In This Issue:

• "Are You Happy Today?": Ryan's Secret to a Successful Career
• RSVP Now for Our Holiday Open House!
• Celebrating National Family Caregivers Month
• National Convention: A Weekend of Learning and Fun!
• The Arc's Commitment to Working with Elected Leaders
• Call on Congress to End Marriage Penalties

"Are You Happy Today?": Ryan's Secret to a Successful Career

Ryan Maly loves to help others, which is one reason he loves to work. By 2008, he was no stranger to the workforce, having worked since graduating high school at numerous restaurants: KFC, Pizza Hut, Noodles & Company. His job at Chili’s, where he had many friends, was one of his favorites—but then came the Great Recession, and Ryan lost his job. Days of unemployment turned into weeks, then months, then more than a year.

“That was hard for me,” said Ryan, who has a disability and has long been a part of The Arc-JCC&GC’s community. His mother, Susan Dahl, remembers how Ryan began to grow unfulfilled and depressed as, despite his work experience, his season of unemployment wore on. 

“He'd been unemployed for 18 months after 2008,” Susan said. “Nobody was hiring.”

But everything turned around when Ryan got the opportunity to show another employer all the contributions he could make and all the additional skills he could learn.  

Do you agree that everyone with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) should be supported in living the lives they want?

If you want to join The Arc-JCC&GC in empowering people with IDD to share their stories, shatter stereotypes, and change our community, consider supporting The Arc this Colorado Gives season! Now through December 10, every gift to support people with IDD will be boosted through the Colorado Gives Incentive Fund—making financial contributions more impactful now than any other time of year. Giving is open now!

RSVP Now for Our Holiday Open House!

You’re invited to join us for The Arc’s annual holiday celebration—our Holiday Open House!

Every December, the Holiday Open House brings our community together for refreshments, a photo op with Santa, and plenty of holiday cheer. Holiday sweaters are encouraged—and prizes are up for grabs—so be sure to come in your punniest, most colorful, most festive holiday attire!

Our Holiday Open House will take place on Wednesday, December 11 from 3:00PM-7:00PM. RSVP online or learn more about our Holiday Open House. We can’t wait to see you there!

Celebrating National Family Caregivers Month

“The commitment I have to my son is not about what I have to give up. It’s about investing in him, nurturing his potential, and helping him discover his own unique gifts so that he can share them with the rest of the world.” -Dena Drabek, family caregiver

There are an estimated 53 million family caregivers in the US, according to a 2023 study. Oftentimes, these caregivers’ stories, perspectives, struggles, and triumphs go untold. That’s why, every November, National Family Caregivers Month gives us the opportunity to recognize the millions of family caregivers who do all they can to support their loved ones with disabilities.

This November, take a moment to share words of gratitude with a family caregiver for their hard work and dedication! You can also support caregivers by learning more about their experiences. In honor of National Family Caregivers Month, The Arc of the United States has compiled the stories of several family caregivers, like Dena, and their loved ones. To read their stories, click here.

National Convention:

A Weekend of Learning and Fun!

From November 1 through 3, The Arc-JCC&GC sent staff members, board members, and individuals from our community to The Arc's National Convention! Held in Columbus, Ohio, this year’s convention brought together hundreds of staff members and self-advocates to learn, network, and engage with The Arc community.

Staff members from our local chapter attended sessions on topics ranging from the criminal justice system to how The Arc can empower self-advocates to be leaders. Sessions were given by chapters of The Arc from across the nation, including The Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley, The Arc of Virginia, and The Arc of Pennsylvania.

“It was really cool to see how this organization is integrated across the country,” said Rhiana Bilderaya, The Arc-JCC&GC's Director of Adult Advocacy. “It was so clear that people really care for people with disabilities.”

“To see all these people with disabilities teaching others about their abilities is empowering,” added Consulting Advocate Brent Belisle. "Convention is empowering."

The Arc's Commitment to Working with Elected Leaders

On November 5, the American people voted in their next leaders, electing President Trump as well as new and returning representatives to Congress. These leaders will be responsible for making decisions about our everyday lives, including decisions about how government money is spent—and The Arc remains devoted to partnering with all leaders to effect positive change in the lives of people with disabilities.

The Arc of the United States has published a statement about its continued commitment to ensuring that people with disabilities have their voices heard, and that they receive the support they need to fully participate in the community.

“We stand by The Arc of the United States’ statement of determined collaboration regardless of who is in office—ever,” said Lori Ropa, executive director of The Arc-JCC&GC.

Read The Arc US’s full statement here.

Call on Congress to End Marriage Penalties

Getting married brings big changes to someone’s life—but unfortunately, for people with disabilities and others who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments, it can also bring unfair, detrimental consequences.

SSI recipients must meet certain criteria. Individuals cannot have more than $2,000 in assets, like money in bank accounts or most retirement accounts. When a single person who receives SSI gets legally married, the criteria change, and the married couple can only have $3,000 in assets, instead of $2,000 per person. The person’s eligibility for other benefits, like Medicaid, can also be impacted.

These outdated rules are commonly referred to as marriage penalties. Because of these rules, people with disabilities often must choose between getting married or keeping the benefits they need.

Through The Arc of the United States, you can email your representatives in Congress to let them know: It’s time to end marriage penalties! Click here to contact Congress or learn more.