Kele says he loves cooking, so making lunch for himself and other participants in the NextED Challenge program this past summer was easy. But other learning activities have proven useful in helping the 19-year-old community college student tackle new challenges. I learned about using the public bus system, for one thing, he says. And managing…
Getting the Best Early Start
They call her Itsy, after the Itsy Bitsy Spider. She does hard things every dayŠŠsometimes exhausting therapiesŠŠbut Itsy is determined and smiling. When Itsy started with therapy, she couldnt hold her head up or track things with her eyes, recalls Shamecka, Itsys mom. She needed all this equipment and toys that we were trying to…
Pre-Employment Training for Future Success
Pre-employment training goes beyond teaching job-specific skills. It aims to develop well-rounded individuals who are confident, joyful, and equipped with a range of employment skills. At the St. Louis Arc, the Pre-Employment Training program is a one-year program that helps individuals grow and refine their skills to work toward successful employment. Building Skills The program…
Connecting on the Field
Dubbed our ambassadors of fun, St. Louis Arcs volunteers are the backbone of many of our programs. In addition to having fun, Arc volunteers are shining examples of our core values Respect, Collaboration, and Empowerment. As we celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Month, Kim H., a longtime volunteer, shared her story of volunteering with the Arc. Volunteers…
Connection through Coloring
At the St. Louis Arc, the programs and services offered are designed to maximize choice and support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in building quality lives within the community. For Frank, who receives Arc residential support in his home, this focus on choice has provided an opportunity to build a connection within his community….
ARCH Respite Re-Enrollment
St. Louis Arcs ARCH Respite Program can give family members caring for a child or adult with an intellectual or developmental disability extra support and a much needed break. ARCH (Assistance with Residential¯Care in the Home), also referred to as respite, reimburses primary caregivers at a standard rate for short-term relief services. These services can…
Exploring LifeTech
The St. Louis Arcs new assistive technology program, LifeTech, provides a unique opportunity for adults with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) to find and use new technology. The type of technology is tailored to each individual and is used to work towards a personal or professional goal. For many individuals coming into the program,…
Virtual Programs
The St. Louis Arc is now partnering with the Arc of the U.S. to promote virtual programs for people with IDD through their New Virtual Program Library. The Library includes programs and resources throughout the United States for individuals, families, and service providers to access virtually. St. Louis Arc Virtual Programs Transition to Adulthood Bounce…
Volunteering Continues Connection
Henry is a young and engaging young man who loves the St. Louis Arcs R&R Camp program. For eight years, Henry spent several weekends a year participating in a variety of recreational and outdoor camp activities. He participated in arts and crafts, made friends, and enjoyed joking around with the camp counselors. This year, however,…
Join Our Circle
The St. Louis Arc employs more than 500 full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees. These employees make a difference in the lives of more than 4,500 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. At the St. Louis Arc, we empower people to live their best life. That is our mission not only to those…