This year marked an exciting first for Community Inclusion Services (CIS) at The Arc of San Diego. We hosted our very first CIS Summer Kickoff Party, and it was a huge success!
On a sunny, Friday morning at Snapdragon Thrive Park, the event brought together clients, staff, volunteers, and friends from across all CIS regions for a day filled with fun and celebration. For many of our clients, the most meaningful part of the day was the chance to reconnect with friends from other regions; people they don’t get to see often, but who have played a part in their Arc journey.
The park was alive with energy. Everywhere you looked, there was something fun happening! CIS clients enjoyed socializing with one another, playing games such as lotería, making friendship bracelets, painting bags, and dancing to music. Clients posed for photos and enjoyed slices of pizza under the warm sun. There was an exciting activity for everyone, which truly made it a memorable day.
What made the day truly unforgettable wasn’t just the activities, it was the volunteers and staff members who made everything run smoothly. We were honored to have an incredible group of volunteers join us at the event, including dedicated board members, generous donors, and valued community partners. Their presence created a warm and welcoming atmosphere, allowing for meaningful connections with our clients. These amazing individuals went above and beyond! They helped organize engaging games, guided clients through the creative process of making friendship bracelets and personalized bags, and ensured everyone was well-fed by distributing the food. Their enthusiasm, compassion, and hands-on support played a vital role in making the event a joyful and memorable experience for all involved.
The CIS Summer Party was more than just a fun event—it was a celebration of community, friendship, and the spirit of inclusion that defines everything we do at The Arc of San Diego.
We are looking forward to making this a new tradition for our CIS clients. Here’s to a summer full of sunshine and laughter!
“This event was a beautiful reminder of the power of connection and inclusion,” said Jaime Shackelford, Director of Community Inclusion Services. “Seeing our clients light up as they reunited with friends and engaged in activities that brought them joy was so worth it. We’re proud to create spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and celebrated.”
