The Arc was founded in 1952 to support families and to be the voice of advocacy for loved ones with disabilities and their families. That core purpose remains at the center of The Arc of Opportunity today. We know that our recreation programs are part of what supports not only the individuals but also their families. Time of respite and renewal through recreation is critical to helping families remain healthy.
While there are staffing changes to the family support and recreation program, our commitment to family support and recreation remains unchanged. Rumors that the change in staff would lead to the end of dances, Saturday programs, and trips are unfounded and untrue.
Will there be changes? Yes!
Does change mean an end to existing programs that are meeting critical needs? No!
For many years, our long time dedicated families have expressed serious concern that younger families are not involved with The Arc. I hear those concerns as worry about the future of the organization, sadness that younger families are missing the sense of community and support that our long time families experience and value, and a wish that there were more people to do the work and advocacy of The Arc.
Five years ago, our strategic planning process alerted us to the unmet needs of younger families. For the past three years, we have had organizational goals in place to move us toward engaging younger families and meeting their unmet needs. Our results have been mixed. Young Athletes ebbs and flows. We have offered a number of one-time events for children around holidays. We have offered sexuality education to parents of young adults.
The needs are greater than our current capacity to respond. Families with a loved ones on the autism spectrum need more than we have offered right now. One in 67 children including 1 in 44 boys are on the spectrum. There is a tsunami of children and teens on the spectrum who will transition into adulthood in the decade ahead. Students of all disabilities transitioning into adulthood too often have few options. The needs are great. The Arc is compelled to respond to those needs while continuing our commitment to our beloved individuals and families of today.
The Arc of Opportunity is a strong, dynamic organization with the capacity to include many more at the welcome table! We can and will grow to embrace more families. Change is an opportunity to open our arms to offer support to those in need while building on the excellent foundation of supports to those who are already part of The Arc Family. Join me in this important work that will strengthen all families!
Click here to read about the Staffing Changes that provides a detailed outline of the restructure of Family Support and Recreation.