What's New at The Arc
Sulpizio Family Center Celebrates Successful Art Show
at Rebecca's Coffee House!
On Friday, April 26th, more than 70 people visited Rebecca's Coffee House in South Park to support The Arc of San Diego's Sulpizio Family Center Art Show. In an effort to raise awareness about people with disabilities and their many talents, The Arc of San Diego's Sulpizio Family Center hosted a spring-themed art show featuring 18 paintings by adults with disabilities with themes ranging from landscape, to abstract impressionism, buildings, and self-portraits. All artwork featured was for sale, with proceeds benefiting the program participants at the Center. "We couldn't have asked for a better event," said Melanie McCoy, Area Director of Sulpizio Family Center. "Our program participants are very talented and they truly brought this art show to life. Everyone at The Arc of San Diego is proud of them for their hard work and for showing the community that people with disabilities are capable of many things." Thank you to Rebecca's Coffee House for their generous support of the art show and for recognizing that every member of our society has the right to live an independent and fulfilling life!
Congressman Juan Vargas Tours Starlight Center in Honor of
March National Disability Awareness Month
Congressman Juan Vargas toured Starlight Center on March 25, 2013, in honor of March National Disability Awareness Month. Congressman Vargas had the opportunity to see first-hand the tremendous work taking place to assist over 250 children and adults with disabilities that receive services at Starlight Center in Chula Vista. While on the tour, he even stopped by a Starlight celebration to wish one of our oldest consumers a very happy 90th birthday! The Arc of San Diego thanks the Congressman for his on-going support of our programs and for his dedication to the San Diego community.
Supervisor Greg Cox Visits The Arc of San Diego's Starlight Center in Chula Vista!
On January 15, 2013, Supervisor Greg Cox and Deputy Chief of Staff, Danny Melgoza, representing District 1, toured Starlight Center in Chula Vista. The tour, led by Arc of San Diego President & CEO, David Schneider and Starlight Area Director, Terri Thorn explained the important work taking place at Starlight Center where over 250 children & adults with disabilities receive services. We thank Supervisor Cox and Deputy Chief of Staff, Danny Melgoza for recognizing the importance of having programs like Starlight Center available to those with disabilities and for their enthusiastic support of our organization!
Walmart Foundation Announces $125,000 to San Diego Nonprofit Organizations
Funds will further local efforts in workforce development, hunger relief, and health and wellness
"Assisting people wtih disabilities in their efforts to find meaningful employment greatly contributes to their happiness and self-esteem. Walmart is a long-time proponent for people with developmental disabilities in our community, and we're pleased the company is supporting our effots to provide fulfillment and independence to these individuals who are too often underrepresented in our workforce," said David W. Schneider, President & CEO of The Arc of San Diego. Read the official press release here to find out more on philanthropy at Walmart.
Leisure Express Trip and Travel Goes to Disneyland!
What is better than a day at Disneyland? How about an entire weekend of Disneyland and California Adventure! That is just what The Arc of San Diego's very own Leisure Express Trip and Travel did on October 13th and 14th, 2012. Our travelers enjoyed the rides and Mickey's Halloween Party during the fun-filled trip.
Do you want to join us on our next adventure? Contact the Personal & Leisure Services (PALS) department at (619) 685-1175 or email us here and ask to be included on our 2013 Travel Calendar mailing list.
Celebrating National Disabilitity Employment Awareness Month
Throughout the month of October, The Arc of San Diego is celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month (also known as NDEAM). NDEAM is one of the most important months to The Arc of San Diego because it highlights employment of people with disabilities.
We recognize that people with disabilities contribute to the community and economy in many valuable ways. That's why we offer a diverse range of opportunities in San Diego County through Arc Community Employment Services (ACES). ACES provides the chance for people with disabilities to work in a variety of positions and industries throughout the community with programs that offer varying levels of support and training to meet the needs of individuals and employers.
The Arc is proud to connect people to jobs that provide the support they need to be successful. For more information on NDEAM, see our official press release here.
Visit the U.S. Department of Labor's NDEAM webpage here.
The Arc of San Diego Participates in UCSD's Celebration of Abilities Month
The Arc of San Diego's East County Training Center (ECTC) is joining the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) in its Annual Celebration of Abilities Art Exhibit taking place throughout the month of October. Each year, the Office for Students with Disabilities at UCSD hosts a Celebration of Abilities Month with events to provide more information related to health issues, personal well-being, and disabilities prevention and management to its sutdents, faculty, and the public.
Consumers from East County Training Center will be exhibiting 6 pieces of artwork at the UC San Diego main campus in October. For more information, click here.
The Arc of San Diego Earns Another Three-Year CARF Accreditation
The Arc of San Diego recently received a Three-Year Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), valid through May 2015. Programs such as Community Employment Services Job Development, Job Supports, Job-Site Training, and Organizational Employment Services underwent a thorough review process. Additionally, The Arc of San Diego opted to have the Governance Standards applied towards the evaluation of the Executive Board.
Congratulations to The Arc of San Diego's food service and landscape programs in partnership with the United States Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) on receiving tribute in the form of "exemplary" conformance to the standards for the third time in a row.
For more information, please see the official press release here.
The Arc of San Diego Celebrates Groupon Grassroots Success!
The Arc of San Diego is proud to announce that we raised $1,300 through our Groupon Grassroots campaign! Groupon Grassroots is the philanthropic arm of Groupon and helped us raise money for our Camp-A-Little/Camp-A-Lot programs. Generous people made donations in increments of $10 to help us fund a nurse for both sessions of camp, assist with camp scholarships, purchase sports & pool equipment, and cover transportation for campers.
Thank you to Groupon Grassroots for the amazing opportunity and to everyone who supported our cause and helped spread the word about our campaign.
For more information on Groupon Grassroots click here.
The Arc of San Diego Proudly Presents
A Collaboration of Imagination
Our consumers have been busy creating a beautiful art installment at the Serra Mesa Library located at 9005 Aero Drive, San Diego, CA 92123. This collaborative project features selected work from chlidren participating in Art Starts Expressive Arts for Exceptional Families, a project of The Arc of San Diego's Parent/Infant Program and adults from North Shores Vocational Center. The Arc of San Diego is proud to provide this therapeutic art program that provides a much needed opportunity for adults with disabilities & children who have developmental delays or are "at risk" for delay. The Arc is grateful to the LEGO Children's Fund for providing additional funding for this program through a generous grant. The LEGO Group is committed to assisting children in the development of their creativity through stimulating and constructive activities.
The art installment is showing through August, you don't want to miss out!
Arc San Diego Foundation Announces Circle of Light Awardees
Arc San Diego Foundation, a local not-for-profit charitable organization established in 1992 to support the programs and services for people with disabilities at The Arc of San Diego, presented its Circle of Light awards to top donors at their Annual Meeting & Recognition Luncheon on June 20, 2012.
"Every year, Arc San Diego Foundation is amazed by the charitable giving from our donors. With their kind support, The Arc of San Diego is able to operate at its fullest potential as San Diego County's largest nonprofit providing assistance to children and adults living with disabilities," says Jim Reynolds, Chairperson, Arc San Diego Foundation.
Thank you to the 2012 awardees. This year's Circle of Light Silver award recipients (donations in the range of $100,000 to $500,000) were Phyllis & John Parrish and FCE Benefit Administrators, Inc. This year's Circle of Light Bronze award recipients (donations in the range of $25,000 to $100,000) were Alfred & Elaine Barrack, Las Patronas, The Parker Foundation, and The Hervey Family Fund at The San Diego Foundation.
The Arc of San Diego Celebrates Annual Meeting & Installation Ceremony
The Arc of San Diego celebrated its Annual Meeting & Installation Ceremony on June 15, 2012 at the Hilton San Diego Resort-Mission Bay with 150 guests in attendance. The special event marked The Arc of San Diego's 61st Anniversary, honored volunteers, staff, and consumers for their exceptional contributions and installed the 2012-2013 Board of Directors.
The Arc was honored to have Laila Hamzai, representative from the office of Senator Joel Anderson in attendance to present Certificates of Appreciation to all of the evening's honorees. Former award-winning journalist for KGTV-10 and publisher of LiveFitMagazine.com, Phoebe Chongchua emceed the event.
Thank you to our guests and our outstanding volunteers, staff, consumers, and Board Members! Click here to see a list of Staff, Volunteer, and Consumers of the Year.
The Jewels of San Diego - Moulin Rouge Cabaret Extravaganza!
The Arc of San Diego's Annual Gala, The Jewels of San Diego-Moulin Rouge Cabaret Extravaganza brought the Moulin Rouge to 300 guests at The Grand Del Mar, San Diego's only Five Star resort, on May 5, 2012 to benefit The Arc of San Diego's essential life services. The exceptional evening kicked off with a cocktail reception, silent auction, and vendor boutiques. The reception was followed by a world-class dinner and dessert presentation. The fabulous meal was topped off with a 15-scene Cabaret Show produced by Mr. Showbiz himself, Leonard Simpson. The Moulin Rouge-themed show was complete with dozens of couture costume changes and featured professional dancers choreographed by celebrity choreographer Mary Murphy of Fox's hit TV show So You Think You Can Dance.
Click here to learn more about The Arc of San Diego's incredible event!
Arc Consumers Visit Hawaii!
Aloha! Our Personal & Leisure Services (PALS) department recently traveled with five consumers last month to the Big Island of Hawaii and did everything from visiting waterfalls, to touring the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory, to swimming with dolphins! We're happy to share all about our fun adventures with you in our Hawaii journal. Enjoy! (P.S. Want to join us next year? Call our PALS department at (619) 685-1175 for more info.)
Dear Arc Family,
The Arc of California & United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of San Diego County have recently filed a lawsuit against the State of California for failing to provide reasonable support services for people with developmental disabilities and exposing them to health and safety risks. We know our consumers and families have faced more than a decade of rate freezes and budget cuts that have put them at serious risk. Programs like The Arc are operating as thin as they can go...
You can help us with this action by...
1. Providing your personal stories about how your or your loved one's services have been impacted due to the to Developmental Department Services (DDS) freezes and rate cuts. Here are some specific examples that families and consumers have had to address:
-- High staff turnover due to low wage levels from the rate freezes and rate cuts has led to disruption in the continuity of care at day programs and residential programs. Families and caregivers often report anxiety and other issues at home when changes in day program staff occur.
-- Additional MANDATORY furlough days have resulted in caregivers/families having to miss work or pay for someone to provide supervision on furlough days.
-- Loss of services due to program closures (full or partial).
-- Other examples relating to issues of a drop in the quality of services and especially issues relating to health and safety caused by the DDS rate freeze and <4.25%>.
We need MANY letters that identify any of these issues as well as other specific problems caused by the DDS rate freeze and rate cut.
2. Send your stories to:
The Arc of California - Fax: (916) 441-3494
1225 8th Street, Suite 350
Sacramento, CA 95815
Contact:
Tim Hornbecker, Lawsuit Support, tim@thearcca.org (916) 552-6619 or (415) 850-8037
Tony Anderson, Executive Director, tony@thearcca.org (916) 552-6619
Sincerely,
David W. Schneider
President & CEO, The Arc of San Diego
The Arc of California and United Cerebral Palsy Association of San Diego
File Suit Against the State of California
After more than a decade of funding cuts, rate freezes, and program closures for services to people with disabilities, advocates are speaking out. On September 28, 2011, The Arc of California and United Cerebral Palsy Association of San Diego filed a suit against the State of California, alleging that the State is in violation of federal and state law by failing to fund services needed by Californians with developmental disabilities.The Arc of San Diego and United Cerebral Palsy Association of San Diego held a press conference at The Arc's North Shores Vocational Center the day the suit was filed, detailing the effects of the lack of State support. Watch the videos below!
The Arc of San Diego's 60th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee and Annual Meeting
The Arc of San Diego's 60th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee and Annual Meeting took place on June 3, 2011 at the Hilton San Diego Resort - Mission Bay with nearly 200 guests in attendance. The event celebrated our 60th Anniversary, honored staff and consumers for their fantastic contributions to our organization, and installed our new Board of Directors for 2011-2012.
Award-winning journalist, Phoebe Chongchua, who worked for KGTV/10 News emceed the event. Special guests included Tony Anderson, Executive Director of The Arc of California, Charles Eshnaur representing Mayor Jerry Sanders, Joanna Moya representing Supervisor Ron Roberts, Kevin Beiser and Sheila Jackson from the San Diego Unified Board, and Bonnie Dumanis from the County of San Diego District Attorney.
Thank you to our guests and our outstanding consumers, staff and Board Members! Click here to see a list of Staff and Consumers of the Year.
The University Club Charity & Wine Event
The University Club, San Diego's private business, social, & dining club has selected The Arc of San Diego as a beneficiary for it's Charity & Wine event held June 29, 2011. We would love for you to attend!
The Arc of San Diego will have the opportunity to share information about our efforts and accomplishments in the community with members of the University Club while enjoying an evening of mingling with wine tasting and specialty hors d'oeurves. ONEHope Wine, who will provide the evening's wine, also donates 50 percent of all their profits to partner charities.
Please join us for this evening of charity and wine! The event will take place at The University Club atop Symphony Towers, June 19th from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person, (plus tax/service) and includes light hors d'oeuvres and wine pours.
The Jewels of San Diego - Carrousel du Louvre
The Arc of San Diego's Annual Gala, The Jewels of San Diego took place on Saturday, April 9th, 2011 at the Sheraton Hotel & Marina and was a smashing hit! More than 300 of San Diego's philanthropic leaders, elected officials, and community members attended the event which featured a Parisian-inspired Fashion Runway Extravaganza produced by Leonard Simpson. Please follow this link to learn more about the fabulous event! The Jewels of San Diego.
See where the Carrousel du Louvre fashions were featured on KUSI Good Morning San Diego!
Elected Officials Tour The Arc of San Diego for March Disability Awareness Month
In honor of March as national Disability Awareness Month, local politicians visited The Arc of San Diego's facilities to celebrate the accomplishments of people with disabilities and learn more about the services The Arc provides to thousands of people with disabilities in our community each year.
Assemblymember Ben Hueso toured the Starlight Center, and Councilmember David Alvarez and the District Representative for State Senator Juan Vargas' office toured the Sulpizio Family Center, led by our CEO & President David Schneider.
“At The Arc of San Diego, we believe that all people, whether they have a disability or not, are people first,” said Schneider. “March is a time to remind ourselves of this and it is wonderful to have our elected officials here to see the abilities of our program participants.”
Thank you to Assemblymember Ben Hueso, Councilmember David Alvarez and Senator Juan Vargas' offices for your support of The Arc of San Diego and our mission to help people with disabilities live independent and fulfilling lives.
Ability Trees presented to Elected Officials
Consumers at the North County Training Center and students from Pacific Ridge Middle and High School teamed up to make Ability Trees in honor of March as National Disability Awareness Month and presented them to the offices of State Senator Mark Wyland and Assemblymember Martin Garrick on March 18th. The Ability Trees, which represent the abilities of an individual, will be on display in these elected officials’ offices for the remainder of the month.
The project was established as a way for program participants at The Arc of San Diego to thank local legislators for being receptive to their efforts in advocating for the needs of people with disabilities and for the Pacific Ridge students to increase their knowledge and understanding of people with disabilities and the significant accomplishments made by people with disabilities.
“This event is about taking time to build a sense of belonging for people with disabilities and to energize our community, young and old, about diversity and everyone’s abilities,” said Laura Orcutt, Area Director of The Arc of San Diego’s North County Training Center.
Great work, North County Training Center & Pacific Ridge Middle and High School!
Developmental Disabilities Provider Network's 7th Annual Legislative Community Forum
San Diego County residents and families affected by developmental disabilities are encouraged to join the Developmental Disabilities Provider Network (DDPN) for its 7th Annual Legislative Community Forum on Friday, April 1st from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Balboa Park Club, 2144 Pan America Road West, San Diego. With the governor and legislature proposing drastic cuts in the state budget to people with disabilities, the DDPN Legislative Community Forum will provide guests with an opportunity to meet with elected officials and/or their staff to discuss the changes and impacts on services for people with developmental disabilities. Tickets are $10 each and include refreshments. This year's Honorary Chair is Sheriff William Gore and emcee is Carol LeBeau. For more information or to purchase tickets please visit www.tmi-inc.org, (760) 737-3990 ext. 85 or e-mail andreat@tmi-inc.org.
Check Out Our March Disability Awareness Month Events!
Come out to North Shores Vocational Center on Friday, March 25, 2011 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. where we will rally around the "Abili-Tree." The North Shores Vocational Center Gavel Club will lead the Pledge of Allegiance, and leaves will be available for everyone to write their abilities on, which will be displayed and sent to the governor. There will also be guest speakers, a scroll for all in attendance to sign their support, and a march will take place around the center ending with an aerial group picture. Please wear maroon! Call (858-715-3780 for more information.
Please join us on Thursday, March 10th at the East County Training Center for "Celebrating ABILITIES - Taking the 'Dis' Out of Disability" - an event featuring performances by The Arc Starmakers East Theatre Performance Group, and the Singing, Drum & Music, Poetry, Drama, and Dancing Clubs. There will also be an art show as well as a plant, crafts, and bake sale.
The event will take place from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at 1374 E. Lexington Avenue, El Cajon, 92019. For more info contact Nancy Willis or Mike Wasyliw at (619) 444-9417. Hope to see you there!
Click here to read about The Arc of San Diego at Senator Wyland and Assembly Member Garrick's Office!
The Arc of San Diego is Turning 60!
At The Arc of San Diego, we are excited to announce that 2011 marks our 60th Anniversary of providing service to people with disabilities and their families in San Diego County!
During an unexpected encounter in 1951, two women sharing a room in a maternity ward at a local hospital decided to make a difference in the lives of children with disabilities after their chance meeting. On that day, Diane Stice of the Ocean Beach Junior Woman's Club learned that Dolly Clark had a young daughter, Jenny, with Down syndrome. On October 31, 1951 the "San Diego Society for Exceptional Children," which later became The Arc of San Diego, was voted into existence and our organization, as we know it, was founded.
Here is a snapshot of our acheivements:
1951: The Arc of San Diego was founded.
1965: Large anonymous donation of IBM stock funds the first Production Center.
1976: The first Arc of San Diego Group Home opens in the South Bay.
Mid- 1990’s: The Arc of San Diego has one personal computer and an overall budget of $10 million.
2000: The Arc of San Diego opens its out-of-home respite program at the Respite House and has an overall budget of $20 million.
2011: The Arc of San Diego serves more than 2,500 people with disabilities, is the 7th largest non-profit in San Diego county, has an overall budget of nearly $35 million, over 1,000 staff, operates more than 20 locations including a new Day Program and Administrative Headquarters at the Sulpizio Family Arc Center, has hundreds of networked computers, multiple group homes, and a modern, interactive website & social media presence.
Today, we are proud to be serving thousands of adults with disabilities such as autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and others each year.
Jenny Clark, the young child who was the inspiration behind the founding of The Arc of San Diego, is still served by our organization today.
Department of Developmental Services Releases Online Survey as Part of Process for Public Input to Develop Statewide Regional Center Purchase of Service Standards
As part of the Governor's proposed $750 million reduction in state general fund spending for developmental services, statewide standards for Regional Center funded community-based services must be implemented.
Currently, the regional center purchase of services budget funds community-based services and supports to over 240,000 children and adults with developmental disabilities.
The Department of Developmental Services has posted a survey on its website to get ideas from the community on statewide service standards. The survey can be found at www.dds.ca.gov/survey and covers eight topics:
- Behavioral Services
- Day Program, Supported Employment, and Work Activity Program Services
- Early Start Services
- Health Care and Therapeutic Services
- Independent and Supported Living Services
- Residential Services
- Respite and other Family Supports, and
- Transportation Services
This survey is completely anonymous and will be available on the Department of Developmental Services website until February 15, 2011.
We appreciate your support of people with disabilities and encourage you to express that Standards of Service should continue to be based on choice, an individuals' needs, and Individualized Program Plan (IPP).
Important Note:
Standards developed from this survey will guide Regional Centers in: assessment of need, delivery, and evaluation of services.
Thank you for your time and support for people with disabilities.
Important Action Alert from The Arc of California on January 24, 2011.
Please read alert and the details on Governor Brown's proposed FY-12 budget cuts to disability services. Be sure to call your senator and state assembly member and voice your opinion against these cuts!
Action Alert -January 24, 2011
Specifics on Proposed Cuts
The Arc of San Diego Listed as the 7th Largest Nonprofit in San Diego County
We are pleased to announce that The Arc of San Diego is featured in the San Diego Business Journal’s 2011 Book of Lists as the 7th Largest Nonprofit in San Diego County.
As we approach our 60th anniversary, this is a great testament to the growth and success of an organization that was started by a few concerned parents in 1951. Also, to provide some perspective of our recognition, there are over 13,000 nonprofit organizations in San Diego County! Our sound size provides confirmation of our accomplishments, successes and longevity.
Please click here to view the listing that was published by San Diego Business Journal showcasing how other local nonprofits ranked.
Thanks to everyone who has supported us over the years. We are proud of our recognition and look forward to a great 2011!