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Growing up, Mark Lancaster did not have it easy, but he learned some important lessons that he relies on to this day. One important lesson that he learned was to take life as it comes, because there are lots of things a person cannot control. His approach is to try to adapt as best he can to what life brings him, and it’s an attitude that leads to a calmer, more peaceful life.

Mark's friendships were always important to him, and he keeps in touch with some of his best buddies from decades ago. His role models were his mother and some of his football coaches and teachers.

Mark excelled at football and became a member of the Ohio State University Buckeyes football team at 3rd fullback. The team was ranked high during that time, and one of Mark’s teammates was Archie Griffith who went on to win the Heisman Trophy--the most prestigious award in college football. Mark was fortunate to play under legendary coach Woody Hayes, and his favorite college class was a history class that Hayes taught. Mark’s favorite memories of this time were the good friends that he met.

It was from Coach Hayes that Mark learned discipline. He learned that if you work hard now, and sacrifice some unnecessary things, it will pay off down the road. He has found that to be true time and time again, and he has benefited from living that philosophy.

Mark has always loved to help people and has always had a service-oriented job. He worked for Jefferson County Public Schools for 34 years. Throughout his many years on the job, he would field complaints and interact with teachers and administrators. He became quite good at dealing with people--both the easy-going ones and the difficult ones. Mark humbly says, "I may not like dealing with some people, but I’m pretty good at it."

One significant way that Mark uses his free-thinking voice is through his service on our chapter's Board. He's been a valued member for many years, and he's appreciated for his direct opinions and unique perspective. We're grateful for his years of service to our organization!

For fun, ironically, Mark enjoys watching baseball. He especially loves watching the Cincinnati Reds and loves it when they win. We're thrilled to honor Mark and his voice that shines through his Board service and from telling it like it is. To see all of the “60 Voices That Shine” featured thus far or for more information about our 60^th Anniversary, CLICK HERE.

Have you registered? We can’t wait for you to experience this year’s stories! Join us for one of our virtual sessions on October 14^th and help support the IDD communities of Jefferson, Clear Creek, and Gilpin Counties on their Journeys to Independence. We are confident that the inspiration you will feel as you watch and listen will stick with you for days and weeks beyond the event. 

CLICK HERE for a sneak peek of the 2021 Summit of Hope!

Join Us! October 14th Online - RSVP Today! CLICK HERE

Your support of this event ensures that we’re able to help every person with IDD who seeks our advocacy and other life-changing programs. If you are able, please consider making a gift during Summit of Hope. CLICK HERE TO DONATE.

More info on Summit of Hope 2021 is available CLICK HERE. We can't wait to share this event with you!

Recognizing Our Returning Transformative Partner

In recognition of FirstBank’s continuing financial investment in our work, we are proud to name them as our Transformative Partner once again! This partnership will help The Arc continue to innovate and evolve in the upcoming twelve months.

Since 2000, FirstBank has been recognized as a leader in corporate philanthropy, contributing nearly $75 million and thousands of volunteer hours to charitable organizations, many of which are organizations that help advance individuals with disabilities, including The Arc.

You can read more about our partnership HERE.

Please join us in thanking everyone at FirstBank for believing in The Arc, and for believing in people with disabilities!

Just when we thought our first Karaoke Night was the best ever, the second one proved to be just as awesome! Coldplay, The Temptations, Simon & Garfunkel, and Kenny Rogers were just a few of the bands showcased at our rousing Karaoke Night In September at The Arc. People were singing into a "golden" microphone, we were dancing, and we had an end-of-night singalong to Frank Sinatra. It was an occasion designed to have some good, clean fun together and to continue celebrating our chapter's 60th Anniversary, which lasts all year.

Prizes were awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Congratulations to our winners!:

Thank you to everyone who logged in or came to the office--it was lots of fun bringing down the house!

Are you a person with a disability looking for work? Or are you an employer wanting to tap into a large, competent pool of talent? Sign up for the online ABILITY Job Fair! It is an accessible, virtual career fair that will take place online tomorrow, October 7, 2021 at 11:00 Mountain time.

This job fair includes face-to-face video, text, captioning, and sign language. CLICK HERE to learn more and to sign up.

After two years of in-depth research on the experiences of family caregivers, the Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, & Engage (RAISE) Act Family Caregiving Advisory Council sent its initial report to Congress. The Council gathered input from family caregivers across the country, and the report provides an overview of many of the challenges faced by family caregivers nationwide and provides recommendations for addressing them. 

To read more about this effort to better understand the experiences of family caregivers, and how those experiences can be improved, CLICK HERE.

There will be no e-newsletter next Wednesday. The Arc in Motion will resume Wednesday, October 20.

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