By Carlene Leaper | Executive Director
The Arc Mid-South is able to keep families together and fulfill its mission to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to achieve their full potential through various programs focused on self sufficiency and opportunity.
The Respite Care program allows families to have their loved one at home with them and provide short term relief of 24 hour caregiver responsibilities. The physical, emotional, and financial health of caregivers is important and should be considered in the life plan of individuals with I/DD.
In July of 2011, The Arc Mid-South was able to provide two summer camps. These camps are important to the Mid-South community, as there are very few places in the area where individuals of all ages with I/DD can attend camps in the summer. It is an opportunity for the campers to come together with their peers in a loving environment and participate in a broad range of activities that focus on empowerment and achievement. While the campers are away at camp; the parents and caregivers are given the opportunity to have a break and take time for themselves. Respite programs such as The Arc’s summer camps are a necessity.
To all 25 service recipients an opportunity to experience camp it costs $35,000 annually and $73,000 for weekend retreats. Many of the people we serve in the community are unable to afford services. Through support from individual donors, community partners, and local businesses, in 2011, The Arc was able to provide:
The Arc would like to expand respite to the Mid-South community through summer camps and weekend retreats. State and Federal budget cuts are reducing respite care funding.
In addition to respite programs at The Arc, our newest program, the Life, Education, Training, Skills (L.E.T.S.) Program enriches the minds of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing life skills training in a broad range of areas. One of our program students, Justin took time to share a personal testimony as to why he is fortunate to be able to receive services at The Arc Mid-South.
“The Arc Center of the Mid-South has been very kind to me because they made me feel more confident that I can be successful in finding a job based on the skills that I have learned. Once I graduate from The Arc Center, I should feel 100% confident that I can find a job-even if it’s not my own dream one. Thank you to The Arc of the Mid-South for making me realize that getting any job is far from impossible. Thank you to all of the following: Ms. Mildred, Ms. Merle, Ms. Sandra, Ms. Tabitha (Rogers), Ms. Michelle and anybody and everybody else not mentioned but responsible for at least one part of my success. I will never forget each and everyone of you all! -THE END-”
Our vision is that every individual and family affected by intellectual or developmental disabilities has access to the information, advocacy, and skills they need to participate as active citizens of their community. You can help make this possible by supporting our agency. You’ll help individuals just like Justin realize their full potential, and receive necessary skills to be active citizens in the community.
The Arc also has various partnerships with other agencies in the community. The Aging Commission of the Mid-South and The Arc are working together to provide in-home support, homemaker services, and advocacy on behalf of senior citizens with I/DD. A demographic that is often sent to nursing home facilities if it appears they are unable to care for their home and self. With the proper services in the home, individuals can remain independent in their homes.
The Arc helps people with I/DD and their families by creating opportunities. We foster respect and protect human rights of people with I/DD through advocacy. We can accomplish more together with a strong collective voice, and the collaborative efforts of the community members at large.
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