IN THIS ISSUE...
  • 60 Voices That Shine - #22 & 23
  • State Of The Arc: Online Annual Membership Meeting June 30
  • Now Hiring! Are You Our New Development and Events Coordinator?
  • Scholarships For Camp Paha Now Available
  • arc Thrift Continues Relief Efforts
Natalie & Grant Abbott Voices #22 & 23

Natalie and Gary Abbott’s story began almost 15 years ago with the birth of their first child. When Grant was six months old, they learned that their beautiful son had a rare genetic deletion. There were fewer than 100 documented cases like Grant, so even a diagnosis didn’t provide many answers. No one could tell them what to expect. It was the most overwhelming news they had ever heard. 
 
Grant’s condition came with a LOT of medical issues, in addition to developmental delays. Natalie and Gary were exhausted, broken-hearted, and in a state of hopelessness.     
 
When Grant was two, Natalie attended a training at The Arc. It was both an orientation to the disability experience and an introduction to parent advocacy. The Arc taught her how to speak the language of disability, and how to navigate this unexpected detour in their journey. In the training, it was emphasized that disability is simply a less-travelled path, not the end of the world. For the first time, Natalie and Gary began to have hope for Grant’s future.
 
It took years for Grant’s health to stabilize. Today, nearly 13 years after the training, the Abbotts are still involved with The Arc. They reach out for advocacy and support whenever they need it. They attend special events, and they invite others to the Summit of Hope luncheon, so that their community can learn what The Arc does and why it’s so important.
 
It’s also at The Arc’s events where Natalie often encounters new members of the disability community. She sees the familiar fear and uncertainty in the parents’ eyes. Fortunately, these overwhelmed parents have already connected with The Arc. They will have the support that Natalie, Gary, and Grant have had. And, just like the Abbotts, these parents will learn to find beauty and hope on their unexpected journey.

To see all of the “60 Voices That Shine” featured thus far or for more information about our 60th Anniversary, CLICK HERE.
State of The Arc
Online Annual Membership Meeting June 30

Come and learn about the exciting shift happening at The Arc! It was catalyzed with you in mind. This shift strengthens the laser focus that we have on our mission of supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. It is designed to bring about:

  • Even more focused support and empowerment for the people we serve
  • Greater awareness of the truth about people with IDD 
  • More positive changes in our systems and in our community
 
Each year, our chapter of The Arc hosts a meeting for its members and others in the community to provide an update on how and what our chapter is doing, including this shift in our focus. Because you are receiving this letter, you are considered a member of our chapter, and you are personally invited to State of The Arc! (Anyone who donates to The Arc is considered a member for one year from the date of the donation.)

State of The Arc/Annual Membership Meeting will be held virtually through Zoom and by conference call on:

Wednesday, June 30th, 6:00 – 6:45 PM

Please RSVP by June 23 online at www.arcjc.org/VirtualAMM 
If you need special accommodations, please email [email protected] or call (303) 232-1338 and say you’re calling about The Arc’s Annual Meeting/State of The Arc.

This annual meeting is open to the public. It will last about 45 minutes and will include The State of The Arc address by President Helen Pietranczyk, discussion and voting on proposed bylaws changes, the election/reelection of members to the Board of Directors, and recognition of retiring Board members. All current members of The Arc are eligible to vote.
Now Hiring! Are You Our New Development & Events Coordinator?

Do you love the idea of making a difference in our community through your work? Do you enjoy reaching out and building relationships that are meaningful? Are you self-motivated and well-organized?

Join our team as the Development & Events Coordinator and you can fully embrace your values and use your skills to make the world a better place each and every day. In addition, the position allows for a flexible combination of in-office and remote work depending on The Arc’s needs.

As the Development & Events Coordinator, your extraordinary organizational skills and desire to connect with people would be put to great use. Through your Development work, you’ll be keeping track of donations, helping with fundraising, thanking donors, and reaching out to donors to help them stay connected. Events are not only related to Development, but to The Arc overall, and they’re great fun! You’ll be planning trainings, our annual picnic, holiday party, and doing the logistics for fundraisers like our Summit of Hope.
At The Arc, we believe that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities should be able to live their lives as valued and respected members of the community and our entire team works together to:

  • Empower families
  • Support self-advocacy
  • Expand community access
  • Change community perceptions

This is an excellent position to explore life in a nonprofit and to get to work in an organization where every position is truly mission-focused. 
For more information CLICK HERE and apply no later than June 14th!
Scholarships For Camp Paha Now Available

Paha means 'mountain' in Lakota Sioux. Camp Paha is a place to overcome obstacles with new friends, learn new skills, and enjoy the summer in new and exciting ways.

Camp Paha is a summer day camp provided by the City of Lakewood for kids and young adults of all different abilities. This program offers safe, challenging and fun leisure, recreational and educational opportunities for youth ages 6-25. Camp includes activities like swimming, sports, games, nature, music, drama, hiking, arts and crafts and field trips within the community. Camp Paha is licensed by the State of Colorado as a childcare program.
 
Friends of Paha, which is a non-profit organization made up of volunteers with the goal of raising funds to support Camp Paha, is providing scholarships for youth to attend the Camp. If you are pre-registered for Camp, you can CLICK HERE to apply for Camp Scholarships.
To learn more about Camp Paha and to pre-register CLICK HERE. To speak with someone about Camp Paha, please contact City of Lakewood Therapeutic Recreation staff at [email protected] or by phone at 303-987-4867.
arc Thrift Continues Relief Efforts
 
Our valued partner in supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, arc Thrift Stores, is continuing to support people in need all over the state. Here are some of their latest accomplishments:

  • Collected over 1,600 lbs of food & PPE!
  • Colorado Society of Hispanic Genealogy received $300 in vouchers 
  • Dazzle Pantry received a palate of food and $300 in vouchers for musicians in need
  • Denver Public Schools received $300 vouchers for the Pupil Assistance Fund
  • Work Options for Women received $300/month in vouchers
  • Backpacks sent to Grand Junction for summer camps

Thank you, arc Thrift Stores, for the inspiring work that you continue to do for Colorado! To learn more about arc Thrift Stores, go to www.arcthrift.org.
The Arc IS OPEN - OUR OFFICE IS CLOSED (UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE)

In an effort to protect our clients, staff, board, volunteers and community members, The Arc – Jefferson, Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties physical offices will be closed effective immediately (Friday, March 13) until further notice due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns. Please note that services will continue to be provided, as staff will be working remotely and communicating via phone, text and email. All in-person meetings, events and scheduled trainings will be canceled or postponed. When our physical offices reopen, our website and social media platforms will provide such information. CLICK HERE for more information.