The Arc of Greater Beaumont
Issue: 3March, 2013
In This Issue
March Events
Self Advocates Visit the Capitol
IDD Awareness Month
Recycle with the Arc
The Arc Has Talent
Stars Needed
Moody Gardens Trip
Empowered for Employment Computer Lab
Quick Links
     
March Events!  

St. Patrick's Dance

Friday, March 29th

Time: 7:00 pm- 9:00 pm

Where: Big Rich's (Courville's)

            1744 Rose Ln.

            Beaumont, TX 77713

Cost: $3.00 for Arc members/ $6.00 for non members/ $2.00 for pictures

 

Refreshments provided free of charge.

 

Self Advocate Meeting

Thursday, April 4th

Time: 7:00pm - 8:00 pm

Where: Foundation for SETX

             700 North St.

             Beaumont, TX 77701

Self Advocate members 18 and up only please.

 

Photo Album
Photos from February 2013
 
 
  
  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
    
  
Self Advocate Officers Visit the Capitol
Southeast Texas Self Advocate Officers advocate for their services

The Southeast Texas Self Advocates are dedicated to advocating for the rights and services of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. March 3rd-5th the Self Advocate officers visited Austin Texas for the Texas Advanced Leadership and Advocacy Conference (TALAC).  During this conference, the officers learned how to speak to local representatives about their services and about how to advocate for their rights.  After the conference, the officers got to put the skills they learned to use. The officers visited the Texas State Capitol and meet with Representative Joe Deshotel, Representative Allan Ritter, and Representative James White.  "It was great to go to the Capitol and have all the Representatives listen to my concerns" says Self Advocate Brandon Pharris.  "I have been on the waiting list for services for six years and they are telling me I still have five years to go. I was glad I could talk to the representatives and tell them my story." says Self Advocate Brandi Herron. During the March Self Advocate meeting, officers told the organization about their trip and what they spoke to legislatures about.  For more information on the Southeast Texas Self Advocates please visit www.arcofbmt.org.

March is IDD Awareness Month

Thanks to a 1987 Presidential Proclamation from Ronald Reagan, March is now intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) awareness month. This  came about as a direct result of the advocacy efforts of The Arc. This month is a great time to show your support of the IDD community and to educate those around you about "people first language." People first language is about putting the person, not the condition first. For example, instead of saying "autistic child" you would say "a child with autism." By using people first language you are recognizing that no individual is defined by their disability. The Arc tries hard to ensure people first language is used in all of our publications and when utalized when speaking in our community. We ask that you do the same. When you hear someone who is not using people first language, kindly educate them about the use of people first language and it's impact on the lives of individuals living with IDD.
For more information on people first language visit,

Spring Cleaning?
Donate Unwanted Items to The Arc's Recycling Program
Doing a bit of spring cleaning? Don't throw away those unwanted  items, donate them! The Arc of Greater Beaumont, in partnership with American Textile and  Recycling Services (ATRS) is asking for your help in donating gently used clothing, shoes, toys, and books.  You can drop off your unwanted items at any of the Arc's recycling bins throughout Southeast Texas.  It's easy to reduce, reuse, and recycle for a greener tomorrow. 
The Arc Has Talent!
Arc members shine at the Arc's Got Talent Show
On February 21, 2013 the Arc of Greater Beaumont hosted it's  third annual   Arc's Got Talent Show at Trinity United Methodist Church.  Arc members with intellectual and developmental disabilities ages 4 to 50 got to take the stage for a chance to be in the spotlight.  "It's not American Idol, but they feel just as honored and proud as any contestant on any national show" said Arc Executive Director Gary Hidalgo.  Each contestant left with a trophy and a sense of accomplishment. DVD's of the event can be purchased for $5.00.  If you are interested in purchasing a DVD of the event please call (409)838-9012, email caitlin.kruger@arcofbmt.org, or order yours online
The Arc is Looking for Some Stars!
Models & Sponsors Needed for the 2013 Stars of the Arc Style Show
The 2013 Stars of the Arc Celebrity Style Show and Dinner is scheduled for  April 26, 2013 at the Holiday Inn and Suites Beaumont Plaza.  With this special event less than two months away we are looking for new celebrities(individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities) who want to model in the style show.  If you, or someone you know is interested, please call (409)838-9012 or visit the event web page for details.  The deadline to sign up to be a model is March 21st.  To help support our celebrities, we are looking for sponsors for the event.  This event is one of two major fundraisers for the Arc. Proceeds from the evening help the Arc continue it's mission to provide services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families throughout Southeast Texas. Sponsorship opportunities are available for $100 - $10,000.  To support the Arc and this event, please call (409)838-9012 or visit the event's web page
Moody Gardens Trip
Down Syndrome Family Group visits Moody Gardens 
On Saturday, February 23rd the Arc of Greater Beaumont Down Syndrome Family Group took a trip to Moody Gardens to view the exhibits and enjoy some time with family and friends. Over thirty people came to spend the day at Moody Gardens. "The aquarium was definitely everyone's favorite...the kids were very fascinated with the scuba divers working in the tank...it was great seeing some of the kids in our group start to try to communicate with each other and all the siblings get along so well." said Laura Soileau, Arc Board Member and Down Syndrome Family Group parent.  For more information on the Down Syndrome Family Group visit their facebook page or call (409)838-9012.
Empowered for Employment Computer Lab 

The Empowered for Employment program, brought to you thanks in part to a grant from AT&T, is designed to allow adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to learn how to obtain and retain employment. The Empowered for Employment Computer Lab offers online self paced training for this purpose.  Starting April 2, 2013 the computer lab (located in the Foundation for Southeast Texas building) will be open from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm every Tuesday and Thursday.  The lab will also be open the first Thursday of every month from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm.  Individuals may call (409)838-9012 to schedule an appointment to use the lab during unscheduled hours if needed.  The Arc looks forward to the continual growth of this much needed program. 

  
Join us for a star studded evening filled with friendship, fun, and models!  Watch our models rock the runway and honor some amazing members of the Southeast Texas community. The 5th annual event will be held at the Holiday Inn Beaumont Plaza. Call (409)838-9012 or click here for details.
  

 

The Arc of Greater Beaumont is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization affiliated with The Arc of the United States and The Arc of Texas. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.