winter 2019 • volume 67 • issue 1 advocacy the challenger · 2019-10-18 · winter 2019 •...

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Winter 2019 • Volume 67 • Issue 1 The Challenger A newsletter that connects, engages and informs Advocacy The Iowa legislative session has begun which means The Arc is busy monitoring any bills that may positively or negatively impact persons diagnosed with disabilities and their families. The Arc of East Central Iowa takes seriously our mission of advocacy. We have been doing it since 1953. There is always work to be done to protect rights, promote inclusion, and fight for a better system of care. As a member of the Iowa Association of Community Providers (IACP) we have access to their lobbyists who represent nonprofit providers across the state. This year they have identified three main areas of advocacy: appropriations, managed care oversight, and regulations. Specifically, we are advocating for funding Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) technical assistance and using part of the Managed Care Organizations (MCO’s) $344 million dollar increase to be passed on to providers through rate increases. As you may know, most providers have not seen rate increases in many years. Advocacy efforts will also be aimed at ending the cap on the Brian Injury Waiver. We are also very supportive of greater oversight of the MCO’s in relation to discharge planning, payments made in good faith for services provided, and timely payments to providers. Advocating for enactment of a tax credit for Direct Support Professionals (DSP) is also a high priority. There is currently a senate bill (SF40) that would exempt from taxes wages paid by a nonprofit for people who are providing services to individuals who have a physical or mental disability. As an affiliated chapter of The Arc of the United States, we also benefit from their Washington DC headquarters, where they monitor and advocate daily on a national level. There are several areas of interest right now. Recently, the president signed the Medicaid Extenders Act of 2019. Included in this was a three-month extension of Money Follows the Person (MFP). This program moves people with disabilities from institutions into the community by paying for programs not normally covered by Medicaid, such as employment and housing services. The next step will be to work towards a permanent extension of this important funding. The Arc is also closely following the U.S. Department of Education’s announcement of an initiative to address the inappropriate use of restraint and seclusion on students with disabilities. According to national data, this happens all too often to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. If you are a member of The Arc of East Central Iowa, you have access to The Arc U.S. web site, which will connect you to a wealth of information. I highly encourage you to check it out at www.thearc.org. Rest assured The Arc will closely monitor all issues and bills that will make this a better life for those we serve and their families. We may call on you from time to time to take action by contacting your legislators or congress persons, in our advocacy efforts. If you have any issues that you would like to see us research, please do not hesitate to let us know. We are stronger together! ADVOCACY

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Page 1: Winter 2019 • Volume 67 • Issue 1 Advocacy The Challenger · 2019-10-18 · Winter 2019 • Volume 67 • Issue 1 The Challenger A newsletter that connects, engages and informs

Winter 2019 • Volume 67 • Issue 1Th

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AdvocacyThe Iowa legislative session has begun which means The Arc is busy monitoring any bills that may positively or negatively impact persons diagnosed with disabilities and their families. The Arc of East Central Iowa takes seriously our mission of advocacy. We have been doing it since 1953. There is always work to be done to protect rights, promote inclusion, and fight for a better system of care. As a member of the Iowa Association of Community Providers (IACP) we have access to their lobbyists who represent nonprofit providers across the state. This year they have identified three main areas of advocacy: appropriations, managed care oversight, and regulations. Specifically, we are advocating for funding Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) technical assistance and using part of the Managed Care Organizations (MCO’s) $344 million dollar increase to be passed on to providers through rate increases. As you may know, most providers have not seen rate increases in many years. Advocacy efforts will also be aimed at ending the cap on the Brian Injury Waiver. We are also very supportive of greater oversight of the MCO’s in relation to discharge planning, payments made in good faith for services provided, and timely payments to providers. Advocating for enactment of a tax credit for Direct Support Professionals (DSP) is also a high priority. There is currently a senate bill (SF40) that would exempt from taxes wages paid by a nonprofit for people who are providing services to individuals who have a physical or mental disability.

As an affiliated chapter of The Arc of the United States, we also benefit from their Washington DC headquarters, where they monitor and advocate daily on a national level. There are several areas of interest right now. Recently, the president signed the Medicaid Extenders Act of 2019. Included in this was a three-month extension of Money Follows the Person (MFP). This program moves people with disabilities from institutions into the community by paying for programs not normally covered by Medicaid, such as employment and housing services. The next step will be to work towards a permanent extension of this important funding. The Arc is also closely following the U.S. Department of Education’s announcement of an initiative to address the inappropriate use of restraint and seclusion on students with disabilities. According to national data, this happens all too often to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. If you are a member of The Arc of East Central Iowa, you have access to The Arc U.S. web site, which will connect you to a wealth of information. I highly encourage you to check it out at www.thearc.org.

Rest assured The Arc will closely monitor all issues and bills that will make this a better life for those we serve and their families. We may call on you from time to time to take action by contacting your legislators or congress persons, in our advocacy efforts. If you have any issues that you would like to see us research, please do not hesitate to let us know. We are stronger together!

ADVOCACY

Page 2: Winter 2019 • Volume 67 • Issue 1 Advocacy The Challenger · 2019-10-18 · Winter 2019 • Volume 67 • Issue 1 The Challenger A newsletter that connects, engages and informs

From the Director’s Desk

Page 2

A partner agency of United Way of East Central Iowa

Page 2

Board of DirectorsJody Donaldson, President Kirkwood Community College, Scholarship & Alumni Officer

Blake Wilkinson, Vice President US Bank, Sr VP, Managing Director & Sr Portfolio Mgr

Melissa Cullum, Secretary Mercy Medical Center, Director - Community Benefit & Patient Relations

Kristin Schaefer, Treasurer Transamerica, Senior Actuary

Ellen Mouw, Past President Acme Graphics Inc., Customer Service Supervisor

Matt Baumann Edward Jones, Financial Advisor

Stacy Baye Cedar Rapids Police Department, Investigator

Wayne Breckon Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust, Sr. VP, C&I Manager

Steve Carter Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Branch Manager

Teri Copler True North Companies, Partner/Benefit Advisor

Stephanie Erbe Cedar Rapids Community School District - Hoover Elementary, Special Education Teacher

Brian Fagan Simmons Perrine Moyer Bergman PLC, Attorney

Julie Gasway UnityPoint - St. Luke’s Hospital, Manager Witwer Children’s Therapy

Brad Hauge Self-employed CPA, Accountant & Consultant

Mark Hudson Shuttleworth & Ingersoll, P.L.C., Attorney/Senior VP

Darren Keller Wal-Mart, Cart Man/Stocker

Cheryl Kiburz College Community School District, Director of Student Services

Mark Mitchell Retired, Volunteer

Jackie Nau University of Iowa, Center for Disabilities & Development, Parents as Mentors Program Coordinator

Meghann Pasker Hills Bank, Treasury Management Officer

Kody Slife Summit Pointe Senior Living, Dietary Aide

Erica Smothers Awaken Family Chiropractic, Doctor of Chiropractic

Melissa Tandy Iowa AEAs and Iowa Dept. of Ed, Project Manager for Special Education Guidance

Sue Wilber Clear Creek Amana School District, Director Human Resources

Anne Armknecht

As our 2018 Annual Campaign comes to an end, I want to take the opportunity to thank everyone that contributed. When I think of all of the wonderful things that we are able to do with your generosity…well….it is quite humbling. We are so very grateful.

Many of the things we do at The Arc of East Central Iowa have limited or no funding sources. So you may ask why do we continue to provide these services when there is inadequate funding. The simple answer is that it is our mission to do so. We know that most people don’t know a great deal about the complexities that can come from the need for disability related services until it affects them directly. So it is extremely important that we provide educational opportunities throughout the year for the community to learn about Special Needs Trusts, ABLE Accounts, Guardianships, etc. These educational events are free and open to the public because of donors to The Arc. In addition to education, The Arc firmly believes in the rights of people with disabilities to be fully included in their community. Everyone deserves the opportunity to develop friendships, to enjoy this wonderful community, and to have great fun! To that end, we provide a variety of family oriented free events. Our Special Needs Easter Egg Hunt is a good example. We usually have between 100 and 150 people participate in this fun, free event. And this year’s Holiday Party had almost 200 attendees! It was a wonderful afternoon filled with games, face painting, cookies and of course Santa. Our events have an added benefit of providing an opportunity for parents to get to know and learn from each other. Our biggest free advocacy event is just around the corner, and it is also one of our biggest fund raisers of the year. The Arc March will be held March 23rd starting at 8:00 am at Lindale Mall. This is by far the greatest self-advocacy event of the year. This year we are hoping for over one thousand participants! If you have never attended an Arc March I highly encourage you to do so this year. It is a remarkable display of self-advocacy, joy, comradery, and good old fashion fun!

None of these would be possible without your continued support of The Arc. On behalf of the consumers and families, we thank you for your support. You truly are making a positive difference in their lives.

Anne Armknecht, MBA HCExecutive Director

June 13, 2019June 13, 2019June 13, 2019

Hunters Ridge Golf CourseHunters Ridge Golf CourseHunters Ridge Golf Course

SAVE THEDATE!

28th Annual Golf Tournament28th Annual Golf Tournament28th Annual Golf Tournament

Join usas we golffor a cause!

Join usas we golffor a cause!

Join usas we golffor a cause!

Page 3: Winter 2019 • Volume 67 • Issue 1 Advocacy The Challenger · 2019-10-18 · Winter 2019 • Volume 67 • Issue 1 The Challenger A newsletter that connects, engages and informs

Page 3

What’s Happening

Summer Programs - ENROLL TODAY The Arc has various summer programs for your child and teen to participate in. Sign up for summer programing has begun for all sites. Think warm thoughts and start your summer off right!

Daycare/Enrichment Program is a year round Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) licensed daycare program, designed to serve school aged children and young adults with and without disabilities. This program focuses on skill development such as sharing, appropriate social skills, personal hygiene, and incorporates learning through field trips, crafts, and developmental activities and is held Monday through Friday at The Arc’s main office, 680 2nd Street SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For more information contact Tara Cornelius by phone at 319-365-0487 ext. 1044. Summer Day Program - The Arc provides Summer Day programming in Linn (Cedar Rapids) and Jones (Monticello/Anamosa) counties. Both programs run for various weeks/times during the summer months and are designed as a group respite/break for parents. For more information or to request an application please contact:Linn County - contact Tara Cornelius by phone at 319-365-0487 ext. 1044.Jones County - contact Emily Pennington by phone at 319-365-0487 ext. 1016. Both programs are currently accepting employment applications.

Service Enterprise CertifiedThe Arc of East Central Iowa is pleased to announce that it has been certified by Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, as a Service Enterprise! Achieving Service Enterprise certification is a very prestigious accomplishment for an organization. In fact, organizations that certify join the top 11 percent of nonprofits nationwide in volunteer management and organizational performance. Certification signifies that organizations have the capability and management expertise to strategically use volunteers to improve the performance of their organization.

We completed an extensive assessment, over 20 hours of training and coaching, and an extensive internal planning and change process to better integrate volunteers into our human capital strategy. By achieving this level of excellence and certification, we are now better equipped to leverage the time and talent of volunteers and better meet our mission.

Thank you... Ames Pet Hospital, Bethany Lutheran Women’s Guild, Steve & Mary Agne, Ann A’Hearn, Anne Armknecht, Dianne & John Austad, Teresa Barmore (UICCU), Judi & Jeff Barta, Jennifer & John Pauly Bartlett, Mark & Brenda Bauermeister, Molly Baynes, Julie Beckett, Jim & Rachelle Bell, Brian & Connie Bennett, Brad & Donna Blaser, Janet Blasingame, Thomas Blazek, Brad & Jody Bridgewater, Michele Brown, June Cach, Patricia Cain, Don & Trudy Claassen, Jeff & Kirsten Corrigan, Anne Davis, Jody Donaldson, Kevin & Anne Downey, Mike & Jan Drahozal, Pat Drumbarger, Mike & Cindy Dunn, Ted & Julie Ebertsch, Charles Eckhart, John & Paulene Elwick, Raymond & Lois Fergus, Mike & Jill Fettkether, Amy Fleming, Steve & Judy Fuemmeler, Rosemary Gabe, Andre & Lisa Gallet, Haley Goldsberry, Dave & Diane Graham, Janet Handler, Kristen & Don Hatfield, Frances Hatfield, Dan & Gail Hawthorne, Stan & Dawn Herkelman, Jared & Carol Hills (The Jared & Carol Hills Foundation), Jarrod Hootman, HD & Myrene Hoover, Jean Hopp, Jim & Paula Jakoubek, Lewis & Helen Johnson, Dr. Chirstopher & Cathy Joy, William & Mary Jurgensen, Jan & Kevin Keene, Jim & Julie Kiekhoefer, Edwin Kortenkamp, Gary & Bev Kotowske, Harvey & Judy Landt, Thea Leslie, Rudolph & Mary Beth Leytze, Clayton & Becky Lindwall, Scott & Kim Loggins, Tyler & Erin Maxon, Bill & Mary Lou McCartan, Wanda McCready, Jim McDonald, May G. Gortner Charitable Trust, James & Peggy Meek, Mark & Denise Mitchell, Thomas & Beth Moore, David Mortensen, Randy & Luanne Moser, Clint & Gale Mote, Ellen Mouw, Harriette Naughton, James & Laurie Neuhaus & Fairfax State Savings Bank, James & Beverly Nowak, Karen Nussle, Scott & Penny Olson, Carla Shey & Jay Osborne, Pat Owara, George & Linda Patterson, Erin & Cory Payne-Christiansen, Terry & Jan Perkins, Chuck & Mary Ann Peters, Pete & Delaine Petersen, Geilda Peterson, Jean Peterson, Geri Pettitt, Kathleen Poynter, Dawn Radack, Tom & Linda Randklev, David & Mary Rater, Maya & Doug Richards, John & Thelma Rife, Becky Robinson, Dan & Wilma Rogers, Robert Rush, Jeff & Kristin Schaefer, Brad & Rose Schilling, Jan Schindler, John & Carolyn Schmidt, Joann & John Schneiter, Nick Scott, Scott & Terrie Seibert, Julie & Richard Shebek, Bill & Rocki Shepard, Ray & Gloria Short, Ryan Smith, Richard & Ellie Snavely, Eric & Roxann Sorenson, Bob & Kay Spading, Marilynn Stabenow, Mark & Angela Sturtz, Drs. Robert Nicholson & Mary Tarbox, Ed & Chris Tibesar, Dale & Sara Todd, Todd Twatchmann, Susan Upah, US Bank, Julie Vanous, Darlene Vorhies, Earl & Ramona Welsh, Jeffrey & Julie Wenzel, Kevin & Becky Whitman, Tom Wiegand, Deboarah Williamson, Melinda Wilson, Richard & Judy Woods, David & Cindy Zenk, Tim & Charlene Zrudsky, & all of our anonymous donors.

2018 A Better Place Annual CampaignWe would like to thank everyone who contributed to our 2018 A Better Place Annual Campaign and to Amy Belice for sharing her story with us.

Page 4: Winter 2019 • Volume 67 • Issue 1 Advocacy The Challenger · 2019-10-18 · Winter 2019 • Volume 67 • Issue 1 The Challenger A newsletter that connects, engages and informs

Page 4

2018 Community Partners

Presenting SponsorsTransamericaUnited Fire GroupChampion SponsorBowker Mechanical Contractors, LLCUnited Healthcare Advocate SponsorsCedar Rapids Bank & TrustIngredion Incorporated Justice ElectricRockwell CollinsU of I Community Credit UnionGuardian SponsorsCasey’s General StoresCRANDICMercy Medical CenterRed Star YeastSchimberg CompanySimmons Perrine Moyer Bergman PLCUnityPoint Health - St. Luke’s HospitalVan Meter, Inc.Leader SponsorsCedar MemorialCedar Valley Steel Inc.CliftonLarsonAllen LLPFleck SalesFosters Heating & Air Conditioning

Johnson & Legislador, PLCKepros Physical Therapy & PerformanceStrategic Financial Solutions

Mentor SponsorsClimate Engineers Construction Materials, Inc.CSS ConsultingDivine Engineering, Inc.Electronic Engineering RSM US LLPSolum Lang Architects, LLCTallgrass Business Resources

Media SponsorsKCRG Show You Care (Dave Wright Subaru, Mercy Cedar Rapids, U of I Community Credit Union, Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC)TidbitsZ102.9

In-Kind / Event SponsorsAcme Graphics IncAllied Glass Cedar Rapids JayceesDr. Pepper/Snapple GroupFastTrac SlotsIn Tolerance Mfg.

Iowa Brewing CompanyKNHB RadioLindale MallMercy Medical CenterMidAmerican AerospaceModern WoodmanOutback SteakhouseSadler MotorTeressa Hackenmiller - Thrivent Financial Thew BrewingU of I Community Credit UnionUS Bank

GrantorsAlliant Energy Foundation Diamond V Corporate Fund of the GCRCFGreater Cedar Rapids Community FoundationInternational PaperLinn County BOSLinn County Surplus FundsMcIntyre FoundationOnebyone.4imprint.comTransamericaVariety- The Children’s CharityWorld Class Industries Fund of the GCRCF

The wonderful support of our sponsors over the past several years has helped us continue the expansion of services for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the community. Last year, The Arc served over 800 individuals through its In-home Services, Groups Program, Daycare Services, and Adult Services. It is with assistance from our corporate sponsors that invest their financial contributions that The Arc is able to fulfill its mission to empower people with intellectual and related disabilities to engage in lifelong opportunities to live, learn, work, and play with dignity, freedom, and full inclusion in their communities. Sponsors are able to set a benchmark about the importance of giving to a local non-profit in the community who provides individuals with disabilities opportunities when they need it most. Our sponsors are associated with one of the longest standing non-profits serving those with disabilities in the area. The Arc of East Central Iowa is grateful to have so many strong community partners. Through these partnerships our mission to support our consumers & their families’ has become a reality. The Arc is very thoughtful about how financial resources are utilized. It takes non-government funding to research and implement new programs and to meet the growing needs of the individuals served by The Arc. The Arc is committed

to continuing to research and implement new programs to meet the unmet opportunities. Sponsorships have allowed The Arc to bring more valued services to the community and are humbled by the ongoing support to us. As we look ahead and plan for the future, The Arc hopes to continue with your partnership and support to help us reach new heights. If you would like additional information regarding our many sponsorship opportunities please contact Lexi Coberly at [email protected] or 319-365-0487 ext. 1024. We would love to talk with you about how we can highlight your business as you support families with disabilities in your community.

Thank you!!

The Power of Community Partners

Page 5: Winter 2019 • Volume 67 • Issue 1 Advocacy The Challenger · 2019-10-18 · Winter 2019 • Volume 67 • Issue 1 The Challenger A newsletter that connects, engages and informs

You Make a Difference

Page 5

Thank you for all of your continued generous contributions to The Arc. We will continue to recognize volunteers, donations and members in the quarterly editions of The Challenger newsletter. November 2018 - January 2019.

MembershipArc AngelDennis McCollough

Arc BuilderTeri Copler (True North Companies), Rosemary Gabe, Mark & Sheryl Morgan, Sandra Raymon, Sara Raymon

Arc FriendAnne Armknecht, Ronald & Beverly Dorch, Jack & Nancy Evans, Eugene & Crystal Fisher, Dudley Fleck (Fleck Sales), Annette Kenney, Randy Krejci, Mark Ogden & Iris Muchmore, Joel & Sandra Schmidt, Kevin & Kim Steele, Joyce & Warren Trotter

Arc AdvocateJames & Jodi Balvanz, Connie Bowler, Terry & Linda Brecht, Kelvin & Terri

Volunteers Hours - 1300.5Anna Alldredge, Eva Andersen, Todd Arthur, Diane Austad, Shannon Bartlett, Matt Baumann, Abby Boone, Amanda Brant, Wayne Breckon, Chris Cahalan, Brenda Carter, Steve Carter, Jace Coberly, Ethan Coblentz, Jeff Corrigan, Melissa Cullum, Jody Donaldson, Dawn Ewoldt, Brian Fagan, Danyelle Foreman, Michele Foreman, Julie Gasway, Brad Hauge, Ruth Hojka, Darren Keller, Joanie Louis, Connie Meade, Jim Messina, Mark Mitchell, Ellen Mouw, Jacki Nau, Taylor O’Brien, Amanda Orourke, Meghann Pasker, Jennifer Roberts, Kristin Schaefer, Heather Schmidt, Kirk Schmidt, Julie Schoettmer, Chris Schultejans, Nicholas Scott, Laura Sellers, Kody Slife, Maddie Smith, Erica Smothers, Melissa Tandy, Tammy Thompson, Jacob Thompson, Frank Varvaris, Vince Welsh, Blake Wilkinson, JoEllen Zmolek Nyquist, and all of our 250+ wonderful Wrapping for a Cause Volunteers

Thank YouGeneral Donations Crescent-Janko Masonic Foundation, Kris or Deborah Gulick, Brad Hart, Hills Bank & Trust Company, JP Gasway Company, Knights of Columbus-Marion Council No 3893, Leadership for Five Seasons, Jason & Rachel Napoli, North-Linn School District, Jennifer Pappin, Susan & Michael Pryor, The Benevity Community Impact Fund, United Way of Central Ohio, Patricia Maher (Wal-Mart Foundation), Kyle Zimmerman

MemorialsDon AumanConnie Bowler, Jamie, Tara, Kaden & Katelynn Bowler, Micheal, Jill & Taylor Scott

United Way Thank you to those below and the anonymous donors who designated their 2018 United Way donations to The Arc of East Central Iowa.

Johanna & Terry Abernathy, Anne Armknecht, Elizabeth Benesch, Connie Bennett, Jody Bridgewater, Julie Buerman, Kathryn Burd, Donald Carver, Teresa Chally, Jack & Dilla Cosgrove, Laura & Steve Cousins, Rebecca DeWald, Brian Fagan, Jessica & John Fahey, Kevin Flood, Cynthia Fosdyck, Les & Katrina Garner, Jacklyn Gillen, Karen Gomez, Dave Graham, Phil & Kathy Jasper, Terry Jones, Mary Koohy, Gail Loskill, Timothy Miller, Troy Mitchell, Iris Muchmore & Mark Ogden, Laurel Murphy, Mary & Michael Parrish, John & Ann Persick, Tod & Lori Pike, Randee Ricklefs, Randall & Danielle Rings, Kristin & Jeffrey Schaefer, David & Rhonda Schulz, Ralph Standley, Stacy & Dan Stastny, Patrick & Shari Stepanek, Kyle & Kristin Wilcox, and the anonymous donors.

PhotographySpecial thanks to Jim Messina from Prairie Wings Media Productions, LLC for our wonderful event photographs.

Bronner, Anne Davis, Janie Dawson, Raymond & Lois Fergus, Karen or Donald Frost, Charles & Christine Gaal, David Graham, Thomas & Verna Hartz, Betty Hass, Patricia Hines, Martha Hornback, Ronald & Dawn Jaeger, David & Karen Kroeger, William O’Malley, Nancy Buenger Rife, Dennis & Joyce Schwebke, Betty Selk, Mark & Angela Sturtz, Arianne Waseen, Keith & Lanae Weber, Sue Wilber

Dorothy McGuireAnne Davis

Sara SmithRyan Smith

Marie StepanekJames & Patricia Anderson, Dean & Teri Billick, Laurie & Tim Broghammer, Bernard Drahozal, Thomas & Karen Fjelmeland, Lonnie & Doris Gray, Sheryl Guterl, James & Mona Hayes, Gerald & Linda Hinzman, Linda Howes, Ellen Jones, Roy Kintz, Annelee Machacek, Mickey & Deb Machacek, William & Mary Martin, Helen Quass, Bernadine Reyhons, Kenneth & Jill Rinkenberger, Robert David & Therese Rowell, Kathy Shelton, James & Linda Smith, Jefferey & Kathleen Steffen, Ken & Sally Stejskal, James & Joanne Trcka, Phyillis Trzil, Anne & Vince Uthoff, Vicki & Jerry Van Deusen, Marie Vanous

Page 6: Winter 2019 • Volume 67 • Issue 1 Advocacy The Challenger · 2019-10-18 · Winter 2019 • Volume 67 • Issue 1 The Challenger A newsletter that connects, engages and informs

Page 6

Achieve with us.Consumer Spotlight

Ethan PayneHi, my name is Ethan and I am 3 1/2 years old and I live in Marion. I have a big beautiful Great Pyrenees dog that I love. She doesn’t mind me touching and pulling on her. She is so patient with me!

My Favorite Arc Event: The Ice Cream Social at St. Mark’s was amazing! It was on my birthday and I even got a fancy cupcake for my birthday! Everyone there was wonderful. I also love The Arc March!

My Favorite Arc Memory: The Arc Easter Egg Hunt! I made new friends participating in activities and the egg hunt! What a great day!

My Favorite Outside Activity: I love to swing and go for walks in my stroller.

My Favorite Hobbies: Playing with my cardboard books, fine motor toys, and I love flipping things!

My Favorite Food: Fruit and veggie melts, yogurt, and goldfish.

I also love Daniel Tiger and Sid the Science Kid.

Wish List

Kitchen NeedsPaper Towels / Paper PlatesZiploc Bags (Gallon & Sandwich Size)Plastic Spoons & Forks / Plastic Wrap Scrubbers For Washing Dishes Digital Kitchen Timer

Snack/Cooking Activity Items100% JuiceSnack Crackers (Whole Wheat)Cake Pans / Blender

General SuppliesBaby Wipes / KleenexDish Soap / BleachHand Sanitizer, Soap, Soap RefillsGarbage Bags / Disinfectant Wipes

Office SuppliesSharpies / Ink Pens (blue/black ink)Dry Erase Markers / ClipboardsComposition NotebooksPlastic/Paper Folder (2 pocket)Loose Leaf Paper (Wide Ruled)3-Ring Binders (2-inch)Coloring Pencils & Washable MarkersMechanical PencilsMasking Tape/Duck Tape/Painters TapeWhite Construction Paper

Program NeedsBatteries (AA, C and D)Dolls/Barbies/Transformers/DinosaursStar Wars & Marvel ToysAdult Coloring BooksKids Coloring/Activity Books (Super Hero/Contemporary)Board Games For Teens/Adults (Scattergories, Pay Day, Life, Clue, Apples to Apples Jr., Heads Up!, Scrabble, Monopoly)CDs (Kid Music, Nursery Rhymes)Karaoke CDs (w/ Vocals)Legos (Ages 8+) / KinexWhiffle Ball & Bat SetDramatic Play Sets (Kitchen, Grocery Store, Tools, etc.)Bingo Prizes (Assortment)Sensory Items (Water Tubes, Soft Plastic Gel Filled Shapes)Books On CD For Kids & TeensWeighted BlanketsNewer DVDs (G or PG)Paint For CraftsWeaving & Jewelry Making KitsBean Bag Chairs / BubblesReusable Water BottlesYards of Fleece

ClothesTowels (Bath or Beach)Teenage Sized Shorts/Swimsuits (Boys & Girls - Draw Strings or Elastic)Dress Up Clothes (Various Sizes)Travel Size Deodorant (Mens & Womens)Combs/Hair Brushes / Elastic Hair Ties

From every day items to special requests. We are always in need of items to keep our office and programs running. Donations can be dropped off at The Arc’s main office anytime. Thank you for your support!

Information Night

Thursday, March 7th, 20195:00 - 6:30 PMSt. Luke’s Hospital

Formal Lounge, Resource Center1026 A Ave. NE | Cedar Rapids

(Building just to the east of St. Luke’s Hospital)

The Arc of East Central Iowa, in partnership with UnityPoint - St. Luke’s Hospital and Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services, is hosting a Project SEARCH Information

Night to discover more about the program. Come learn how young adults with

disabilities can become involved in this unique employment internship training

program. For adults age 18-30.

For more information please contact:Stephanie Beary at [email protected]

or 319-369-7739 ORNancy Rife at [email protected]

or 319-365-0487 ext. 1063

14th Annual Special Needs

Easter Egg Hunt

Please RSVP by March 25th to Lexi at [email protected] or

319-365-0487 ext. 1024.

For those with special needs ages 21 and under and their siblings up to age 10.

Regis Middle School735 Prairie Dr. NE | Cedar Rapids

10:00 am - Activities11:00 am - Egg Hunt

Saturday, March 30th

Activities Include: Arts & Crafts, Games, Prizes, and a visit from

the Easter Bunny!

Please bring along your Easter basket to collect your eggs!

Page 7: Winter 2019 • Volume 67 • Issue 1 Advocacy The Challenger · 2019-10-18 · Winter 2019 • Volume 67 • Issue 1 The Challenger A newsletter that connects, engages and informs

Page 7

Consumer Marketplace

Choose The Arc of East Central Iowa as your bene�ciary when shopping on smile.amazon.com. At no cost to you, Amazon will donate a portion of your purchase price to The Arc of East Central Iowa.

Shop for yourself and supportThe Arc of East Central Iowa

at the same time!

DONATE A CAR CHANGE A LIFE

1-877-272-2270

Identify The Arc of East Central Iowa and we will receive 90% of proceeds. Program administered by Melwood Co. in cooperation w/The Arc of the US

Tax Deduction Free Towing

www.thearc.org

Life to the

fullest. Every day.

Providing individualized and quality residential (intermediate care facility, supported community living and host homes) and vocational services across Iowa for over 30 years.

319.393.1944www.remiowa.com

Use the following number to donate in support of The Arc of East Central Iowa Arc # 1957 - 252 Blairs Ferry Rd NE, Cedar Rapids More information please call 319-365-0487No appointment needed when contributing to a Non-profit.

CLEAN YOUR CLOSETS SUPPORT THE ARC

Valuing every person, every day, for over 35 years

Providing supported community living services for adults with

intellectual disabilitieswww.discoveryliving.org 319 378 7470

Day Habilitation Services with many Options

Celebrating 50 Years of Services to the Community

1240 26th Ave. Court SW Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 • Ph: 319-892-5800

• Partnering with over 150 Community Organizations and Businesses• Consumer developed calendar of activities with dozens of choices each day. • Volunteer Opportunities• Transportation Provided• Customized Activities• Daily full and half day integrated community opportunities.

www.disabilityplanning.org

Disability Eligibility and Benefits NavigationSpecial Needs Planning Social Security Disability

Special Needs Trust AdministrationHCBS Waiver Applications

... and more!

Serving All People with Disabilities and Their Families Since 1990

319-862-0363

Assisting with:Assisting with:

Frank A. VarvarisFrank A. Varvaris

A Direct Support Professional (DSP) assists with activities of daily living, encourage attitudes and behaviors, assist individuals to lead a self-directed life, and contribute to

the community. A DSP also acts as an advocate, in communicating their needs, self-expression, and goals.

Come w�k

f� us!Want a job where you’ll make a difference?

Applications are available at The Arc or online at www.arceci.org.Please return to [email protected] or

680 2nd Street SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401

Flexible hours • Work with a variety of agesWork in various settings • Participate in an assortment of activities

* Must be 18 years or older and have a valid driver’s license.

L�r�� & Sm���Ad� Av��l����

Pleasecontact

us at 319-365-0487

for moredetails!

W�n� t�a����i�� ����i� pa��?

Page 8: Winter 2019 • Volume 67 • Issue 1 Advocacy The Challenger · 2019-10-18 · Winter 2019 • Volume 67 • Issue 1 The Challenger A newsletter that connects, engages and informs

Non-ProfitOrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDCedar Rapids, IAPermit No. 313

Member of The Arc of Iowa & The Arc of the United States

The Arc of East Central Iowa 680 2nd Street SE, Suite 200

Cedar Rapids, IA 52401Phone: 319-365-0487 · Fax: 319-365-9938

www.arceci.org Address Service Requested

Mission StatementThe Arc of East Central Iowa

empowers people with intellectual and related disabilities to engage in lifelong opportunities to live,

learn, work and play with dignity, freedom and full

inclusion in their communities.

Make a DifferenceDonate at www.arceci.org

March 23rd, 2019 • Lindale Mall

Walk with us

• CELEBRATING THE ABILITIES IN ALL OF US! •

Come walk with us as we join together to raise awareness about intellectual and related disabilities at the 22nd Annual Arc March!

8:00 am - T-Shirt pick-up / Breakfast / Entertainment9:30 am - Walk begins

Go to www.arceci.org for details on this event or to make a donation!

Registration deadline is March 1st. GET REGISTERED TODAY!