CPA, will launch the campaign on Tuesday at Franklin Academy High School in Wake Forest. He will attend a presentation of student artwork depicting the POWER of FIVE, which marks the 5-year anniversary of the availability of NC ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) savings accounts.

    The NC ABLE Act was signed into law in 2015. It allows people living with disabilities and their families to contribute to tax-free savings accounts without exceeding income limits that would cut off benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income.

    The treasurer chairs the NC ABLE Program Board of Trustees, which oversees more than $15.6 million in assets for nearly 1,700 account holders whose average account size is $9,300. The money can be used for qualified disability expenses such as housing, cell phones, adaptive equipment, transportation and virtually any other item that will help to provide a better life experience.

    NC ABLE partnered with Franklin Academy graphic design instructor Steve Msarsa and his students to create a campaign promoting awareness of the program while providing the students with real world experience that impacts the broader community.

    During his remarks, Treasurer Folwell will discuss the benefits of the NC ABLE program, its partnership with The Arc of North Carolina, and celebrate working individuals with disabilities.

    Treasurer Folwell, Franklin Academy founder Robert L. Luddy and school administrators will take part in the art unveiling. They will be joined by Adam Strom, a recent high school graduate, NC ABLE account holder and participant in The Arc of North Carolina's Supported Employment Program. Adam works at Cambridge Village in Apex. His father, Steve Strom, and John Nash, The Arc of North Carolina executive director, will be on hand.

    The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities and its partners annually designate March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. They work to create a social media campaign highlighting the many ways in which people with disabilities can help to form strong, diverse communities. Inclusiveness in the community and removing barriers that people with disabilities face in fully engaging community life are the objectives of the awareness campaign.

    While he is at Franklin Academy, Treasurer Folwell will present a check to high school officials. During a review of data in the DST Unclaimed Property Division system, staff identified $12,674.93 belonging to Franklin Academy. Commonly called NCCash.com, UPD is the repository for approximately 18 million properties valued at roughly $919 million under DST's custody awaiting return to the rightful owners.

    What: Celebrating 5-Year Anniversary of NC ABLE Program; Unclaimed Property Check Presentation to Franklin Academy High School

    Who: State Treasurer Dale R. Folwell; Franklin Academy Founder Robert L. Luddy; Franklin Academy graphic arts instructor Steve Msarsa; Arc of NC Executive Director John Nash; NC ABLE account holder Adam Strom and his father Steve Strom

    When: Tuesday, March 15, at 11:30 AM

    Where: Franklin Academy High School, 648 Flaherty Ave., Wake Forest


   Contact:
   Email: press@nctreasurer.com
   Phone: (919) 814-3820