Friends of The Arc: Summer 2021 Image Description: An animated graphic of a sun shining and The Arc SF logo on the top right.

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Dear Esther,


How are you? We want to acknowledge that the past weeks have been challenging for all of us. Just as it seemed, we were making progress battling the COVID-19 pandemic, and we find ourselves dealing with new uncertainty and worry as the Delta variant evolves. And now, with the wildfires in California, there is another layer of concern for all of our safety.


Despite these worries, one thing lifting our spirits these days is planning for the return of some in-person on-site services for a small group of participants. We have prioritized bringing back participants who have been unable to benefit much – or at all – from remote services. Many of you may have questions about when YOU or your loved one will be able to return to campus, and we ask for your continued patience as we move slowly and carefully forward.

 

The sooner we can bring the pandemic under control, the sooner we can all see each other in person. Science has proven that COVID-19 vaccines are the most effective way to end the pandemic, so we encourage you to get vaccinated if you have not already. You can find out more about getting the vaccine here.


And let's keep showing up for each other to support and keep each other safe!


Enjoy our latest update, and we look forward to seeing you again soon!


Sincerely,

Kristen

Kristen Pedersen, Executive Director

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The Arc SF Plans Campus Reopening


We are excited to announce that we are planning our campus reopening! This process will be gradual, starting with a small group of participants returning to campus classes and activities this Fall. We are prioritizing participants who have been underserved remotely – or hardly served at all – due to lack of access to technology or other circumstances.

The Arc SF will continue to provide essential services, including in-person and remote programming, increasing the number of small groups enjoying activities in the community, and increasing staff and participant in-person meet-ups.


We continue to plan with caution, with the health and safety of our participants and staff as our first priority. While the return to our campuses will not be required, we look forward to seeing our first group of participants return!


For ongoing updates, please visit our website linked here.

The Arc SF's Summer of Renewal

We can still meet our goal of putting ten more job seekers to work by the end of September 2021, but we need your help! Make your gift now!

 

We thank everyone who has contributed to our Summer of Renewal fundraising campaign. You have made it possible for ten Arc participants to start new jobs. One such participant, Devon Yoshire, is getting ready to transition to his new role as receptionist at Eidos, a biotech company. Congratulations, Devon!

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Meet Paul:The Greatest of All Time

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Paul Jung thought July 14th would be another ordinary day at his job at Amazon. However, he wasn't prepared for the surprise that was awaiting him.



"I was getting clocked in when my manager came to me and said, 'Paul, please wait here. I have something for you,'" said Jung, who works as a runner and sorter for Amazon.


His manager got on a microphone and announced that Jung was being recognized and awarded "G.O.A.T. The Greatest of all Time" for his hard work and leadership this past year.


"I never thought about getting an award from my workplace," Jung says. "I felt thrilled because I knew that all the struggles that I went through paid off. Being a runner is not an easy job, but I knew I could do it thanks to the support of my job coach and family."

Vernae Gallaread Joins The Arc SF's Board of Directors

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We welcome new Board Member Vernae Gallaread, who has been part of The Arc SF's community for nearly 19 years. Gallaread participates in programs such as Employment, The Arc's Client Advisory Council (CAC), and her favorite, Friends Like Me.



Speaking about her first meeting as a board member, Gallaread says, "Once I saw my picture, even though it was on Zoom, I started jumping for joy." And even though sometimes she can't believe her new position, Vernae says she is excited to be the direct line between the Board and the CAC, "I tell myself; I've got this!"

Save the Date and Join!

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The Arc SF 19th Annual Worklife Awards


Join us virtually on Thursday, October 14th, from 6pm -7pm, for the 19th Annual Arc SF Worklife Awards!


Hosted by The Arc SF's Business Advisory Council (BAC), The Worklife Awards recognizes the accomplishments of those individuals who strive for excellence in their jobs, internships, and volunteer positions.


RSVP today here, and we will send you the link week of the event.

Click here to visit our Event Calendar!

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