Organization: The ARC of Freeborn County

 

Project: Support adaptive and inclusive recreational and educational opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

 

Report: In 2014, The Arc has provided:

• 80 rides (transportation assistance) for participants to attend activities

• 72 hours of out-of-school time programming for youth, teens and young adults

• 64 hours of open activity room including crafts, games, movies and educational classes on healthy living topics

• 52 hours of support for the Aktion Club which is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club. This year members have raised almost $7,000 for various community events including the Cancer Bike-A-Thon, Relay for Life and The Arc’s Bowl-A-Thon. They have volunteered 2709 hours at different functions in the community.

• 8 weeks of training for the sports of track and field and bocce as well as transportation to attend the Area 10 Special Olympics competitions

• Special events for families including six dances, a potluck supper, three cruises on the Pelican Breeze, a day out at the movies on The Arc’s Disability Awareness Day.

The Arc believes that these opportunities for people with I/DD and their families help promote their social, health and educational well-being. Participants develop and increase social skills that are necessary to function appropriately and as independently as possible. Special Olympians show improved strength, stamina and motor skills and improved self-esteem and self-confidence.

Members of the Aktion Club are developing leadership and self-advocacy skills while volunteering and giving back to the community. Families have the opportunity to come together and share ideas and information. They can also receive guidance in raising their child with special needs. The support and information they receive may not only reduce their anxiety and stress from feeling alone, but empower them to access the services their children need in order to reach their full potential.