photo by Brie Cohen

Thelma Oveson shoots hoops at The Arc of Freeborn County on Wednesday. Oveson participates in Special Olympics sports. She is the oldest Special Olympian in the state.

Helping hands

United Way supports people who frequent The Arc of F.C.

Published Thursday, November 5, 2009

“I like it here.”

Though it’s a simple phrase, Albert Lea resident Thelma Oveson means it.

When Oveson, 91, walks into The Arc of Freeborn County, she’s full of smiles.

Though she cannot hear or communicate as well as most people, it’s clear that when she’s inside the facility she’s surrounded by people she loves and is taking part in activities that make her happy.

One is bowling.

Oveson, who is deaf and suffers from other developmental disabilities, is the oldest active Special Olympics athlete in Minnesota. She placed fourth in the state bowling tournament in 2008 and bowls regularly with The Arc of Freeborn County and the other residents in her group home.

Jo Lowe, director of the local Arc chapter, said Oveson was one of about 70 other people who bowled with the organization. Forty-five participated in the Special Olympics. Albert Leans who participate in Special Olympics compete in Owatonna before advancing to state.

Kathy Knutson, a program coordinator for Rem Woodvale Inc., the group home in which Oveson lives, said bowling allows Oveson to interact with other people, have a little bit of physical activity and keep friendships going.

Oveson always insists on bowling without any cheaters like a ramp.

In addition to bowling, The Arc has given the woman the opportunity to do things such as painting and dancing, which she also loves.

“She’s a lot of fun,” said Knutson, who’s worked with Oveson for more than 25 years. “I’m fortunate. She’s just an amazing woman.”

Oveson also enjoys knitting and is involved with her church at Calvary Baptist.

Lowe said Oveson has been an Arc member for at least 15 years.

“For somebody that’s 91, to be involved with the people here, that’s so important,” Knutson said.

The organization provides advocacy and support for Oveson and other people with disabilities.

“We need to make sure people with disabilities have the same choices the rest of us do,” Lowe said.

The agency, which receives one-third of its funding for direct services through the United Way, serves all ages.

“Without the United Way, we would really have to cut back on the services we provide,” Lowe said.

The Arc’s mission is to help all people with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their families realize their goals for living, learning, working and playing.

Begun in the 1950s by a small group of parents, The Arc of Freeborn County was initially focused on providing some kind of schooling for children with developmental disabilities.

Now, the organization serves people of all ages with many kinds of disabilities including Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, to name a few.

It provides after-school programs for students, monthly dances, support for families and special events for young children, among several other services.

The Arc of Freeborn County can be found at 407 E. William St.

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