An inspiring element to witness from The Arc of Opportunity’s Self Advocates assembly is the group’s sense of selflessness.
A team of individuals supported by our day programs, the Self Advocates meet to talk topics of importance to its participants, providing a platform to share thoughts and ideas with peers, present feedback on staff and programming, and discuss and plan meaningful projects of interest.
Perhaps in part as proof that we look to live out our fundamentals each and every day on all levels, the Self Advocates wanted to do something to give back to the community, and “collaborate with our partners.” Collectively, the group decided that supporting a cause caring for animals would be well worth its efforts.
“I wanted us to do something to help animals, because I love dogs” said Matt, an active and influential participant in Self Advocates. And so the group developed an idea to bake natural dog treats for sale, planning to donate all proceeds to a local nonprofit, Twin City Paws.
Twin City Paws, a part of Cleghorn Neighborhood Center, is a 501(c3) organization providing fellowship for pet support, advocacy and education, promoting pet ownership responsibility in the community. Community outreach efforts include visiting schools, nursing homes, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and organizations like The Arc of Opportunity with therapy animals, sponsoring vaccination and micro-chipping clinics, and supporting animal rescue efforts.
The Self Advocates call this project “Bone Appetite,” and learned to make tasty treats for our four-legged friends from organic whole wheat flour, raw honey, organic peanut butter, eggs and water. These mini-bone bites are sold in small bags for $2.00. All funds raised, per the decision of the group, will be donated to Twin City Paws.
This example leads me lastly to think of another key fundamental that falls under The Way of The Arc: “Learn from our clients.” And when we see individuals who gather for the purpose of advocating for themselves make such meaningful efforts to selflessly support the causes of others, that’s a lesson well worth taking to heart.